Nyfiken på… Peter McGowan, seglingsfotograf
Peter McGowan bor i Massachussets och har bland annat jobbat åt Oakley, Sailing World, Sperry och Sweden Yachts.
How did you start with sailing photography?
I grew up on the water sailing and on boats. After finishing a 6 month photography program I just started shooting at regattas and whenever I was on the water and soon was published.
Which picture are you most satisfied with?
Typically images where I’m trying to achieve a particular composition or angle please me most. Overall few of my shots am I ever entirely happy with. I believe it comes from creating where you have such little control over your subject and its location.
Best regatta to shoot?
Wherever water is clear and there is some wind. Miami Race Week (the old SORC) and the Nioulargue in St. Tropez have been my favorites.
Worst regatta to shoot?
Many regattas that had both no wind and rain. Sometimes you can get creative with no wind but it’s next to impossible with rain or a thick overcast sky.
Who inspires you?
I try and get inspiration from painters more than photographers. The Rosenfields were who I studied growing up. Nevertheless I always am looking at the magazines to see whose doing what. All my contemporaries take great shots at one time or another that make me want to get out there and do the same.
What gear do you usually use/favor?
I’m a very recent convert to 100% digital. I’m using a Canon 5D and will get the fast new Canon 1D Mark III as soon as its available. I use lenses from a fisheye to 600 mm although I like to shoot wide as much as possible.
Any advise for those who want to become a better sailing photograph?
Look through photography books and sailing magazines constantly, endlessly. Then shoot, alot. Visual pushups every day. Your style should eventually emerge.
How do you see sailing photography develop in the future?
The advent of the digital age should allow people to experiment more and achieve results more quickly as it’s like shooting with Polaroids and being able to examine your work as you shoot.
