A Chance Encounter
The Covid pandemic with its subsequent restrictions and lockdowns led to a dark time for many businesses – a great amount of which found themselves completely shut down or trying to operate within restrictions. While our boat tour business was closed it was easy to become downhearted but there were some things that kept us busy, kept us thinking ahead and planning for re-opening.
One wonderfully positive outcome occurred, by chance I met Mathieu Decodts in an online Facebook group – NI Business, the baby of Marketing Coach Tim McKane, which had itself been born out of lockdown and a desire to create something positive for the business community. This chance encounter in a Facebook group has led to an exciting collaboration between our businesses.
Mathieu is a Photographer and Photography teacher who at the start of lockdown found all his teaching venues closed abruptly leaving him unable to conduct classes. As a creative minded person he soon found a way forward with photography classes via Zoom and has been conducting these successfully ever since. In fact I’m signed up for his Beginner’s Class myself.
An Exciting Collaboration
Meanwhile Mathieu and I had began talking and the idea to collaborate on an innovative and exciting project began to take shape. Mathieu already provides walking photography classes around Belfast city so he is by no means confined to the classroom. I sense that his creativity pushes him towards adventure, or perhaps the other way around. He is certainly not apprehensive about trying something new.
What better venue for an adventurous, hands on experience than at sea with fascinating geological features along our coast and wildlife. As well as having an incredibly fun experience on the boat seeing spectacular scenery Mathieu is on hand to teach, advise and expertly demonstrate photographic techniques in this dynamic environment. These classes will bring together a small group of people to learn, have fun and share their hobby in the same spirit as our private charters. It’s something shared and special.
A Perfect Match
Our Skipper is fully trained and experienced with camera crews. He has worked on sets including Game of Thrones, Northman, and BBC and Channel 5 productions. He can manoeuvre the boat to give our photographers the best positions and opportunities for unique shots. Our RHIB Endurance provides incredible panoramic uninterrupted views and sits close to the water allowing shots which cannot be achieved from other boats.
Mathieu is a highly experienced and talented photographer and teacher. He is creative with an art background and his enthusiasm to try something unique is infectious. Mathieu has a passion to go beyond taking a photo or teaching to creating a personal and even life changing experience for his customers. Our businesses share an aspiration to enrich lives through unique and positive experiences which bring life long memories.
Our New Experiences
We have two unique experiences to offer, “Simply Seascapes“ and “Rathlin Odyssey”, both departing from Ballycastle.
Simply Seascapes offers a one and a half hour sheltered cruise along the coast from Ballycastle exploring some very special geological features. You will have the opportunity to photograph seabirds and seals, possibly even dolphins under Mathieu’s expert guidance.
Rathlin Odyssey is an adventurous 2 hour trip which offers the opportunity to capture wildlife and the coastline of Rathlin Island including Rue Lighthouse, Ushet Port, the East Lighthouse and the incredible Bruce’s Cave.
Not To Be Missed
All you need is a camera, a pair of sea legs and a sense of adventure.
This is a special opportunity to capture unique coastal shots with limited availability.
Check dates available by calling 07845 370231 and book using the links below
