Onne van der Wal

Onne van der Wal
NationalityDutch
Occupations
  • Author
  • Marine photographer
  • Sailor
Websitevanderwal.com

Onne van der Wal is a Dutch marine photographer and writer.[1]

Onne van der Wal Photography Gallery is named after him.[2]

Early life and career

Born in the Netherlands, Onne van der Wal relocated to South Africa with his family as a toddler in 1959.[3][4] He lived in the then apartheid-governed country until he completed his education in 1979.[3][5] He is trained as a machinist.[6]

His career began in sailing, but after a pivotal encounter with a Sail Magazine editor in 1981.[3][7] He was on board Flyer II which won the 1981–1982 Whitbread Round the World Race.[8]

In 1980, van der Wal visited Newport, Rhode Island with a friend and decided to settle there by 1985.[3]

Following an initial stint in the marine trade, he pivoted towards professional photography, encouraged by fellow sailor, Jim Adams.[3] In 1987, he founded Onne van der Wal Photography, establishing his first Newport gallery in the early 2000s, later relocating to Banister's Wharf.[3] His business includes conducting photography workshops with plans for future international expeditions.[3]

In 2013, van der Wal published Sailing, a book comprising sailing photographs.[9] A later work, Nautical Newport, contained curated images exclusive to Newport.[9]

Personal life

van der Wal lives in Newport, Rhode Island with his wife, Tenley, and three children.[7][6]

Award

Bibliography

  • van der Wal, Onne (14 May 2004). Wind and Water: Boating Photographs From Around The World. Bulfinch. ISBN 9780821228449.
  • van der Wal, Onne; Jobson, Gary (29 October 2013). Sailing. Rizzoli. ISBN 9780847838844.
  • van der Wal, Onne; McCormick, Herb (22 October 2019). Sailing America. Rizzoli. ISBN 9780847863587.

References