In the world of boat photography, every shoot is an adventure.  Behind the scenes, boat photoshoots are filled with challenges that require meticulous problem-solving skills.

Weathering the Challenges

Boat photography is a game of variables—light, weather, water conditions, models, and logistics. Richard Steinberger was pegged by Sailfish to capture them all in his lens, even if the weather conspires against the crew. Despite being a relatively small production, the 226 Dual Console model shoot, shot last June, presented its own set of challenges, including video capture and coordinating a family of four.  

"The morning weather was less than ideal, but we were blessed with beautiful afternoon light," Richard explains. "We carefully assessed the weather conditions and the goals we needed to achieve. The moody morning lighting lent itself perfectly to fishing and glare-free detail shots. So, we patiently waited for the pleasant afternoon weather and sunlight to capture the lifestyle watersports segments."

The Art of Collaboration

Sunlight plays a crucial role in boat photography. Photographer and crew must strategically plan their shots to make the most of varying lighting conditions. From moody mornings perfect for fishing shots to the warm afternoon sun for lifestyle watersports, every moment counts.

Richard has witnessed changes in the industry, including the transformative impact of drones and the growing trend of simultaneously capturing stills and video. These developments have expanded opportunities for photographers in new directions. In the 226DC shoot, the use of a pontoon boat with an upper deck allowed for unique angles and high shots, reflecting an evolving taste for top-down profiles in boat photography.

A Successful Boat Photoshoot

Success in boat photography goes beyond the final images. Safety is a top priority, given the inherent risks involved in capturing shots on the water. Beyond that, it's about capturing the vibrant energy and relaxed lifestyle of boating—a true representation of what people cherish about life on the water. The Sailfish 226 DC photoshoot reveals the dedication, skill, and adaptability required to create stunning imagery. See some of these stunning results  in our gallery below 👇 ⬇️ .