Formula's Model Year 2013 Photo Shoot!
Formula boats recently took a few team members to the beautiful island of Bimini in the Bahamas for the Model Year 2013 photoshoot season; however, the first go-around wasn’t much to write home about.
The first trip was mid-June and spirits were high. The boats looked beautiful, but a tropical storm moved in, forcing the crew to stop their boating efforts from Miami to Bimini. A “Plan B” was discussed, which involved boating near Key Largo, Florida—they desperately wanted to make the photoshoot work! Everyone loaded back up on the boats and the company van and headed in the direction of Key Largo. Once everyone arrived and checked in very late, they made it to their rooms for some shut-eye. The morning arrived quickly and they were on the docks by 8 a.m., only to be hit with more rain and cloudy skies. It was heartbreaking, but “Plan C” had to be addressed, which was to head home and discuss a new date—so that’s what the crew decided to do!
After regrouping and changing calendars, boats and much more, the crew headed back to Bimini in mid-July. The second trip, we are happy to say, was a complete success! Although the temperatures were extremely muggy and hot each day, it was hard to complain after all the work it took to try again, and, after all, the Formulas were gorgeous and glistening in the Bimini blue water — it really makes one appreciate every moment of each day on and off the water!
The boats photographed this year were the luxurious 31 Performance Cruiser with Silver Diamond Pearl Metallic Imron® Designer Graphic, the all-new, exciting 350 Crossover Bowrider in Black Onyx Metallic Imron, the 382 FASTECH® in the newly-designed Platinum graphic “Missile;” the 310 Bowrider in Silver Diamond Pearl Metallic Imron and the 290 Bowrider with Tropical Red Metallic Imron. The 350 CBR, 310 BR and 290 BR all had a completely new cockpit look and feel to them as well, which really stood out! The boats performed and looked amazing each and every day.
Day one was boat-over day. The crew left Miami, Florida, and set a course for the Bimini Sands Resort & Marina around 7:30 a.m. At times, this boating journey has taken the crew up to four hours to accomplish, however, during the second trip it was a short time of roughly 2 hours—smooth and comfortable the entire way! The crew arrived and cleared customs by lunch time and was ready to “hit the docks running” soon after. The photographers were able to start shooting the 382 FASTECH and some Formula Difference shots by 1:00 p.m. The day went well into the evening, ending around 9 p.m., with appointment shots and a few gorgeous lifestyle shots “all in the can.”
Day two began around 8:30 a.m. with more appointment shots and difference shots until the chopper spooled up. Once in the air, the crew was able to video and photograph almost every boat that day! It was a great team effort and really pushed the limits of how long everyone could stand the heat, but it turned out great! Later that night, a beautiful sunset shot was organized off the beach. The purple-pink glow from the sun through the clouds really gave a unique feel to the photography.
Day three, the team was ready to go bright and early. They had much to accomplished before the chopper headed back to the states. They finished up the video footage, as well as several lifestyle shots, where the scenery at the Bimini Sands and the ocean itself provided so much beauty and an array of locations to take advantage of. The group found some really unique, new scenes that are sure to impress. Later that day, they regrouped to photograph the all-new 350 CBR. They really wanted to show off this new, exciting boat, capturing the feeling of having fun, boating with friends and family and still having room to move about and enjoy the entire boat, from the cockpit to the spacious cabin below. It turned out amazing! The evening was clear and beautiful, shooting dockside party-theme shots, dash shots and difference shots into the night. The LED lights were glowing brightly and made for some great photography.
Day four seemed to be a day of run, run, run for everyone, as this was to be our finish day! The gang was ready to head back to the states the next morning, so it was more lifestyles and more video footage, as well as packing up the boats and rooms and beginning to load everything for the trip home. It was an eventful day and by evening when the call was made, saying “It’s a wrap,” everyone was more than ready to accept that call! The talent and the crew did an amazing job— thank you!
Each and every day, the engineering crew worked hard to keep the boats prepared, scrubbed and filled with fuel. The guys did a great, great job! Also, a special thank you to newly-recruited chef Arlene Spellberg. Shelley Porter was unable to attend the second time around, and Arlene graciously filled in with the list and food supplies arranged by Shelley. Arlene made sure that the entire crew had breakfast, lunch and an absolutely fantastic dinner throughout the week—no one ever went hungry! The entire Formula crew really worked hard, from the talent to the photographers to the helicopter pilot...each day was outstanding in every way, and the results will surely impress Formula fans and the entire boating industry!