Capturing Authenticity: Moments from a New York Yacht Party
Junior Captains: Setting Sail for a New York City Yacht Party
During a recent work in the United States, I had the opportunity to document a truly special event: a yacht party organized by my clients' family. The evening was designed as an intimate experience with their closest loved ones, featuring a dinner accompanied by live music while the yacht set sail from the harbor, heading toward the iconic Statue of Liberty. The journey continued along the coast, offering breathtaking views of New York City’s majestic skyline, glowing with its signature night lights—a sight that captivates anyone who lays eyes on it.
However, from the very moment we boarded, my attention was drawn to something else: the children at the party. Full of energy and excitement, they embraced this little adventure as a grand exploration, using the unique setting as the perfect backdrop for their games and imaginative play. I decided to follow them with my camera, never interfering, letting them take the lead and guide me through their world.
The spontaneity of these little captains, eagerly “steering” the grand yacht, resulted in a series of images filled with authenticity and lightheartedness. I captured them as they roamed the deck, laughed together, and swapped roles, mimicking their parents in a natural and playful act of imitation. Their energy was infectious and, in a way, perfectly reflected the spirit of the evening—a celebration of freedom, beauty, and connection.
These everyday moments, captured in an extraordinary setting, are at the heart of photography that tells genuine stories. The mesmerizing New York City skyline in the background became almost secondary compared to the pure joy and liveliness of the children. This is the true power of photography: transforming a carefully planned event into a story that celebrates spontaneity and the beauty of the unexpected.
As we returned to the harbor at the end of the night, I realized that the most meaningful shots weren’t the ones I had initially envisioned, but rather those that captured this little adventure through the eyes of the children. For a photographer, there is nothing more valuable than preserving moments that feel real—where magic lies in simplicity and authenticity.
