Ships have captured the public imagination for thousands of years as a symbol of power, elegance and affluence. Passing through history as worthy subjects of artist and poets, capturing the essence of a regatta fleet or the details of the most opulent and innovative mega yacht of recent times is as integral as ever. The yachting industry is filled with talented photographers and filmmakers, and here we highlight 10 prolific names who have shot prestigious yachts and events.
Jeff Brown – Breed Media
Notable superyacht shots: Savannah, Galactica Star, Ann G.
Best known in recent times for photographing the interior and exterior of Feadship’s 2014 superyacht Savannah, Jeff Brown captures the whimsical and abstract elements of modern design while retaining the realism that often disappears in vibrant environments and under dramatic lighting.
Savannah – photo by Jeff Brown
In 2003 Jeff Brown co-founded Superyacht Media, and his expertise combined with that of his team catapulted the company into a leading position in media content for superyacht-related marketing worldwide. His background in design has awarded him an uncommon perspective when it comes to selecting the focus of his photography and videos, which in turn has resulted in over 100 magazine covers in the last seven years alone and repeat business from builders.
Superyacht Ann G by Heesen Yachts. Photo courtesy Jeff Brown
Six deck luxury yacht Invictus by Delta Marine from 2013 and Irimari by Sunrise Yachts from 2014 have also prospered from Jeff Brown’s ability to see behind the finished product to pinpoint the detail from the designers, from the colour choice for the en-suite mosaic to the grooves amidst the gloss of the formal dining table.
Red Square. Photo credit Jeff Brown
Kurt Arrigo – Kurt Arrigo Photography
Maltese-born Kurt Arrigo is renowned for his superyacht regatta photography, although his diverse portfolio also includes superstars, fashion shoots and underwater photography of various subjects. There is a strong attachment to water in all his works and a nostalgic touch that turns modern events into instant classics. With an eye for the moment, Kurt captures fleeting scenes of celebrations and crowds in motion.
Sailing Yacht Moonbird. Photo courtesy of Kurt Arrigo
Contrast is a particularly strong element in the regatta pictures, balancing human fervour against a cool white deck, or the brand new fleet of superyachts sailing past ancient Mediterranean buildings. Kurt Arrigo also photographs the Rolex sponsored events.
Sailing Yachts. Kurt Arrigo Photography
Guillaume Plisson – Guillaume Plisson Photography
Notable superyacht shots: Silver Fast, Cloud 9, and Kismet
It’s likely that if you have browsed through the high-end yachts from shipyards Heesen and Lurssen in recent years, you have come across some of the work of Guillaume Plisson. Superyachts Ester III, Galactica SuperNova and Solandge have all benefitted from Guillaume Plisson’s playful touch with angled overhead shots and subtle lighting against moody skies.
66m super yacht ESTER III – Photo by Guillaume Plisson
Using the past as inspiration combined with cutting edge technology, Guillaume Plisson discovers the individual strengths of each design while treating them with the same respect as any vintage yacht. Stylised shots of the hull and up-close realism mark Guillaume Plisson’s work, making it recognisable whether as the cover of a high-end magazine or as one of a score of shots detailing the deck and interior.
Galactica SuperNova. Photo by Guillaume Plisson
Ed Wright – Ed Wright Images
Notable superyacht shots: Maltese Falcon, Auspicious
From his warm and vibrant home in Monaco to the chill white Antarctic landscapes, Ed Wright has travelled the world and brought back with him glimpses of untouched landscapes devoid of human life, save for a fleeting presence of a yacht on the horizon.
Maltese Falcon. Photo by Ed Wright
Much closer to home, Ed Wright has captured the spirit of sailing regattas through the Mediterranean and has completed shoots aboard yachts for luxury brands as well as yacht builders and owners. Whether taking wide-angle shots or close-ups of five-star dining delights, Ed Wright has produced consistently high-quality results that have made him an established name in the industry.
David Churchill – David Churchill Superyacht Photographer
Notable superyacht shots: Galactica Star, Galactica Super Nova and Athena
An award-winning photographer and co-founder of the Superyacht Creative, David Churchill has long-running experience with big-name builders in the yacht industry, working with Abeking & Rasmussen, Baglietto and Dynamiq to name but a few. He imbues his crisp imagery with a sense as if it were a still from a story in progress and this has contributed to his long-running success.
VICTORIA DEL MAR – Photo by David Churchill
Past projects which received much acclaim in the media include Galactica Star and Galactica SuperNova, and his photographs have graced the covers of Yacht Design, Boat International, Architectural Digest and other magazines.
Charter Yacht Victoria Del Mar. Photo by David Churchill
Cory Silken – Cory Silken Photography
With an eye for sailing yachts, Cory Silken has photographed and videoed regattas for sponsors such as Bacardi.
Royal Huisman Pumula Yacht – Cory Silken
His most recent work includes the Best Superyacht Challenge Antigua, which took place earlier this month. As well as creating visual marketing material for superyachts for charter, Cory Silken has a public gallery in his hometown of Newport in Rhode Island, where he exhibits and sells his photography.
Wisp superyacht – Exterior – Photo by Cory Silken
Being close to New England and a quick flight to the Bahamas and Caribbean, he has filled his portfolio with invigorating photographs of favourite tropical locations.
Stuart Pearce – Stuart Pearce Photography
Notable superyacht shots: Sailing Yacht Aquijo
Sailing Yacht Aquijo. Photo by Stuart Pearce
There’s more to a yacht than an impressive interior and a spa pool, and on a luxury charter, the crew can easily become the difference between an enjoyable break from the office and a holiday treasured for a lifetime. As well as photographing hulls, decks and interiors for marketing, Stuart Pearce covers the crews of luxury yachts and brings to life their passion and professionalism.
AQuiJo jacuzzi on board – Photo by Stuart Pearce
His experience with lighting and attention to detail brings out the best aspects of each room, and when the viewer’s eye roams away from the main focus, they are sure to discover some mundane element that is anything but when it serves to enhance the scene.
Kristina Strobel – Kristina Strobel Photography
Notable superyacht shots: Kismet, St David, Blade (ex.H2ome), Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem by Kristina Strobel
Kristina Strobel has over a decade’s worth of experience in fashion, lifestyle and luxury travel, beginning her career working for Macy’s in New York. Her images have been published in international magazines, art books, lifestyle and travel publications and have featured notable yachts including Blade (ex.H2ome), St David and Kismet. In the diverse colour range and bustle of her works is a noticeable, crisp focus which is brought to the fore in her abstract work and used to focus the eye on background objects.
MY MIRAGE Exterior Kristina Strobel
Alberto Cocchi – Alberto Cocchi Photography
Notable superyacht shots: Param Jamuna IV, Vellmari’
M/Y Param Jamuna. Photo credit Alberto Cocchi
Featuring on the covers of international luxury lifestyle and yachting magazines, Alberto Cocchi has a wealth of experience in photography with a focus on architecture, fleets, interiors and lifestyle shots. Turning already outstanding design into the captivating, bold colours are highlighted on his images of close-up cuisine to perfectly juxtapose the scope of his wide-angled evening fleet photography.
Luxury Yacht Vellmari by Rossinavi. Photo by Alberto Cocchi
Alexis Andrews – Alexis Andrews Photography
Notable superyacht shots: Elysian (ex. Elandess), Panthalassa, Lady L
S/Y Panthalassa. Photo credit Alexis Andrews
Alexis Andrews was born in Greece and studied fashion and advertising photography in Europe before he moved to Antigua in 1986. There he started his carrier of photographer in the yachting industry. Nowadays, Alexis Andrews works all over the globe for yacht designers, shipbuilders, yacht brokers and advertising agencies to deliver the best of the marine photography. His passion for sailing inspired Alexis Andrews to create the St Barts Bucket Race, which one of the most exciting racing events held every year in the Caribbean. His latest project is the Caribbean Documentary film Vanishing Sail.
Motor Yacht Elysian (ex Elandess). Photo credit Alexis Andrews
Special mention: Marc Paris
Notable superyacht shots: Serene, Hokulani, DB9
Marc Paris photography
Having completed assignments for renowned builders such as ISA, Mondo Marine and Amels, Marc Paris was a well-known photographer within the yachting industry, and before his untimely death in 2012, he had photographed a plethora of luxury yachts, including Lady Moura, Parsifal III and Seawolf. His agency FAB Studios continues to support young photographers looking to gain experience.
Seawolf. Photo by Marc Paris
