Throughout my career, my images have found their places on the covers of numerous magazines, periodicals, and publications, each project bringing its own set of challenges and rewards. Yet, there are those rare assignments that stand out, not just for the recognition they garner, but for the sheer joy and excitement they bring to the photographic process. Such was the case with one of my most memorable shoots — the ALIR (Around Long Island Regatta). This annual sailing regatta is a spectacle of skill and endurance, where sailboats set off from the Rockaways, circumnavigate Long Island past the iconic Montauk Lighthouse, and return to the welcoming arms of the Sea Cliff Yacht Club.
For many years, I had the honor of capturing the start of this maritime marathon from the air several miles offshore, immortalizing the blend of anticipation and determination on the sailors' faces as they embarked on their challenging journey. The event, however, was not just about the race itself but also about the vibrant community and camaraderie that blossomed around it. The weekend following the race was always marked by a grand celebration, a race party where sailors, supporters, and enthusiasts gathered to share tales of the sea, triumphs, and tribulations.
It was at these gatherings that I found another opportunity to connect with the seafaring community. With my laptop in tow, I would swiftly sift through the images captured during the race, identifying vessels by their sail numbers. This allowed me to offer personalized, wall portrait-sized prints to the captains and their crews — a memento of their adventure and achievement. It was during one such interaction that fate took a turn.
Multihull Sailor magazine, upon noticing an image purchased by one of the participants, reached out to me. They were captivated by the photograph's composition, its ability to convey the essence of sailing, and the emotions intertwined with the ALIR. Their interest led to the image being selected for the cover of their magazine, marking yet another highlight in my photographic journey.
This experience was more than just a professional milestone; it was a testament to the power of photography to connect people, to capture the spirit of adventure, and to celebrate the beauty of pursuing one's passions. The joy I derived from this particular assignment was unparalleled — from the thrill of capturing the regatta's start from a helcopter, to the warmth of the community at the race party, and finally, to the honor of having my work showcased on a magazine cover. It was a vivid reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place: the ability to freeze moments in time, to tell stories without words, and to leave a lasting impact on both the subjects I photograph and those who view my work.
