Earth Tales Interview
Aquatic Life Photographer - Kurt Arrigo
Welcome to EARTH TALES! A series of interviews and ‘Tales from the Earth’ from inspirational people whom are making a stance in the travel, sports and animal kingdom. We’ll be interviewing poignant people from travel & wildlife photographers, film and documentary makers, explorers, conservationists, biologists and adventurers.
In our 4th EARTH TALES Interview - we are delighted to be speaking to aquatic life and sports photographer - Kurt Arrigo.
Kurt was born in Malta in 1969 and spent his childhood scuba diving in the Mediterranean Sea, developing what would become a lifelong passion for aquatic life and photography. Kurt has been an official Rolex yachting photographer, covering The Rolex Sydney Hobart, The Rolex Fastnet Race and The Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Traveling the world lensing locations from the Galapagos to the Himalayas, from the icy waters of Norway to the remote South Pacific Kurt has shown his passion for the planet through his majestic imagery of photography.
He began his career as a professional photographer on assignment at the America’s Cup in 1992, received recognition at the Underwater World Championships in 1995, and within the Communications Arts Photography Annual in 1997. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Yacht Racing Image of the Year.
What a beautiful life of a photographer, we couldn’t wait to hear more….
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BW: Kurt, what made you get into photography?
I was first interested when I was around 10 years old. However it was later on at around 16 that I was inspired by my older brother.
BW: How did you get discovered and make a career out of photography?
I never really thought that way. It was just a naturally progression of enjoying, learning and connecting with creating images. I still hold onto that same philosophy.
BW: What is it about the aquatic sea, sailing and yachting life that you love?
Growing up by the waters edge and be active with the underwater life, sailing and love for the sea. There is a bond that connects you to the ocean that is quite hard to explain.
BW: What attracted you to shoot racing and sailing?
I started windsurfing when I was around 10 and moved upwards from then on …. It all felt quite normal to blend all the things I loved to do. The spirit of being on the sea, wind in your sail and freedom
BW: You have shot with many luxury brands, whats been the most exciting project to date?
I have been so fortunate to have been involved in shooting for so many luxury brands that value the marine environment. Every assignment offers something special and unique. That is probably why I love the thrill of shooting in an unpredicted environment.
BW: You support many conservation efforts, if you could change anything in the world - what would it be?
I can’t personally do that but collectively we can learn to appreciate what our planet has to offer and learn how to respect Mother Nature.
BW: Tell us about the picture of the horse you shot in the water. How did this happen?
I am constantly looking for new perspectives and way to express oneself. Having seen race horse train in the sea. I reached out to the trainer and explored shooting from underwater …. After understanding the dynamic and sensitivity of how to go around it we finally worked out a way.
BW: BornWild is passionate about the sea, if you could recommend us to sail anywhere in the world - where would it be and why?
If you like colder temperature - North Norway …. Warmer South Pacific
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