Award-winning yachting photographer Kurt Arrigo shares some of his favourite shots with us.
Born in Malta in 1969, Kurt Arrigo spent much of his childhood diving in the Mediterranean Sea. His passion for aquatic life lead into a career in photography beginning with an assignment at the America’s Cup in 1992. He has been an official Rolex yachting photographer since 2014, covering the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Mirabaud Yacht Racing image of the year.
Passionate About The Ocean
Diving, sailing and swimming continue to be his foremost passions, as well as supporting conservation projects aimed at promoting the need to protect and preserve our oceans. His travels have taken him to the Galápagos Islands, the Himalayas, Norway and the remote South Pacific. ‘I have a special connection with the marine world and am proud that my photos have helped promote the beauty of some of the most threatened parts of the world and they have highlighted the plight of extinct species,’ he says. Arrigo does minimal treatment on his pictures, only applying basic enhancements to composition, light and exposure.
He was one of the first sailing photographers to embrace underwater housing and to use this as an approach to explore different angles and perspectives. His advice to young photographers is to take a chance. ‘Every photographer needs to experiment and also have their own unique skills,’ he says.
Top Tips
Preparation is everything, he adds. ‘Once on location it’s too late. Have your gear serviced, checked, prepared. Ensure you have spares. Research your location. Be on time. Check the weather week’s and days in advance,’ he says. ‘ Once on the shoot you can then focus on the job at hand. And when you get a chance to take a photo, go for it. sometimes the most wonderful photos are conceived from unexpected opportunities.’
His Mantra? ‘If you love doing it, pursue it.’
Originally compiled by Debbie Hathway.
Sailors Superstitions Photo credit - Kurt Arrigo
GBR 112; NILAYA; Owner: Filip Balcaen; Category: Super Maxi - Kurt Arrigo
LEOPARD, Sail No, GBR 1 R, Design: Farr Sloop,Skipper, Pascal Oddo - Kurt Arrigo
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2009 - Kurt Arrigo
Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 - Kurt Arrigo
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2015 - Kurt Arrigo
