YATCO spoke with some of the most prolific superyacht photographers who hop on helicopters, send up their drones, and do whatever it takes to capture the shot.
Here, well-known photographer Tom Van Oossanen tells us about his career and shows us some of his best work.
How did you get your start in yachting as a photographer and what inspires you the most?
I saw my first ever yacht in 1999, and from that moment I was intrigued by the design and engineering of these ships. Soon after I bought my first camera and I photographed everything that floats or flies. Over the years, the boat-spotting hobby became more serious and after some Monaco Yacht Shows and yacht-spotting trips I started at SuperYacht Times. This gave me the opportunity to expand my network and see a lot more yachts all over the world!
I am very much inspired by design, I believe a yacht is the perfect cross between beautiful design and engineering.
How many years have you been a superyacht photographer?
I am now 3.5 years freelance and before that, 3 years at SYT. Long before that, I was taking photos and sold the occasional one to magazines, but professionally now just over 6 years and I love every minute of it.
What was your most exciting shoot and why?
Hard to choose! But my favorite one must be Black Pearl. I mean, she is Black Pearl and there is no yacht like her on the water. Seeing that one up close from the helicopter is something I won’t ever forget.
All Photographers in YATCO’s The Top Superyacht Photographers 5-Part Series
- Tom Van Oossanen – The Top Superyacht Photographers: Part 1
- Jeff Brown – The Top Superyacht Photographers: Part 2
- Jim Raycroft – The Top Superyacht Photographers: Part 3
- Billy Black – The Top Superyacht Photographers: Part 4
- David Churchill – The Top Superyacht Photographers: Part 5
