If you’re not interested in the world of sailing, don’t follow the big regatta’s, the best teams and would call the bow the pointy end of a boat you might not have heard of world renowned sailing photographer Jesús Renedo. Anyone else however is sure to have seen his work a myriad of times adorn the front pages of high profile yachting magazines like Classic Boat, Vela and Yachting World. He travels the world taking photo’s of the best teams and the fastest boats on the regatta circuit and is well known for his striking and powerful action shots. Jesús was raised on the water in Santander but made the move to Mallorca many years ago which is where we caught him just after he got back from NY to hit him with the next ten questions..
©2014 Pedro Martínez/Sailing Energy
1) Are you a keen sailor yourself?
Yes, I’ve been sailing ever since I was a kid, I learnt to sail on Optimists, Vauriens, and 470’s in the Bay of Biscay on the North Coast of Spain. Also my parents had a 25 ft sailing boat on which we used to spend all our family holidays so I’ve been messing around on boats for as long as I can remember.
2) Have you crewed on boats as well?
Yes, I have. I was 29 when I quit my office job to join a sailboat about to embark on a round the world race. Since then I never looked back: I got my skipper’s license and worked in the superyacht industry for quite a few years, first as a deckhand later as mate and captain running all sorts of yachts and taking part in many regattas.
3) So, have you always taken photo’s while at sea?
Yes, I always had a camera in my hands. I also used to work as a scuba diving instructor and so took (and still take) many shots underwater as well.
4) When did you start taking photo’s professionally?
I think it was back in 2006.
5) How did you learn your photography skills? I’m self taught. Lots of studying and plenty of practice.
Copyright: Jesús Renedo
6) How would you describe your style?
Action!! I love working during regattas and concentrating on those ‘action shots’!
7) How many regatta’s and other sailing events do you travel to per year? And which is your favourite?
I travel a lot, which is a pain! Carrying all that heavy photography gear is becoming a big problem at airports.
It’s difficult to choose one event, I enjoy them all! But I can say I really love the olympic sailing and the big, mighty J Class racing!
Copyright: Jesús Renedo
8) What do you look for when you’re on a shoot?
I like to capture the essence of what is going on by taking close ups of sailors and show exactly what they’re doing, their efforts and concentration. I also like to use the landscape, the sea and the whole environment we’re in at that moment.
9) Do you know immediately if you’ve taken a spectacular photo?
Yes! Most of the time when I download the images, I can’t wait to see if one particular shot is focussed and sharp. It’s fantastic when you get the feeling you’ve just taken that extra special shot! Then you keep your fingers crossed for it to be razor sharp!
Copyright Jesús Renedo
10) Any advice for us sailors who like to take pictures of our own?
Enjoy!! And take care not to drop your camera in the splash!! Trust me I’ve done that a few times! 😉
Thank you Jesús!
No problem!
If you want to see more of Jesús Renedo’s high-impact photo’s check out the galleries on his website here.
Copyright: Jesús Renedo
