Why Sometimes Gear Doesn’t Matter: The Story Behind My Favourite Shot from the 2025 Scottish Series

In a world obsessed with having the newest and best equipment, it’s easy to forget one of the oldest truths in photography — gear doesn’t always matter. Being prepared, knowing your environment, and trusting your instincts often matter far more than the latest piece of tech.

That reminder came back to me during this year’s Scottish Series, where I captured what’s become one of my all-time favourite shots — taken during the Round Inchmarnock Race on the shores of Loch Fyne.

The drone I used? A DJI Mavic 2 Pro, first released in 2018. Hardly cutting-edge by today’s standards, but this particular drone has a history of its own. It’s been everywhere — flying over IMOCA boats like Hugo boss ,Canada Ocean Racing, crossing oceans, battling England’s highest recorded winds, and clocking more hours than any drone probably should. It’s earned the title of a workhorse. Reliable, sturdy, and — I hate to say it — expendable. When the weather turns or the risk is high, it’s the perfect machine for the job.

For this shot, I knew where I needed to be. Having grown up sailing in this stretch of water, I knew how the wind funnels through the sound as two systems meet. That knowledge — not the gear — made the shot. I lined up the light behind the hills, found the right angle, and stayed patient. The temptation is always to chase the boats, but the trick was to wait and let them come to me.

Flying low over the fleet, dodging a few faster boats while keeping the composition locked in, I took the photo — and immediately knew it was special. It’s the image I chose to submit to the Yacht Racing Image Award 2025, and I’m proud to say it’s been selected in the Top 80 worldwide.

It’s proof that photography still rewards those who plan, prepare, and think — not just those who upgrade.

You can view and vote for the image here: https://www.yachtracingimage.com/2025/scottish-series.html