The Fine Art Of Steve Lapkin. Not That Art, Not That Art Isn’t Fine.
GOOD GOD! The waters of Algonac captured
Over the years we have been blessed with some amazing talent here on Woody Boater, Texx, Kent O. Smith, Bob Kays, Robert Miracle, Shaun Fenn, Eric Frazier, Dane Anderson, Alex Watson, Scott Sawyer and Steve Lapkin as regular contributors. Sure we have gotten some amazing images from others, lots of amazing shots. but these guys really are deep into this.
This should be a Poster for Algonac
As an art director for over 40 years, one can not imagine the hard work it takes on top of talent to do what they do. Its not just about clicking, it’s about knowing the right place to shoot, the light, and the editing. Its not uncommon for a great photographer to shoot thousands of images to find some real pearls. The great images look spontaneous, and yet, require the same effort as a painting, or great design. This is when photos become art. Fine art. You can feel it, not just look at it. Those are the types of images we love here on Woody Boater.
Composition, passion, and opportunity.
Any event that is covered by these guys is lucky as hell. Because the event is captured in full emotion and becomes iconic. One great image can evoke all sorts of dreams and aspirations and be the best way to invite others to join your event. These images can cost tourism clients tens of thousands of dollars to get. Yes! I have been on $100K photo shoots many times. Car shoots! YIKES! Boats are far more complex BTW, Any ad guy here will agree. Thats how special these sorts of images are.
Fine art moves you even if its just bits and parts of familiar things.
You can feel Bobs excitement out boating with Owen
Note the Lapkin reflections on the bottom. Steve is a master of this look
Steve is also known for him amazing crisp splashes.
I feel honored to be one of the subjects of his talent
Lapkin spray.. Okay, that sounds kinda nasty post Covid.. Lapkin water light interaction
I don’t remember any of this, but sure am glad he caught it
Thank you Steve.. You are a…..
So here is your chance to not only get the deal of the century, but support our best. Steve Lapkin has set up a website loaded with his images for sale as art. Trust me, if you love an image, or had your event or boat photographed. This is your chance. CLICK HERE AND DROOL. You can get prints in all sorts of sizes and even framed.
Right Steve?
I had the pleasure of having Steve ride with me on Tiger Lily twice over the Algonac event weekend. For a guy that can’t take a decent photo to save his life, it was amazing to watch him in action. We also established an instant friendship due to his warm and congenial personality!
Greg – THANK YOU for providing your great driving skills! YOU made the clicks possible!! S
Amazing
I like it. Thanks
I had the pleasure of having a lengthy conversation with Steve at the Algonac show. He is not only a great photographer but a fascinating person with a wealth of knowledge and experiences.
On a different note while I was taking my Chris Craft back to northern Michigan last Saturday on I-75 I noticed smoke coming from my trailer wheel and after quickly pulling over I discovered the bearings were completely shot. The trailer is only 8 years old with bearing buddies which I religiously pack so this was a complete surprise. Fortunately we were able to get it on a flatbed and it is in the repair shop now and so I am just waiting on the verdict.
Ship Happens!
DITTO on a wonderful exchange and conversation at Algonac. Glad to hear you DID get home safely! Best regards always, S.
Great pictures! I had the fortune of watching Steve taking some dock shots at Algonac. It was fun to watch.
Great Time Stopping Photos. This photog thinks maybe a 200-400 zoom on a full frame body, or perhaps 200-300 zoom on a crop body. Am I close? The correct tool is magic in the right hands.
Excellent and well trained eye. Photographers and artists enjoy ‘seeing’ more in a scene – – Appreciated – –
…….full frame Canon R5, RF 100-500 lens….and RF 15-35 used for the Algonac gathering. THANK YOU for your kind words!!
S
I’ve run out of superlatives. Just happy to be able to view these amazing shots. We are fortunate to have Steve, Kent and others with such talent.
As a fellow ad guy, Matt, yes we do pay $100k for a great shot. Especially for cars. The work of the contributors you mention is priceless. Thank you!
There is no shortage of photographic prowess on this site.
No disrespect to the supremely talented photographers in our realm, but Steve stands alone.
We are beyond fortunate to have his eye and command of the lens pointed in our direction.
Thanks for casting our memories in liquid gold, Steve!
dB – thank you!! Hope to see you all at Whitefish in 2023!!
S
Thank you for for the link to Steve’s portfolio of perfection! I can imagine spending way too much time admiring and ogling his fine work.
I’ve known Steve for 12 years. We met at Sierra boat carnelian bay on the occasion of the Lake Tahoe concours show. Turned out I had shipped a beautiful Arabian back to my home in New Zealand the year previous and that boat, we discovered, belonged to his Mum and Dad. We struck up a friendship that has endured and since then we speak nearly every week. We’ve caught up in person in Hawaii, Tahoe and New Zealand. I’d agree with Mats comments about how talented and skilled a shooter he is. He’s also a fine friend. Load another card for the March show in Lake Rotoiti New Zealand 2023 Steve. See you there!
Duster – you are too kind…but, indeed, we have enjoyed an amazing friendship dating back to 2008!
Having had the privilege to be your guest in NZ in 2020 was absolutely amazing. A return visit is on my list….as any veteran boater should consider being witness to your amazing country and woody collection. The Red Carpet is out for your return to the States….anytime! CHUR!
Great stuff as always Steve!!!
It is wonderful having you work as the Managing Editor of The Brass Bell !!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
S
Well this Art feels fine because Molly-O is in the repair shop. You might ask why I’m posting about her being in the repair shop on a Steve tribute. Well its a small world, the repair shop is Mackie Boat Works here in Algonac and the owner Alan and his son John were instrumental is some of Steve’s Beautiful shots ………John piloted the chase boat for Steve.
Art, glad Alan could get Molly-O in the shop quickly. They will have her looking great again in no time!