Picking Photos: Where Do You Start? And Where Do You Stop?

August 23, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been poring over photos… hundreds of photos, narrowing down the images to include in the yacht-interiors book that I’m authoring. (See “A Book of My–Our–Own,” posted in April.) It’s been exciting and exhausting, awe-inspiring and overwhelming, and everything in between. In the process, I spent a fair amount of time agonizing over which pictures to eliminate. After all, the book is in the 100- to 150-page realm, not 500 pages. In the end, my experience can serve as a valuable lesson for you.

Here are a few helpful hints to determine how to start your photo-selection process, and how to keep it from becoming a monumental, seemingly insurmountable task:

Go for the “wow factor.” In choosing the initial images, consider which ones stop you in your tracks. If a photo looks like a picture postcard, put it in your “must” pile. That’s why I selected the picture at top for our book. Every time I look at it, I have the same reaction as when I stepped foot in that room: My jaw hits the ground as to how stunningly beautiful and serene it is.
Choose the pictures that tell a story. Let’s say you have a photo of your kids with the famous swimming pigs of the Bahamas. It’s a great snapshot: clear, terrific colors, and even better, your kids have ear-to-ear grins. That photo speaks volumes! Put that, and similarly story-oriented pictures, in your “must” pile next.
Skip the so-so snapshots. If something is blurry, no amount of PhotoShop magic will make it crisp. In fact, it will detract from the overall beauty of your book. (A smart design director like ours will, gently, convince you even more of this.) Similarly, if a picture is OK but just doesn’t elicit excitement from you, chances are you won’t thrill to it being part of the pages.
Ask for help. Unless you’re a professional photographer or a really skilled amateur photographer, no one expects you to be an artistic expert. Don’t work yourself into a tizzy trying to select the “perfect” shot. If you’re having a hard time deciding, call the experts. (That would be us.) Better to hand over 100 photos and have a professional eye evaluate them than to paralyze yourself with indecisiveness or fear over doing something wrong.

These tips just scratch the surface. Our design director, Beth Smith, has plenty of experience helping clients select photos to include in their books and lending helpful advice. We’ll publish another blog post with her insight in the coming weeks.

Finding Utopia

July 25, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

I used to come here and see these huge megayachts and say, ‘Someday, I’ll have one.’ The point is, you become what you think about all of the time. Here we are; it’s a reality.

JR Ridinger shares this while sitting in the saloon of Utopia IV, the new yacht he and his wife Loren took delivery of a few weeks ago. More to the point, he shares it with a touch of amazement in his voice. He’s certainly not bragging, it’s more like a “pinch me” confession.

As of this writing, hundreds of people have heard and seen the confession. JR makes it in a video he posted to YouTube. In fact, since March, he’s shared about two dozen videos about the creation of and life aboard Utopia IV. His comments echo those of so many owners we’ve spoken with about their own experiences in buying, owning, and cruising aboard their yachts. That being: Yachting represents an idyllic way to experience the world. It’s a near-perfect existence.

In other words, it’s utopia. What better name for a yacht than that.

Check out the Utopia IV playlist on YouTube for more of this family’s adventures, and especially their outlook on cruising aboard Utopia IV. As their daughter Amber says in one video:

Utopia to me means the feeling you get when you’ve worked really, really hard and your dreams have come to fruition. That has to be the most incredible feeling, and being able to celebrate that, to enjoy it with family and the people that you love most, is the most incredible feeling ever. It’s utopia.

Raving About Regattas

June 21, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

This oft-quoted line from the book Wind in the Willows says it all. There is nothing—absolutely nothing!—like yachting. And there’s nothing like all the different adventures that yachting lays at our feet.

Take regattas, for example. Over the past 20 years, regattas have evolved from a sport solely for professionals into a spirited social outing for superyacht owners. In fact, The Superyacht Cup, held every year in Palma de Mallorca, is the longest-running, fun-focused race in Europe. Sure, there’s competition; who doesn’t like having bragging rights, after all? But, the organizers and participants—both owners and crew—do these races for the camaraderie they engender.

The stories are legendary, too. The yachts here, Velsheda and Svea, are two of the famed J Class sailing superyachts on the water, photographed during the Superyacht Cup this month. If you know the Js, then you know both yachts’ designs date back to the 1930s. Svea is a new build, while Velsheda is a classic restoration. Svea is only in her second season of racing, yet the tales her hull can tell are growing with each battle. The action… the lessons the crew learns each race… the conditions encountered… the triumphs, the laughs… each is a character, if you will, in her storybook.

Her owner even commissioned a book about her, in fact. While that book was published before we started our company, we applaud him for creating a legacy to share with his friends and family for generations to come. And who knows? Maybe there will be some future regatta racers in that family.

It brings to mind yet another great quote from The Wind in the Willows:

“Take the Adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes! ‘Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of the old life and into the new! Then some day, some day long hence, jog home here if you will, when the cup has been drained and the play has been played, and sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company.”

How can we help you transform those goodly memories into company your future generations can keep?

A Book of My—Our—Own

April 20, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

When I was in college, a professor of mine told me I should write a book.

I looked at him as if he had six heads. “Me? No way,” I thought. I was focused on becoming a great newspaper reporter. You know, being part of a newsroom where I’d learn of breaking news, run out to get the facts, and rush back to write the article in time for the next edition. Writing a book took months of work just to find a publisher who’d accept me. And frankly, since I wasn’t a celebrity or other high-profile person (read: a guaranteed money maker), the chances of succeeding were thin. That was the reality of the big professional publishing companies three decades ago.

It’s still the reality today. Funny enough, my professor’s words have never left my mind.

While I’ve contributed to two books, I’ve often thought over the years of writing a book of my own. In the 25 years I’ve spent in yachting, I’ve learned incredible stories, and seen some spectacular superyachts. The interiors are especially spectacular. Jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, even head-scratching… the list of adjectives goes on and on. Regardless of whether I share the owners’ tastes, I appreciate the creativity that goes into the design. Furthermore, just when I think I’ve seen it all, another yacht comes along to prove me wrong. It’s the most fun I could ever imagine having in my job.

Therefore, I’m pleased to say I’m writing a book featuring some of the most spectacular superyacht interiors afloat. Superyacht Storytellers will, of course, be the publisher. You’ll get a chance not only to see it, but to buy it, too, when we release it this fall.

What’s inside? Nearly 200 photos of saloons, staterooms, spas, beach clubs, and more. The styles range from Art Deco to over the top, from period-authentic to pink perfection. We’ll share more as the publishing date draws close.

Peter Herzog: Traveler and Personal Storyteller

April 6, 2018 By Beth Smith Leave a Comment

Learn from Peter Herzog: What stories do your travels tell?

Peter Herzog is an adventurer and photographer. He’s also deeply passionate about telling the stories of people who the world might otherwise forget. Herzog captures their rituals, daily lives, and surroundings through his lens. Simultaneously, he seeks to experience the world through their eyes.

Herzog is just like other adventurers who have recorded personal stories of their travels, dating back to ancient times.

For instance, Greek geographer Pausanias created the oldest, most detailed volume of travel writing. He spent more than 20 years traveling, researching, and completing Description of Greece in the second century. It’s invaluable to travelers even today.

Another example is Muhammad Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar. He voyaged throughout the medieval world for decades. Ibn Battuta explored Islamic lands, as well as Africa and Asia, logging some 75,000 miles. He dictated his experiences in A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling.

Similar to Pausanias and Ibn Battuta, Herzog wrote a book, which, together with my creative team, I designed and published with him. In Enlightenment, his words and photos provide a first-person account of life along the mighty Mekong River:

“While the Mekong is incredibly rich as a river, it flows through one of the poorest regions of the world. As the Captain guides our long boat to shore, small faces emerge from the shadows of the jungle. Children who are cautious yet excited to share their world greet us as we approach. Disembarking we notice the sweltering heat and humidity as we continue forward, entering their invisible world nestled behind dense foliage lining the river. Here families exist with no running water or electricity and houses appear to be made from tin and scrap wood. Their expressions are a mixture, some of stress and worry, with others showing simple joy. They survive by growing a garden, chopping wood, hunting and fishing. They make scarves on old wooden looms hoping for a sale to the few that visit. I can’t imagine they ever move far from this place. It is not an easy life, but they get by.”

Herzog well understands the transformative power of travel. So did Ibn Battuta. In fact, he said, “It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” How about you? What personal stories do your travels tell?

The Art of Cabinetry—and Publishing

March 12, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

A number of articles these days tout self-publishing for books. And rightfully so: Self-publishing makes it possible for people from all walks of life, not just famous authors, to create something more memorable and tangible. The challenge, though, is the “self” part. You’re expected to be the writer as well as the copy editor, the proofreader, the designer, and the Photoshop artist, just to name a few.

To be clear, we applaud making publishing more accessible! But, it’s not more accessible if you have to do far more work. So, we do that work for you. Even with our boutique nature, we handle everything. More to the point, we select skilled writers, editors, designers, illustrators, and other professionals accustomed to working on one project, with one person, at a time.

Interestingly, the Superyacht Storytellers approach to publishing is akin to that of custom craftsmanship. More to the point, it’s akin to that of custom cabinetry. For proof, there’s an excellent article in the newspaper The Guardian on this very subject. The author, a professional journalist, decided to collaborate with a full-service book publisher after exploring self-publishing options. Her analogy hits the nail on the head:

Imagine you are a cabinet maker. You look at a few cabinets, you read a few books about how to make a cabinet, you practice the technicalities of things like dovetail joints. Then, with hope in your heart and breakfast in your sawing arm, you grab some wood and set to work. But because you are new at this, your tools are a starter set. In your ignorance, you chose wood that wasn’t properly seasoned. Wow, those dovetail joints take some precision, don’t they? This cabinet-making thing is hard! Nevertheless, with persistence and effort you complete your cabinet. It wobbles a bit. The drawers stick. The finish isn’t perfect. Buy hey, it’s a cabinet! You try to sell it to several furniture shops and they all politely decline. So are you going to sell it yourself? Or heave a sigh, make another cabinet, and see if you can make a better one?

At the end of the day, if you’re really a publisher at heart, go for it! But if you’re like most people, more interested in having a beautiful book that captures your thoughts, tastes, and style in a polished, professional way, then collaborate with our craftspeople. We will make it happen.

Borrow a Page from The Samba Montclair Cookbook

February 27, 2018 By Beth Smith Leave a Comment

A personal history can be told through words or pictures, or a combination of the two. When you have a passion for food, your story alternatively can be told through a collection of recipes. I helped Ilson Goncalves do just that with The Samba Montclair Cookbook: Authentic Home-style Brazilian Recipes and Reminiscences. It features dishes from his native Brazil, favorites at his restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey. His story resonates with his customers, and those who crave Brazilian flavors, thanks to a public relations campaign.

Surely, your chef’s recipes are already favorites among your family and guests. He or she also likely has an interesting background, especially where cooking is concerned. If so, together, we can borrow a page, so to speak, from The Samba Montclair Cookbook and create something compelling.

Through his recipes, Chef Goncalves is transported to his childhood. He learned to cook watching his mother in their home kitchen and at her popular restaurant in the city of Blumenau. He cherishes dishes his mom and grandmothers served at large family gatherings, as well as meals that were staples of their diets. These women taught him not only how to cook, but how to appreciate the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables growing right in his backyard.

Goncalves took over the space which became Samba about seven years ago. At first, it was a deli offering a few Brazilian specialties. Today, it’s a mecca for Brazilian-Americans and others who love the simple, fresh, and delicious food. While he has appeared in numerous publications and television programs, Goncalves yearned to tell his story more intimately. He also wanted to share his recipes with the many loyal customers who have requested them.

Remarkably, before beginning the book project, Goncalves hadn’t written down any of these recipes. So, my team helped him translate and adapt them for home cooks. We also illustrated them with stunning photographs. The Samba Montclair Cookbook is a catalog of the most-ordered items on the menu, from fresh juices to tempting desserts. Among the many highlights are the Feijoada (the Brazilian national dish, a stew with meat and black beans) and the Bolo de Mandioca (the flourless yucca and coconut cake was his favorite growing up in the southern state of Santa Catarina). Throughout the recipe pages, he shares tips for making the perfect rice, the secret ingredient in his caramel flan and more.

Ultimately, The Samba Montclair Cookbook, a nearly 100-page volume, tells a bigger story. It’s the story of Goncalves’ evolution as a chef, his arrival in the United States with just a few dollars in his pocket, and his continuing commitment to creating fresh, healthful food.

Sharing Your Story: Where Do You Start?

February 14, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

Many of our—and, surely, your—favorite storybooks begin with a simple line: “Once upon a time….” If you’ve considered commissioning a book about your yachting life, you might wonder how your story should start.

The good news is, you don’t need to be a wordsmith. Our talented group of professional journalists and book authors will interview you and capture your “voice” for the words to go down on each page. But, we also recognize that some of you like to be prepared. You might even fancy yourself an author in the making. So, here are a few tips for sharing your story.

Keep a travel journal. Whether you regularly cruise the same places or are setting off for never-before-seen locales, your daily experiences are worth their weight in gold. You can buy a true travel journal, similar to a diary, or just a simple notebook. Either way, take a few minutes each night to jot down what happened that day. Did you encounter pods of porpoises? Did your kids take their first solo spins on the PWCs? Did you linger on the aft deck long after midnight looking at the stars? Oftentimes, seemingly simple and even silly memories make the best recollections.
Get your friends and family involved. No need for you to be the only record keeper onboard. Have your kids take turns recording their thoughts, and what they enjoyed the most about their trips. Turn the traditional guestbook into a full-fledged record of everyone’s adventures and favorite tales.
Collect photos in one central place. Our yachts are as high-tech as our houses are these days, with Wi-Fi and more. When you and your fellow shutterbugs take pictures during your cruises, take the time each night to download the images. If you wait until you return home, you know what will happen: The photos won’t ever leave your camera or smartphone. Sign up for a free online service like Flickr, Google Photos, Photobucket, or Shutterfly. Good pay-based options include SmugMug. Regardless of your choice, you can log in from anywhere.

A Deeper Story Behind Every Picture

January 30, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

At Superyacht Storytellers, we’re big believers in the power of a picture to tell a story—and a series of photos to tell an even bigger story. It turns out that the team behind the Google Pixel 2 has something in common with us.

This week, the company began running the 30-second commercial below. It’s remarkable in how dramatically different it is from every other ad out there. It’s not video.

In fact, except for the promo for the mobile phone’s camera at the end, there isn’t a single moving frame. Instead, the commercial features nearly 30 individual snapshots… all taken, naturally, with the phone.

The tagline for the ad, part of a series featuring just photos: “There’s a deeper story behind every picture.” To simply see a picture of these young men, or with the horses, doesn’t even scratch the surface of their story. Neither does simply seeing the pictures in the series’ other ads, all of which again are real photos from real people. While cultural commentary plays a major role in the commercials, a simple message stands above all else. Pictures provoke us to learn about compelling stories.

While we’re in book publishing, not phone selling, we love this business approach. It’s what we do for a living. Stop and think about your own photos for a moment. How many times have you shared a picture with a friend or family member, eager to explain the deeper story behind it? Whether a heartfelt tale or a belly buster, that story deserved sharing. That’s why clients like you come to us. We sit down and listen to you tell the stories behind your pictures, and then bring the full, complete story to a whole new, vivid life. Ultimately, while Superyacht Storytellers publishes the book, we’re simply a conduit. You’re the focus. You’re the story. And your story deserves to be told, and shared, with generations to come.

Finding Inspiration

January 7, 2018 By Diane M. Byrne Leave a Comment

In August last year, I visited Norway for the first time. The day I landed, it was pouring buckets of rain. Actually, it was more like a fire hose of rain, thanks to near-constant wind. You’d never know it from this photo, though.

Every time I think of the trip, I think of this. My second full day in Norway, the sun came out, just as I cruised into the world-famous fjords. This, in a single shutter click, is Norway. This is the reason I consider the country the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. This, to another extent, is one of the reasons why Superyacht Storytellers exists.

How so? In the moments before taking the photo, I was awestruck. I feel the same way every time I look at it. This photo couldn’t possibly sit on my camera’s card or on my computer, forgotten amid so many others. No, this was special. This had to be shared. I had to inspire other people to go.

Though it’s in the early stages of planning, this is the cover for a book about the world’s most beautiful superyacht cruising grounds. Some are well-known and well-traveled, like Monaco and the South of France. Others are lesser-known and lesser-traveled, like Norway and the South Pacific. All, regardless, are spectacular.

This is the inspiration for that entire book. The book won’t just be for me, though. It’s something to share with people like you, and for you to share with your own friends and family. After all, it just might be the inspiration you need to go somewhere new… be just as awestruck… and find your own inspiration.

Superyacht Storytellers