Nyfiken på… Sean Downey, seglingsfotograf
Sean Downey är mest känd för sina bilder från San Franciscos Big Boat Series. Han har varit engagerad i YachtRacing.com, Sail-World.com och nu senast Inside Yachting.
How did you start with sailing photography?
I began photographing sailing in 2002 when I became an Associate Editor for YachtRacing.com. We were one of the first truly up-to-date online yachting publications. It was also the same year that my son was born. I knew I wouldn’t be able to participate as a racer as much so I decided to pick up a camera and stay associated with the sport I love so much.
Which picture are you most satisfied with?
I love to get in tight and capture the action on board! My philosophy is that everyone knows what a sail boat looks like but they don’t all know how much work can go into racing one! I love to get the gritting of the teeth, the tension in muscles and the spray across the deck. It reminds me of my time racing and keeps me connected with the racers.
Best regatta to shoot?
My favorite regatta to shoot is the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco. The race and press management is top-notch, and the competition is fierce. You also can?t go wrong with the backdrop the San Francisco Bay provides; from downtown, to Alcatraz, to the Golden Gate Bridge, there isn?t a bad view!
Worst regatta to shoot?
Honestly, I don’t have and regattas I enjoy. The catch is I really hate it when I shoot on a hazy day. Nothing says action like white boats with white sails, on white water, and with a white background!
Who inspires you (other photographers)?
I truly enjoy my friend Max Ranchi’s photographs. He has a great spirit and it comes out in his photos. I also can’t leave out Carlo Borlenghi, and Daniel Forster. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with Daniel and he is a true gentleman; soft spoken but always has a warm smile.
What gear do you usually use/favor?
Honestly, I don’t do a lot of printing. When I do, it is usually donated for charity fund raisers. For that reason, I don’t need an over-the-top body. Currently I shoot with the Canon 30D and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM. The lens is super-sharp, has great contrast and gets me in where I want to be.
Any advise for those who want to become a better sailing photograph?
I would say to existing or up coming sailing photographers to just be true to their art. Try to find different angles, and don’t shoot so much of the “basics”.
One of my favorite things is to sit on the deck of the photo boat and get as close to the water level as possible. I want people to feel like they really are a part of the action, and at 6ft 6in tall, I would normally be about 9-10ft off the deck!
Also, a pet peeve of mine as a yachting publication Editor is when a horizon isn’t level. There are times where it gives an interesting perspective to the shot, but more often than not, it takes away from the photo (not showing the true heel of the boat, etc.).
Don’t be afraid to slow your shutter speed down either! Razor sharp water droplets are cool, but so is water fluidly flying past a person!
How do you see sailing photography develop in the future?
We’ve already seen great improvements in sailing photography with the new cameras being produced. What I’ve really seen coming on strong are the accessories available. The new water-proog housings are awesome. I love seeing wide-angle shots of boats at the mark with half the image submerged in water (you won’t see me in a wetsuit hanging out at the mark though!)
