Marc Paris, one of the most highly regarded yachting photographers, has died in a plane crash while on assignment in Turkey. News-wire reports state he was 50 years old, though we are trying to confirm that.
According to the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News, the crash occurred on December 24 in Antalya. Both Paris and the pilot of the plane were killed. No information was given on what caused the accident.
The list of megayacht builders, brokers, and megayachts themselves that Paris worked with reads like a “who’s who” of the industry: Amels, Fraser Yachts, Mondo Marine, ISA, Hargrave Custom Yachts, Lady Moura, Arkley, Bel Abri, DB9, Parsifal III, Seawolf, and more. His work regularly graced the covers of the leading megayacht magazines, and was often featured here on MegayachtNews.com as well. In some cases, Paris shot video along with still images.
In addition, earlier this year Paris founded FAB Studio Photo Video in Nice, France, a nonprofit organization that promoted photography, video filming and editing, graphic arts, and more. It held workshops and exhibitions.
On a personal note, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Paris at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Though I had followed his impressive work for many years, we had never had the chance to talk until then. It was a brief chat—all too brief, in retrospect—in which he struck me as being quite kind. He will be missed.
Here’s one of Paris’ most recent productions, a video of Parsifal III, shot in October.
Kim H
The world lost a wonderful man! Marc had a magical eye, and a heart of gold! Rest in peace dear friend!
Michael Joyce
The marine industry lost one of those rare people who make this world a better place to live. Marc was not only one of the most creative people I knew but one of the nicest. My wife and I had already made plans for visiting him in Italy and then getting together with his wife in the Thousand Islands this summer. He touched everyone he met. His zest for living, his contagious enthusiasm, and his ever-present sense of humor made him a delight to be around. I just can’t believe he is gone.
Peter Seyfferth
What a tragedy! I met Marc a couple of times and I was impressed by his energy, his personality – and by his photos of course. The last mail that he sent me dated 15 November and his final phrase was: “Looking forward to have the pleasure to have a drink with you one of these days.” It is so sad that this will never happen! Cheers to you, Marc!
Nick Jeffery
Marc will be missed in the port of Nice where he recently set up FAB Studio, supporting the local community as well as promoting artists.
I last enjoyed a drink with Marc aboard Andreas L at a wedding in St Tropez where he was in his element with his team enjoying the job.
An email from Marc after a chance rdvz at YCM where my stepdaughter was celebrating a birthday party during happy hour & he generously took a few impromptu (& fantastic) shots that he delivered promptly with:
“Some had to be cropped for (if I may say…) “un-elegant poses” or because they had food in hand, or because their skirts were… too short… or for cigarettes, etc…”
A talented photographer and a kind, warm-hearted gentleman. RIP
Viviana Jenik
Always on a rush to another job,but would never forgot his friends…we will miss you here in the BVI and you will always be present in those special moments that you shared with all of us.
James Ballard
I was supposed to meet Marc and wondered why he hadn’t returned my emails. Very sad, our thoughts go out to his family. A great man. Rest In Peace Marc. JB
Romeo Soldi
You will be missing to us all Marc !Dear kind , high-energy companion of so many adventures. RS
Amanda Jenkins
So sad, wishes to your family at this difficult time.RIP
Claudio Napolitano and Virginia Pereira
So sad, our condolences for Marc’s family….my friend you always will have a place in our house in Miami, we will miss you.
Claudio and Virginia.
Laura Walters
Just before midnight, I found out this dear friend died. I hadn’t known Marc too long, just a year, but I felt I knew him well. His big bear hugs were incomparable and oh was he ever the charmer. He absorbed life and energy and made you feel better about yourself and inspired everyone he met. I can’t believe he took our (Skylark crew) pictures just a few weeks ago, and now…
He was an amazing man that will be missed. I am sorry Marc. I miss you already. I was so looking forward to visiting you in your home in Italy.
Leonardo Andreoni
Good bye to the one who was most creative and agreeable person in the yacht world that I known probably.
For a long time I worked close to you and, in this time, I discovered (you given me) all secrets to take good photos and make good assignments.
You donated me all your knowledge, I never will forget you.
Many thanks Marc
Good bye my Master
Leonardo
Eric Ahuir
Marc, tu vas me manquer. Paix à ton âme. Eric Ahuir Sedna System
Benard Annie
We will very much miss Marc who was well respected in his profession and humanly as a person.
Christine
I was supposed to call Marc and wondered why he hadn’t returned my emails. Today I have heard from this accident. Very sad, we think to his family. A great & friendly man. Thank you for great fotos and the nice fil you have made of our Hotel. Rest In Peace Marc , it was nice to meet you.
Libby Nicholson
I met Marc when he stayed at Pineapple House in Antigua several years ago. He gave me a present of a bottle of Ricard as a gift for the prosper of my business and to share with other guests. Every year that I saw Marc in Antigua for the Boat Show, he would always have a warm friendly hug, and share a big smile. He was extremely positive and always very happy. For me, it was always so wonderful to see him so busy, so creative and doing what he loved doing the most…Photography of his favorite subject…Superyachts! My heart goes out to his family and close friends, and I know that we will never forget his wonderful sense of presence in Antigua. Blessed to know you, Marc…You will be missed.
Gino Battaglia
In my professional life I work with Marc many times and all the time was a great success
Ciao Marc ci mancherai un abbraccio Gino
Selma Esmer
I couldn’t believe this tragedy and refused it long time. Now I think I have to face it and write something for this special warm-hearted gentleman. We have worked together on several yacht shooting projects in Turkey.
I was so much impressed by his enthusiasm for his work, his courage, his cheerfull personality and of course his humanity. He is a big loss for all people who knew him. Ciao my dear friend, I will miss you and our long chats a lot.
Selma
Proteksan Turquoise Yachts Inc.
Justin Olesinski
I had the pleasure of meeting Marc whilst testing and photographing Fx, the San lorenzo 100. Unfortunately due to high winds the helicopter was grounded so Marc kindly invited me to stay at his house in Brescia. Marc ws very hospitable in showing me around the bars & restaurants in his home town sampling the local Campari & sodas. Perhaps the memory that will stick in my mind the most is hairing into Genoa with Marc at wheel, squeeling tyres, phone in one hand cigarette in the other -him totally calm -me a wreck.
There are few people I have met who have such a huge character & heart.
Lisa Amore
There are some people that enter your life, and change it for the better – forever. Marc Paris entered my life at the Annapolis Boat Show in 1995, when he asked me permission to bring famed skipper Dennis Connors aboard the just-out-of-the-boatyard replica yacht Schooner America (which now is owned by Connors). That afternoon began a beautiful friendship with this crazy larger-than-life Italian. We had many great times together here in the States as well as in Italy. At some point, we lost touch, and that saddened me. But that doesn’t compare to the sadness I feel today upon hearing that Marc died in a plane crash on Christmas Eve 2012 in Turkey doing what he loved most – photographing yachts. Addio Marc. Mi manchi tanto…
Yaroslav Voynov
World lost the shining star !
I lost my Friend !
We are lost the Genious , which was next to us !
Please excuse me that I spent so little time with you ! I will never forgive myself for that !
RIP My Friend !
See you soon ………
I am proud that I had chance to know you in person !
Will Rafol
A kind and generous man. Met him in Tortola and shared quite a few ricard avec de l’eau and cigarettes.
My wife and I will miss him. We stayed at his house in Brescia (with those two massive dogs of his) and then spent our honeymoon at his agriturismo house in the Marsilliana. I had hope to reconnect with Marc but looks like i’m late. I’m a better person today because of my friendship with Marc.
Michele Rosa
We met in 2010 in Eze Bord de Mer Pantarei where we always met. He gave me my first job, as an assistent to the best Photographer ever. I was a young man and i listened to him as a master. He inspired me to the photography and the computer graphics that i’m studying right now and I have never done so that he knew. I discovered this tragedy now when I wanted to contact him to show my work and progress. I’m late but I would like to thank him for inspiring me and addressed on this road.
A te va una dedica speciale e sentita. Grazie Marc!
Michele
Caty Marí
Con amor y gratitud, querido Marc.