Reaching for the Absolute at the Cannes Yachting Festival

The Cannes Yachting Festival is the first boat show of the season. It is getting quite big and is the perfect place for exhibitors with boats under 65m. Held 3 weeks before the Monaco Yacht Show it serves another purpose and attracts buyers from all over Europe for the “smaller” boats.

This year I was commissioned to do a documentary around the stand of the Italian luxury yachts manufacturer: Absolute.

My first task was to take documentary pictures of the set up of the event. Photographs of the banners being put up, of the stand being prepared for the opening on the next day, the staff being briefed around the boats, the stewardesses getting their uniforms and all the little details leading up to things being perfect. It was quite a challenge to get those candid shots without bothering the people working so hard in such a short time. Setting up a boat show is always stressful as there are so many things to prepare… the yachts for one!

They made it on time and everything was perfect!

On my second day at the boat show I went on the boats to take pictures of the sea trials. It was interesting seing potential clients getting excited about the yachts and getting to try them for themselves. The little Navettas were flying on the flat sea. And the beautiful Mediterranean and the perfect French Riviera September weather made this exclusive experience even more perfect for the clients.

Next task was taking photographs of the Absolute atmosphere at the Cannes Yachting Festival. I took pictures of the brokers conducting business, people hopping on boats to discover the interiors, portraits of the staff, pictures of the press conference… 

I got to discover the new yacht designs that Absolute will launch in 2019 and I have to say that I am excited to have the opportunity  to photograph them! Absolute is a company that  is passionate for yachting, strives to respect the sea with its low engine consumption and reduced emission and emphasizes safety in its boats. Their boats are modern and have a unique look. It was a great pleasure meeting the whole team and working for such a friendly company.