Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 LEADERBOARD

Ian Roman's 10 must have bits of kit for sailing photography

by Ian Roman 27 Mar 2015 13:56 GMT 27 March 2015
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in Auckland © Ian Roman / www.ianroman.com

Ian Roman is one of the top sailing photographers who has travelled the world to bring sailing coverage to life with stunning action shots. Ian has covered the Olympics, America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race and is currently the official photographer for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Here Ian tells us about his ten must-have bits of kit... apart from his cameras of course!

  1. Portable power packs with USB output - With so much equipment having internal batteries and dedicated charging cables these are an absolute must. I have three of various sizes and invariably have at least two with me at all times. bit.ly/USBChargers (Update: I now only have two portable power packs as one was confiscated by Chinese customs! See www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/civil-aviation)

  2. Black Rapid double camera strap - After years of running around with a camera hanging off each shoulder, hoping that neither slip off this simple addition ensures that they stay secure throughout the day -with the added benefit that when I go on the water I can unclip the cameras and put them straight in my Pelicase. See www.blackrapid.com/products/double

  3. Wacom tablet - Probably the single best addition to my editing hardware. Would you sign your name with a pen shaped like a bar of soap? -That pretty much describes most mouses! The stylus gives me precision when editing images and the buttons on the side of the tablet are programmable and can be customised for each software package. I use the small tablet, I've never felt I need bigger, and is easy to pack in hand luggage. See www.wacom.com

  4. Firewire card reader - My MacBook Pro doesn't have USB3, if it did I would be saying USB3 card reader, my point is have the fastest card reader possible otherwise you will waste a crazy amount of time waiting for your files to download.

  5. Unlocked Mobile Hotspot - Gets all your devices online simultaneously, make sure you are only paying local data charges. I use the Netgear AirCard AC785, put in the local sim card and it works, no faffing. See www.netgear.co.uk/home/products/mobile-broadband/hotspots/AC785.aspx

  6. Knee pads - When people see me for the first time wearing a pair of volleyball knee pads there is general mirth and merryment. If you are looking to get a low angle the chances are you're going to be on your knees. The knee pads mean I can still walk at the end of the day! See www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000K337JI

  7. Fibreglass Pen - Also known as a scratch brush pen. Cleans up electrical contacts, especially useful to remove corrosion from a hot shoe.

  8. Pelicase - Absolutely the best protection for camera equipment while afloat (or anywhere else for that matter). I have a few, my favourite is the Pelicase 1650 - this monster will hold all your camera equipment, spare clothing and packed lunch. The only downside is the weight, without any gear it is a very solid 11kg. See www.pelicancases.com

  9. Hotel hand towels - I have yet to find a better way to dry my gear after the occasional wave. Always remember to return at the end of the day and replenish with a freshly laundered dry set! See www.fourseasons.com

  10. Noise cancelling headphones - Ideal for retreating into a private world, not only in the media centre, but from the moment I leave home! See www.bose.co.uk

www.ianroman.com

Related Articles

'Fine Lines' Top Ten part 10
With a full history of master boatbuilder Jack Chippendale This, the tenth and final Fine Lines in this series ends up with a real example of what the thinking is all about, that near perfect fusion of style and function. Plus a more detailed look at Jack's life and his boats. Posted on 1 May Good old Gilmac
1961 Chippendale Flying Fifteen restored For my 60th birthday my wife decided to buy me a Flying Fifteen which she had seen advertised on the internet. 'Gilmac' was built in Jack Chippendale's yard and coincidentally came into the world the same year as me, in 1961. Posted on 1 May Grabbing chances with both hands
Can bad weather actually lead to more sailing? There's been no getting away from the fact that it's been a pretty miserable start to 2024 weather-wise in the UK. February saw record rainfall (yes, I know we're famed for our rain over here), it's been seriously windy and generally chilly. Posted on 30 Apr worldmarine.media news update
Transat CIC, Congressional Cup, Last Chance Regatta News from The Transat CIC from Lorient to New York, the 59th Congressional Cup where Chris Poole and Ian Williams contested the final and the Last Chance Regatta, where the final qualifiers for Paris 2024 were decided. Posted on 30 Apr worldmarine.media news PILOT SHOW
Featuring Mozzy Sails, Weir Wood Sailing Club, Crewsaver and UpWind by MerConcept Happy to launch the worldmarine.media news pilot show! Many thanks to contributors MozzySails, Weir Wood Sailing Club, Crewsaver and UpWind by MerConcept, sponsored by 11th Hour Racing. Posted on 28 Apr No result without resolve
Normally, when you think of the triple it might be Line Honours, Corrected Time, and Race Record Normally, when you think of the triple it might be Line Honours, Corrected Time, and Race Record. So then, how about sail it, sponsor it, and truly support it? his was the notion that arrived as I pondered the recently completed Sail Port Stephens. Posted on 21 Apr The oldest video footage of Fireball dinghies
A look back into our video archive We delve into the past, and round-up all videos which show sailing at in the Fireball class of dinghy. Posted on 21 Apr The price of heritage
A tale of a city, three towns but one theme, from dinghy historian Dougal Henshall The meeting in question took place down at the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth and saw the 1968 Flying Dutchman Gold Medal winning trio of Rodney Pattisson, Iain MacDonald-Smith and their boat Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious brought back together. Posted on 19 Apr AC75 launching season
Love 'em or hate 'em, the current America's Cup yachts represent the cutting-edge of foiling Love 'em or hate 'em, the current America's Cup yachts certainly represent the cutting-edge of foiling and are the fastest windward-leeward sailing machines on water. Posted on 15 Apr All Hands on Deck at sailing clubs
To fundraise for the RNLI in 200th anniversary year The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is marking 200 years of saving lives at sea in 2024, and the charity is inviting sailing clubs to celebrate with them. Posted on 9 Apr
Copyright 2024 YY Online Services Ltd. registered in England no. 7895890
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy