Nyfiken på… Paul Todd, seglingsfotograf
Stunning race conditions for Day 2 of Skandia Cowes week 2006. 18 knots of wind and a warm sunny day saw some great sailing and great wipe outs. JOG boat off Egypt point
Paul Todd var segelmakare och proffs innan han började fotografera på heltid.
How did you start with sailing photography?
I lived on a boat as a young child and sailed around the world. After leaving school I became a sail maker and professional sailor with a camera always in my hand.
Team New Zealand winning the America’s Cup 1995
Which picture are you most satisfied with?
The shot of Team New Zealand winning the 1995 America’s Cup in San Diego showing the jubilation and emotions on the teams face.
The 180th Skandia Cowes Week, Day 4 with the wind from the West averaging 18 knots with gusts of 29 knots. RED GBR76R 1.353 TP 52 owned by Charles Dunstone and designed by Jaudennes Theys
Volvo 60 takes on a tanker off Miami 2002
Best regatta to shoot?
Any Class word regatta where crews have come from all over the globe and keen to get the best start on the first day of racing (men and women)
Worst regatta to shoot?
A sailing event that has fog. You can always make a picture of a boat race when you can see it, but very hard when the fog is thick and there is no visibility. (“stick a boat in front of me and I will shoot it”)
Classic 6 Metres racing in 18 knots of wind. The British Classic Yacht Club Annual Regatta Cowes – 15th-22nd July 2006.
Who inspires you?
Fraco Pace has been around for ever and sees art in every marine image. He is an amazing photographer. Also Carlo Borlenghi, only because he always has the best lunch on the media boat especially when it was made by Prada.
What gear do you usually use/favor?
I have been shooting with Canon for about 17 years and in my box at the moment 1D II, 5D, 15mm, 17-35, 70-200, 300, 600.
Team New Zealand Race 1 America’s Cup 2003. NZL 82 sails upwind, but the hull is filling up with water and the crew have to bail it out with a blue bucket.
Super yachts at night New Zealand 1999
Any advise for those who want to become a better sailing photograph?
You need to be observant and anticipate a lot. Be a good sailor yourself and know your equipment extremely well.
How do you see sailing photography develop in the future?
Digital has watered down the industry a lot in the last 7 years and new people to scene are willing to work for free to get in to the business. The future does not look good!
In the Sea of Cortez/Mexico 2000 (trip of a lifetime)
