“Keep Calm and carry on? No thanks! I’d rather raise hell and change the world.”

This quote pretty much sums up my approach to my work. I love the excitement and adrenaline rush I get in shooting the action, but also love the challenge of trying to tell a meaningful story and make a difference.

 

Most recently, while covering the ACWS event in Newport, RI, I had a chance to raise some hell.  My specialty is shooting from within the water, which has earned me such titles as “Mermaid”, “Watergirl” and my personal favorite, “Shark Bait.” I wanted to try my luck with shooting an AC45 from the water so I set out to find a team & skipper who might be up for the task. After a bit of searching, Loick Peyron & Energy Team France answered the call.

 

As I left their tent after discussing the details of the shoot, my first thought was, “Oh Sh**! They actually said yes! I guess this is what people mean when they tell you to be careful what you wish for.

 

It was one my most memorable days of shooting because, not only did I get run over several times by an AC 45, I also got to sail aboard during a practice fleet race. I really didn’t think the week could get any better….but it did.

I was fortunate during the week to be in the right place at the right time during some key moments, including Team New Zealand’s capsize. I was leaning over the edge of the windward mark boat with my water housing in the water, focusing on the water line on the lens and waiting for New Zealand to round the mark. As they started to come around I noticed something was wrong and looked up to see the wing almost on top of us. I managed to hold the camera steady in the water and continued shooting as they capsized right next to us.

The best part of the week was the incredible opportunity to work alongside so many of the guys that have inspired me the past few years. It’s incredible how much talent and camaraderie the ACWS event brings together within the sailing community, I was blessed to be a part of it. It’s a hectic lifestyle, always on the go but I guess that’s what it takes to raise hell and change the world!  To view see full gallery click here