An inspirational vision
I love my life. I love my work. And, I love the unique perspective I have on the world through my camera lens. I understand what it is like to be led by your passion, every day, and I have been incredibly fortunate to have amazing clients equally passionate about what they do. I would like to introduce you to some of the people who put their trust in me to tell their story. First, meet my favourite client…
Atlantic Campaigns
Product/service: Atlantic Campaigns is the official organiser of the World’s Toughest Row, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Dawn on race day. Feeling the wind in his face and making the call on whether to go ahead with the race start or delay it for the safety of the rowers. I love this image because it says so much about Carsten. He has set out to make a difference to the world, but fundamental to every action is his care for the people whose lives he touches.
Who’s da boss? Carsten Heron Olsen. (I’m sure his spirit animal is a lion - but I’ve never seen him roar…). Carsten used to teach at secondary school, but in 2012 he staked everything on his dream to turn the challenge of rowing across the second largest ocean on the planet into a safe and successful endeavour for all extreme adventure seekers. Since then, he has seen over 300 rowers challenge themselves to the edge, realise their dreams, change their lives, inspire thousands of people and fundraise millions for charity. And every year he remains committed to making the race even better than the year before.
What I do for Atlantic Campaigns: Photograph the start of the row in La Gomera. It is the highlight of my year. I was also incredibly lucky to be able to photograph six arrivals in Antiqua this year. (My proudest moment was being included in the team on the website!)
How I see the brand: Professional, caring and (epic) adventure!
How I style and shoot their photographs: Carsten is an exceptional leader and people manager. His brief to me was:
“You’re an artist. I respect that. Do what you do best.”
Wow. Seriously? Completely unrestricted, with freedom and flexibility, I do my best work, shooting with the eyes in my heart. I also work very, very hard.
The challenge: Physically it’s a tough gig, but mostly because I want to absorb every atom of the energy and emotion of the environment and the people. I am so blown away by the courage and determination of the rowers each year - I can often only speak with my camera.
The wow bit: The Atlantic Campaigns team is international, highly skilled and experienced, diverse and connected. There is only ever one thought in everyone’s head: to make the client experience extraordinary.
What I like most about working for the business? Hmmnn. EVERYTHING. I feel so privileged being invited to be part of the photography team on this race. It’s my dream come true.
The first sighting of my boys, Atlantic Discovery, arriving in Antiqua after 40 days at sea - February 2019. The only reason I was out on the water to see them, was that legendary photographer Ted Martin gave up his space on the boat to me - an act of kindness I’ll never forget - to record a moment in time I’ll never forget.
At the 2019/20 race start, I tried in-camera double exposures of the team and their main sponsors or charity or boat name - whichever the rowers chose or which worked best photographically. I was very pleased with the result and the rowers seemed to like the images.
Me, in my element. I just love connecting with the amazing humans in this incredible community. People give up so much in their journeys to make it to the start of this crossing - not only the rowers, but their families and friends. I know how tough it is to get here. I know a little about how they’re feeling inside. And it fills me with the deepest admiration for them all. (Thanks Cameron Parker for the photograph).
A different perspective. To get this series of images, I was winched up the mast of a super yacht moored at the finish. Interestingly, the precarious nature of my position and height above the water didn’t concern me at all. I was petrified of dropping an item of kit during a lens change and felling one of the kind deckhands below! The atmosphere for the arrival of the Antiguan Girls (2018/19) was electric. It was almost as if I could feel the emotion of an entire island - an amazing experience.
Ahhh, Nikki Holter. One of the warmest, most supportive people I’ve met. Carsten’s right-hand lady, she is the razor sharp organisational brain behind the business, but manages to accomplish this incredible feat with calmness and a grounding force of strength, for everyone, year after year.
My lucky shot. The arrival of the Dutch Atlantic Four team, winners of the 2018/19 race. I was sitting in a little motor boat and caught the rope and champagne spray crossing mid air. The first contact with other humans after a month of extreme endurance alone at sea - it is always an incredibly moving moment.
Fellow tog Ted Martin, photographer and guardian angel of many, is a legend in Antigua for his generous and kind nature. Whether you need a hug, some information, or a hand, he is always there, without thought for himself, and genuinely willing to help. I love this guy; he’s part of the race experience.
Giving back: Carsten and the Atlantic Campaigns crew are leaders in environmental and ethical business practices. Partnering with Parley for the Oceans to encourage rowers and staff to pledge to reducing single use plastic consumption; rowers account for all waste when landing in Antiqua; local beach clean-ups; supporting local artists, football teams and Christmas help for kids in La Gomera.
