The more tricky part comes when it´s time to change locations. This year we really pushed for a lot of different backgrounds for SUP especially, with a couple of really long days of 4.30am to 10pm of shooting. Not only long days but it´s a big logistical nightmare to reload and unload the vans every day! Sometimes three times a day for the various different location shoots, whilst trying to keep the boards and sails clean and undamaged. There were three or four people working in the organisation and this was barely enough for all the behind the scenes work, setting up locations and preparing the gear. But luckily the team is like a big family, so everyone chips in to help and generally a good time is had by all – that´s the key to a good shoot, to keep everyone in a good mood, even if it´s hard work. As for JC, just clicking a button every now and then, boy he has it easy compared to us!
When we occasionally have a “shorter” day, then maybe I can squeeze in a quick sail in the late evening, followed by a mandatory beer with whoever is around at the house followed by a quick dinner! Then it´s back to the keyboard to work on the next round of emails.
Finally before bed we check the forecast, making a decision for the next 2/3 days and then sending out a mail to everyone where we´ll meet and if necessary preparing all the gear too for an early start. It all sounds easy enough perhaps but with jetlag, intense sun and coming directly from colder climates; it´s quite a punishment both physically and mentally. I always have a good chuckle when people say “You lucky guy, Maui photoshoot, what a life!” Maui yes, anytime please, but for a photoshoot, hmm that is slightly different!’’