Nyfiken på… Gareth Cooke
Tony Bullimore when he he arrived in Auckland after failing in his solo circumnavigation record attempt in 2007. I think at this moment the sun also set on his sailing career.
Gareth Cooke och hans Subzero Images skjuter de flesta kappseglingarna på NZ och Australien. Nu senast Hamilton Island. Många tacksamma motiv… “Woos”, som han också kallas, har kört två VOR (på SEB och Brunel) och massor av andra race.
Gareth Cooke is a former professional sailor with two Volvo Ocean Races to his credit. This background combined with a lifetime of practical boating experience gives him an innate understanding of not only yachting as a sport but also other aquatic related topics. Gareth uses the latest Canon equipment and underwater housings to provide high quality digital images.
How did you start with sailing photography?
I started when I was working as an editor for Sea Spray Magazine in New Zealand about 12 years ago. I gave it away while I was sailing and picked it up again after my second Volvo Ocean Race in 2006.
Which picture are you most satisfied with?
I like a lot of pictures for different reasons so very hard to single one out as a favourite. Any picture that features some sort of new angle or idea that works is a favourite.
Bladerider Moths are so cool. Was a bit nervous because the guy sailing it was new to the class and not in complete control. I needed him to come pretty close as I was using a wide angle.
Best regatta to shoot?
Any regatta. Even the boring ones in grey conditions, you just have to work a bit harder to get the shot.
Worst regatta to shoot?
Ones where you don’t get off the dock because of no wind.
This is Dee Caffari enjoying her new Open 60 during sea trials in Wellington. Not long after this shot I drowned a camera.
Aviva, Wellington Harbour 2008.
Who inspires you?
There are so many great photographers around but if I had to pick a couple it would be Carlo Borlenghi and Oskar Kihlborg. I should also mention Paul Todd, he’s always good fun to shoot with and willing to part with his industry knowledge.
Coming back from a helicopter shoot for Jean-Pierre Dick on his new Paprec Virbac the clouds parted and this shot presented itself totally unexpected.
This was a really fun day shooting 18 foot skiffs from in the water. I had a steel rounding mark for protection.
Taken from the start boat at the 2008 Laser Radial worlds. It was a boat end favour so there was some good action.
What gear do you usually use/favor?
I use Canon 1DS Mk II and for lenses Canon L series 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, and 100-400 f4.5. I use an Ikelite housing for the underwater stuff.
Any advise for those who want to become a better sailing photograph?
Keep looking for different angles, ideas. Have a passion about what you’re shooting.
How do you see sailing photography develop in the future?
More onboard stuff, a-la Volvo Ocean Race this time around. Also technology might bring video and stills closer together.
Crew member from the super-maxi Speedboat.
