yacht photography nz

I have been a sailor and an advertising / commercial photographer in past careers.

I was lucky enough to be able combine these passions after  winning the contract to be a photographer for the 31st America’s Cup in Auckland. This led on to many great opportunities shooting sailing for teams, agencies and events, including being Emirates Team New Zealand’s photographer from 2004 to 2015.

My photos have been in magazines, newspapers, posters, billboards, books and websites. They’ve been on stamps, buildings and busses, almost anything you could imagine.

I believe one of my greatest strengths in the field is my ability to create an image that is technically perfect and aesthetically appealing at the same time as meeting every requirement of my client.

To meet my client’s brief is the most important thing with any job.  Great yacht photography requires meticulous  planning and preparation and some cooperation from nature.

There is no better feeling for me than when the planning and preparation comes together and I get, not only the shots that meet the brief but imagery that exceeds the expectations of my client.

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Den Phillips, one of the leading maritime photographers, specialises in photographing Classic and Traditional Boats, Seascapes and characters involved. Her work is predominantly in black and white, but she also works in colour for magazines and brochures and for various Yachting Magazines.

Den has produced two calendars again, The Classic Yacht Calendar, in its 25th year, features beautiful images from Classic Yacht Regattas including the Richard Mille Cup, Antigua Classics, Fife Regatta.

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9 Things NO ONE Will Tell you about Professional Superyacht Photography

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Written by Maria Korotaeva

Lots of incredible things happen around us in the world. Being able to see them is easy; being able to capture them is the art of photography. Being a good photographer is not easy; but being a professional photographer is an adventure, challenge and lifestyle. We have spoken to one of the greatest photographers in the superyacht media, Quin Bisset from Q&K Media . In between sailing, surfing, mountain biking, travelling and professional superyacht shooting, in this exclusive interview, Quin told us about his profession, passion for superyachts , and some challenges behind his  very successful assignments.

Exclusive Interview with the Professional Superyacht Photographer Quin Bisset

Superyacht OKTO. Photo credit Q&K

Starting at the beginning. When did you realise you wanted to become a professional photographer?

I had a keen interest in photography from a very young age and never really considered it to become a profession. It was a natural progression from becoming an assistant while studying film at Canterbury and being based near the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps of NZ. I don’t think there was any other option for me than to become a professional photographer as it combined my love of travel, storytelling and need to share my experiences.

What brought you to the world of yachting and what was your first assignment in this industry?

 My first real yacht shoot was during the last Americas Cup challenge in New Zealand and I filmed and photographed a superyacht which was in NZ to spectate the racing and charter the coastlines. I have always had a passion for sailing, the ocean and it was like a match made in heaven.

The Dubois Cup. Photo credit Q&K

What are the challenges when it comes to photographing luxury yachts?

 There are many challenges when it comes to luxury yacht photography, first of which would be weather and weather is rarely perfect. You have to be able to adapt quickly and use the conditions to your best advantage. When you have a multi million dollar yacht made available for you and a big yacht crew waiting for your direction you can not start scratching your head :). Another challenge can be logistics on location, if the yacht is in an isolated area and you need to coordinate a helicopter which could be coming from another country or island and there may only be a rock to land on.

Your professional equipment must be pretty impressive. Those readers with a passion for photography will surely find interesting to know what type of camera and lenses you use most of the time.

I travel with mostly Canon bodies and lenses. I have a Canon 1DX and 2 Canon 5D mkIII in case of breakdown. My go to lenses would be 24-105mm, 16-35mm, 50mm and a 300mm which covers most requirements on location. I now also travel with a drone which can be very useful in very remote areas. Oh, and an underwater housing and moonlight flash kit.

Luxury Lifestyle. Photo Credit Q&K

Do you usually work alone or have an assistant(s)?

 It depends on the size of yacht and requirements of the shoot whether or not I use assistants. I have a small number of people that I trust to work with and can be considerate of the yacht and her crew. If working with models it can be useful to have someone shooting second camera or concentrating on details.

How long would a typical mega yacht shoot last? Can you describe, in a few words, what does an average superyacht shoot entail?

A typical yacht shoot takes anywhere from 3 -10 days depending on logistics. The average shoot requires photographing the interior, exterior, lifestyle and toys. In an average day I could be underwater capturing diving, in a helicopter for aerial running and location shots or in a galley with the chef at work. The day generally starts pre dawn and finishes well after sunset.

Photoshoot from a helicopter. Photo credit Q&K

  What was your most memorable assignment and why?

 Thats a tough question as there are so many. I have photographed from a parasail in Egypt as it was illegal to fly a helicopter, captured sharks swimming under the yacht as a model sits on the swim platform. Last year I was hired to photograph a maxi trimaran breaking ocean records and ended up sailing with the team and capturing 3 World Records myself including Newport to Bermuda and the Transpac overall speed record from LA to Hawaii.

Superyacht Bacchus. Photo credit Q&K

What do you love about your job?

I love everything about my job but especially the ability to capture a moment which comes together with team work from the crew and having them getting as excited as I do about the result. It is constant travel and problem solving which is not for everyone but luckily it is what gets me excited.

What would you recommend to photographers wanting to enter the world of superyacht photography?

 I would recommend to just get out there on the water, even if its a fishing boat, dinghy sailing or photographing superyachts at anchor, it is all experience and will help you discover the light, lenses and conditions that start to prove your craft. If you can its always good to try assisting as its not just being a photographer it is learning how to work with people.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "9 Things NO ONE Will Tell you about Professional Superyacht Photography".

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Editorial and Commercial Travel, Lifestyle, and Destination Photography and Videography

Yacht Photography

Interested in showcasing your yacht in the best way? If your business has a luxury yacht, catamaran, or sailing boat, you’d want me to capture let’s talk! I’m shooting the holistic side of things, from interior to lifestyle, food, little details that make you special, and the essence of the experience of staying with you.

Get inspired by my previous yacht photography projects and get in touch to discuss a project!

Golden Galapagos x M/C Endemic

 What better way to explore the Galapagos Islands than on a 3-day eco-luxury cruise around the Southern islands of the archipelago? With only 8 cabins, this carbon-neutral luxury catamaran has all the amenities and is sustainable, and up to par!

The assignment aimed to capture an image gallery of the overall experience on board and the sustainable features and solutions. As the first yacht that earned a carbon-neutral certification, the company wanted to highlight this achievement and create promotional short-form videos and marketing material.

Check out my luxury hotel portfolio for hotel projects.

Y/M Vision Pikaia x Pikaia Lodge

When staying at Pikaia Lodge x Relais & Chateaux, your itinerary will include water-based excursions in its own private Vision yacht. A luxury yacht with a master suite and four double cabins, it boasts a whirlpool on the sundeck, snorkeling gear and get’s special permits to explore destinations in private.

The assignment was to capture the overall experience that guests can expect to have on board. From capturing the incredible excursions, our own naturist guide, the food, and the little details that make up the bigger picture. As part of the assignment, I provided professional yacht photography and short-form videos for social media purposes.

Check out my Instagram @christintheilig for more videos and imagery of the Pikaia Lodge experience.

If you’d like to discuss a future yacht photography project, let’s get in touch via my email or Instagram!

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New Zealand Photo Tour

Explore New Zealand with our photo tour of the area. Our selection of photos of famous landmarks, architecture, beaches to get a real flavour of the people and their culture to help you choose your next yachting vacation location.

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Find Yourself Enchanted by New Zealand

New Zealand is one of few destinations where with each yacht charter you can experience a different mix of landscapes and cultures that always has you coming back again. The rolling hills and hedgerows which frame stunning lakes combined with the easy-going locals you come across is a real delight to experience. 

Maori culture is unforgettable, the surfing is world-class and the bars a must-visit. The best of the old and new world combined in one country, what more could you ask for on a luxury yacht charter holiday?

A Diving Paradise Awaits You on Your New Zealand Yacht Charter Vacation

Legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau once stated that he believed that the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, located off New Zealand's Bay of Islands, were one of the top diving locations in the world. This is only a taster for the reality of what a New Zealand charter itinerary packed with diving has in store for you here.

Visit hundreds of quiet offshore islands, marine reserves and accessible coastlines with dive wrecks, sub-tropical reefs and crystal clear waters beyond your imagination on a New Zealand yacht charter. Exploring huge kelp forests, swimming alongside colourful schools of fish or friendly dolphins are all within you reach. For a truly unique adventure, try out kayak diving or a descent underwater after dark.

Encounter the Gentle Giants of the Pacific Ocean

One of the most extraordinary activities to add to your New Zealand charter itinerary is whale watching. Encounters with whales, primarily from June to November, can be experienced throughout the country and at Auckland's Hauraki Gulf and Kaikoura area.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, in Auckland is one of the largest gulfs in the South Pacific  and home to a diverse range of exotic and rare marine life. The endangered Bryde's whale lives here amongst 25 species of 37 animals of the southern hemisphere. 

Travel to Kaikoura, on the east coast of South Island, to see sperm whales - the area is one of few in the world where you can easily the largest of all toothed whale species. They can be seen all year round, whereas orcas (killer whales) can be seen from December to March and humpback whales in June and July. 

Be Spoilt for Choice for Beaches on a New Zealand Yacht Charter

As an island nation, New Zealand is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Totalling a huge 15,000 km, the country's coast is diverse, depending on whether you are cruising the east coast or the west coast of the country - a  laid-back atmosphere is a recurrent theme, however.

Particular highlights nearby Auckland include Mount Maunganui at Bay of Plenty - where soft, white beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and swimming and surfing is always on the agenda - and  Tawaharanui beach - offering secluded bays surrounded by enchanting rocky headlands.

Perfect for charter yacht exploration are the Bay of Islands in Northland, made up of 144 islands boasting pristine, untouched beaches each with their own unique personality to discover as you try out your water toys . 

Enjoy the Dramatic Landscape of the Archway Islands

Spend a much-needed day soaking up the tranquillity and soft light in Golden Bay, found at the northern tip of South Island. Wharariki beach and its offshore  Archway Islands are a sight you will never forget from your New Zealand luxury yacht charter vacation.

Visit in the early morning of evening for the best view, and watch nearby seal pups play in rock pools. The surrounding Farewell Spit, Cape Farewell arch - shaded by beautiful Kanuka trees - are also a real delight to visit. 

Spot a Beautiful Paua Shell on Your New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter

Wandering amongst the coast on your New Zealand luxury yacht charter you may come across a bright and colourful paua shell. Home to three native species of paua, these oval-shaped shells are a hugely important to Maori for food and their decorative shells.

New Zealand's paua - known as abalone worldwide - are distinguished by their brilliantly coloured shells. They can found in shallow waters clinging to rocks, and particularly at Stewart Island and Southland. 

Visit the Rocky Shores of Punakaiki

Located on the West Coast, Punakaiki is renowned for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes, a must-see during your visit. The nearby Paparoa National Park offers 30,000 hectares of exotic landscape, varying from lush native rainforest and towering mountain tops to expansive unspoilt beaches and coastline. 

Take a horse trek through the scenic landscapes, learn the history of the area, explore the Pororari River by canoe, surf or watch the spectacular West Coast sunset - the possibilities are endless on your New Zealand luxury yacht charter vacation. 

Experience Maori Culture on a New Zealand Yacht Charter

You cannot have an authentic experience of New Zealand on a yacht charter without enjoying the local Maori culture. An essential part of the country's everyday life, Maori culture can be found on television channels here, at meeting houses or at Maori feasts ('hangi') across the country.

Exploring the New Zealand you may catch a performance of a traditional Maori song, dance or world-famous war dance ('haka'). You may also come across the more obvious, with Maori tattooing to the face ('taka moko') particularly popular.

Make Auckland the Top of Your New Zealand Charter Itinerary

A cosmopolitan  hub with an urban edge, Auckland is one of the highlights of a New Zealand charter itinerary. Boasting excellent cuisine, culture and coastal scenery, the city can often be found on countless 'Top 10's' of places to visit. 

Auckland's newly revitalised waterfront district Wynard Quarter and surrounding dining and shopping precincts make the harbourside city the place to be on a New Zealand luxury yacht charter. Vibrant, yet also boasting a picturesque coastal hinterland, Auckland is increasingly rivalling the best cities in the world. 

Admire the Lupins at Lake Tekapo on a New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter

The second-largest lake in New Zealand , Lake Tekapo, runs from north to south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin at South Island. It covers an area of over 83 square kilometres and is home to a thriving population of pink, blue and purple-hued lupins.

The exotic flowers grow against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-topped mountains, turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd. Russell lupines produce long, colourful flower heads and grow pea-shaped flowers, and have leaves splayed out like finger on a hand.

The Russell Lupins were first introduced by Connie Scott in the 1950s near Godley peaks; they now grow in abundance, in a variety of colours, along roadsides, surrounding village and Mackenzie country.

See the Famous Moeraki Boulders on a New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter

Make a visit to Koekohe Beach a priority on your charter itinerary to witness something special on your New Zealand luxury yacht charter vacation.  Large, spherical boulders sit in clusters stretched along on the wave-cut coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden. 

Most striking is their unusual shape and size, ranging from 1.6 ft to 7.2 ft in diameter, similar to "Koutu Boulders" found at Hokianga Harbour in North Island. 

Over time coastal erosion reveals the embedded boulders, exhumed from mudstone. Maori legend claims the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, calabashes and kumara washed ashore from the wreck of a famous sailing canoe, Arai-te-uru. 

Enjoy 90 Miles of Soft White Sand at Cape Reinga

Give in to the beauty of the South Pacific and book a luxury yacht charter in New Zealand this season. At the northernmost tip of the country you'll find Cape Reinga, were the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

The region boasts 90 miles of pristine white sands and crystal blue waters, home to an exotic array of wildlife and perfect for snorkelling from your superyacht. The beach additionally offers the perfect opportunity to make use of your charter yachts state-of-the-art diving and fishing equipment. Beach activities to enjoy with family and friends include surfcasting and bodyboarding down the incredible sand dunes!

Check Out New Zealand's Most Impressive Peaks

New Zealand is notorious for its mountains, with Mount Cook, Mount Tutoko, Mount Aspiring and Mount Arthur. A must-see on your New Zealand luxury yacht charter is Mount Cook, at a huge 3,724 metres the mountain is a spectacular sight and favourite challenge for climbers. 

Most of the country's alpine areas are found at South Island. A chain of mountains begins in the north with Nelson and the Kaikoura ranges and extends into the Southern Alps, which boast some of New Zealand's highest peaks, and stretches to the Fiordland area in the south-west. 

Discover the South Pacific on a New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter

Located in the South Pacific , New Zealand comprises of two landmasses - that of North Island ('Te Ika-a-Maui') and South Island ('Te Waipounamu') and many smaller islands.

Remotely situated around 900 miles from Australia and 600 miles south of countries such as Fiji , during the years its land wasn't populated by humans, New Zealand developed a distinctive biodiversity of animal, plant and fungal life. 

The county's landscape is varied, with its sharp mountain peaks particularly worthwhile seeing on your New Zealand yacht charter - with the Southern Alps a real highlight. For the buzz of a lively city, head to the country's most populous city, Auckland. 

Spot Koru on a New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter

A unique sight on your New Zealand yacht charter may be coming across the 'koru.' 'Loop' in Maori, the koru is a spiral shaped new unfurling silver furn. To locals it is a special symbol of life, growth and peace. Its circular shape represents perpetual movement and the inner coil indicates returning to the point of origin.

The motif of the Koru can be spotted around the country, on planes, in abstract designs and to decorate the walls of meeting houses. The koru design is an iconic symbol of the New Zealand's flora and an essential part of the country's culture.

Travel to Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel Peninsula

Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots in The Coromandel Peninsula, and a must-visit on your New Zealand luxury yacht charter vacation. In walking distance from the picturesque Hahei Beach, the cove's naturally-formed archway is a spectacular sight to behold and has a real air of grandeur. 

The gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to two secret coves to explore. Surrounding sands are perfect for unwinding, with shady pohutukawa trees swaying in the breeze above.  A short distance from the beach, you can't miss 'Te Hoho.' A huge pinnacle of pumice breccia rock that has been shaped over time by wind and water, it now has the appearance of a large ship arriving at the beach!

The nearby Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve offers the perfect opportunity to use your superyacht's scuba-diving gear , with an array of reef systems, sponge gardens and marine life to discover. 

Discover New Zealand's Largest and Oldest Trees in Waipoua Forest

Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest, located on the west coast north of Dargaville. Home to the country's largest tree, Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest is a true wonderland for the intrepid adventurer. 

The largest remaining tract of the native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green of enormous trees where rarely-seen birds flutter from branch to branch. Visitors never forget wandering along the forest's highway,  fringed by ferns every hue of green with kauri trees  towering in the sky above - some as old as 3,000 years old. 

Journey to the West Coast on Your Luxury Yacht Charter in New Zealand

The sparsely populated West Coast of New Zealand offers truly breathtaking scenery. Home to stunning coastline and an exotic wildlife that includes the Blue Penguin, New Zealand's smallest penguin. 

The Great Coast Road, bordered by the Nikau rainforest and the wild Tasman Sea, is a particularly memorable experience for all the family to enjoy. Widely regarded as one of the best coastal drives in the world, due to a series of picture-perfect beaches to visit along the way, and the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps - it is a must for your charter itinerary. 

Discover New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Auckland

Widely considered one of the best cities to travel to in the world, Auckland is a must-visit on a New Zealand luxury yacht charter vacation. With checking out the designer stores, climbing a volcano or diving into the arts scene on offer, Auckland caters for every type of charter vacation.

The largest and most multi-cultural city in New Zealand , head into Victorian and Edwardian villa-lined streets of the inner-city to locate the country's chic suburbs.

Discover Enchanting Dense Forests on a Luxury Yacht Charter in New Zealand

Years ago over 80% of New Zealand was covered in thick forest before people called this grassy woodland home. Today there are nearly 6.5 million hectares of native forest to explore on a New Zealand yacht charter, covering around a quarter of the country.

Five types of beech tend to dominate the forests of New Zealand: hard, black, red, silver and mountain beech. Dense luxuriant po docarp-hardwood forest also includes  some of the country's tallest and most spectacular trees, including rimu, matai, kahikatea, totara and miro. 

Meet Exotic Birds on Your New Zealand Yacht Charter

The South Pacific  is renowned for its array of wild life, and New Zealand is no different. Famously the seabird capital of the world, you can see forest birds on a New Zealand yacht charter that you are unable to see anywhere else in the world. 

The endangered kiwi is particularly special to come across, of the five species that live in New Zealand, only 70,000 are left in the country. Forest dwellers that make dens and nest in burrows, they are the only bird in the world to have nostrils at the end of their long bill - used to sniff out fruit. 

Find Paradise at the Tranquil Shores of Maori Bay

Travel to the south of Muriwai beach on Auckland's west coast to find the enchanting small cove of Maori Bay. Less populated than other nearby hotspots due to its rocky entrance, Maori Bay prides itself on offering peace and tranquillity to those on a New Zealand yacht charter vacation.

One of the best spots locally for surfing the waves in the day, as sunsets over Maori Bay it transforms to create a spectacular evening scene beyond one's imagination. The secret of the bay is part of its romance, an idyllic beach - Maori Bay lingers in your memory after a visit. 

Discover New Zealand Your Own Way on a Charter Vacation

There are famously fewer inhabitants than there is space for in New Zealand, 270, 534 square kilometres to be exact. Filling in the gaps are enchanting forests, epic mountains, uninhabited beaches and fiords that have all help make New Zealand one of the best charter destinations for exploration by foot in the world. 

Hiking is called 'tramping' by locals, who have identified nine 'Great Walks' that are must for your New Zealand yacht charter itinerary. Highlights include Heaphy or Milford Tracks - then again, simply wandering the picturesque land of New Zealand following your own path...

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Featured Luxury Charter Yachts in New Zealand

To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in New Zealand.

57m | Royal Huisman

from $250,000 p/week

44m | Pendennis

from $260,000 p/week

43m | Perini Navi

from $130,500 p/week

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from $88,000 p/week

Pacific Eagle

31m | Alloy Yachts

23m | Northport Engineering

from $30,000 p/week

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10 Top Tips for Photographing Wildlife from a Boat

Photographing wildlife from a boat, whether on a lake or the open ocean, is one of my favorite ways to spend a day with my camera. Large bodies of water always provide a rich, diverse environment, and the fact that you are silently floating through it often means that you can get closer to many species than you’d ever be able to if you approached by foot or by a vehicle on land. This kind of photography is not without its challenges, so this guide draws from my experiences, and I’ll share ten tips to help you safely get the shots you’ve always dreamt of from the water.

Choose your Boat Wisely

In many places, you’ll have a choice between different tour companies with different styles of boats. Some larger companies will have two types of boats to accommodate all customers’ requirements. This might not be true if you’re floating around amongst icebergs in Greenland or somewhere similarly remote, but if there’s ever a choice of boat captain/tour operator, you can be sure there will be a choice of boat.

From a purely photographic point of view, the smaller the boat, the better, especially regarding wildlife photography. Smaller boats are lower to the water, and for land-based animals, the resulting images are often at eye level, which gives them a much more intimate feel.

Suppose you’re looking for whales, dolphins, or other ocean-based creatures. In that case, a lower boat will get your lens nearly perpendicular to the water, giving you more of an opportunity to get an interesting background in the photo. If the boat is too tall, all your photos will look down on the subject with a bland water backdrop that provides no environmental or geographical context.

Small boats do have their downsides, though. Besides the obvious fact that you can’t escape the natural elements if the weather turns on you, a smaller boat is much less stable in choppy seas. A larger boat is better for you if the water isn’t calm and seasickness might be an issue. In very rough water, the added stability of a larger boat also gives you a better chance at getting sharp photos if you’re working in lower light levels with slower shutter speeds.

I’m very thankful that I have never suffered from seasickness, and at least at this stage in my life, with my current level of fitness, I’m happy to take my chances and fight the roll of the ocean to try and get a sharp shot on a rough day from a small boat. You have to be prepared for your keeper rate to drop a little, though, and if you’re working with a very large lens, it can be quite a physical activity.

On a rough day in a RIB or smaller Zodiac, you’ll also have to pay close attention to the water protection you give your camera equipment. While it might seem like it offers the best view, the front seat will also be the one that gets the wettest as your captain battles through the swell.

By comparison, a larger boat will be a much more comfortable experience, offering you shelter from the spray and the rain. At the same time, you travel greater distances and have a more stable viewing platform once you find what you’re looking for. Those with a history of seasickness should also note that larger boats will have a washroom, whereas smaller boats usually do not, so your only option is to feed the fish directly.

Choosing the Right Telephoto Lens

In the cramped confines of a small boat, I find it easier to work with slightly smaller and lighter lenses than you might choose if you were working out of a safari vehicle somewhere like Africa. With no room to set up a tripod, you must hand-hold any lens you choose and do it in unstable conditions. For this reason, a lens with image stabilization is a must.

For photographers using a Canon mirrorless camera , the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS lens is the perfect choice. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS is also a great option, or the old Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II, adapted to use on your mirrorless camera with one of Canon’s EF to RF mount adapters. If you’re lucky enough to own the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS lens and feel strong enough to handhold its 5.7lb weight, sticking the RF 1.4x extender on it to create a 140-420mm zoom gets it into what I find to be the right sort of range for this kind of photography.

Nikon mirrorless users have many lens choices for wildlife photography. Still, the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR are standout solutions for most people in an aquatic environment. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens is a third great option. This incredibly lightweight prime lens is sharper than Nikon’s zoom lenses and works much better with the 1.4x teleconverter. However, you do give up the flexibility of a zoom lens. The older F-Mount Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF is one final lens that always deserves mention. You can adapt this to a modern Nikon mirrorless camera with Nikon’s FTZ II adapter to get another stunningly sharp but compact long lens solution.

Sony shooters don’t have as many telephoto lens options, but that almost doesn’t matter because they have the exceptional Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G in the Sony lens lineup . This is the best-value wildlife photography lens on the market, and I prefer it over the more expensive Sony 100-400mm GM lens. Another great option for Sony shooters is the 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II lens with an attached 2x teleconverter. I typically don’t recommend 2x teleconverter usage; however, the GM II version of the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 performs better with a 2x teleconverter than any other 70-200mm lens, and I’ve made some fantastic wildlife images with that combination.

With any of these lenses, the zooms or the lightweight primes, you’ll also find them great for photographing any birds that might fly past your boat. Wildly pointing a huge 600mm prime lens at the sky and trying to track fast-moving birds, handheld, from a bobbing boat is an exercise in frustration.

What About Those Big Super Telephoto Lenses?

If you own a 400mm f2.8, 600mm f/4, or 800mm prime lens, you might be disappointed that I haven’t recommended them yet in this guide. I also own these lenses but usually find the unpredictability of wildlife positioning in an aquatic environment makes zooms a better choice. Of course, if you have two cameras, you can use a zoom on one and your big prime lens on another, but check with your boat captain first to ensure there’s enough room for you to do this.

The lenses mentioned in this section aren’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully, it gives you some clues as to what might be best for your camera system. If you don’t have quite the right lens, I recommend renting one from LensRentals.com if you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Trading Focal Length in Rough Waters

If conditions look a little rough and the boat will be rolling about on the waves, you should consider the question of focal length vs. keeper rate. On a rolling ocean, it’s incredibly hard to point a long focal length at a specific point because the angular velocity of your view is increased along with that focal length. Every tiny motion from the boat is exaggerated through the viewfinder, and the entire frame is constantly changing. 

Photographing anything specific at 600mm on a rough day is almost impossible, but you might get something by shooting in the 200-400mm range if you work hard and don’t get yourself too frustrated by the challenge. For wildlife photography, this might mean you must shift your focus from close-up portraits to environmental portraits.

At the same time, you also want to leave a little room in the frame to crop and rotate images once you get them onto your computer. A level horizon is essential if the land is included in the image, but keeping it level while your rock and roll over the waves is an added challenge. It’s more than likely you’ll have to rotate the image when you edit. Including compositional elements close to the edge of the frame will likely result in problems this way, so it’s a good idea to shoot 10-15% wider.

If you’re on the water for landscape photography opportunities with a wider lens, this won’t be such an issue for you, although you’ll want to make sure that you increase your shutter speeds to combat that motion and get lovely sharp images. Remember from the exposure triangle basics that you’ll have to increase your ISO to increase your shutter speed and maintain the same aperture (and hence depth of field).

Stabilization Techniques

Keeping your camera steady on a boat is very important, but you can’t rely on a tripod or a monopod as you would on land. Not only is it unlikely that there will be space for those things, but they also directly transfer the boat’s movement and engine vibrations to your camera, likely resulting in a softer image.

With a bit of practice, though, the human body can do a remarkable job of dampening out the movement of a boat. The most important thing to remember is to remain supple, not rigid. On land, when hand-holding a big lens, the best technique is to lock up and turn yourself into a solid tripod or, technically, a bipod. On a boat, though, you need to try to feel the water’s rhythm beneath you and absorb that motion from the bottom of your body upwards. Counteracting the motion first with the lower extremities of your body, then your core and torso, and then your arms.

If you have a choice and aren’t shooting a surprise peak-action moment, it’s also best to take the photo as your boat is on the crest of a wave or at the bottom of the trough. At these two points in the boat’s oscillation, it will move much slower in the vertical direction, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting a tack-sharp shot.

It might seem counterintuitive, but if it’s safe, I prefer to stand up in the boat to use my legs to absorb a lot of the motion before it gets to my camera. You need to be sure it’s not so rough that you’re going to topple out of the boat, and you also need to ensure that this doesn’t ruin the view of your fellow passengers.

If the water isn’t calm, you don’t want to use a monopod traditionally because it will transfer the boat’s motion to your camera. However, if you’re working with a very heavy lens, a monopod can be useful to take the weight off your arms and shoulders between shots. Wildlife photography is always a waiting game, and if space is limited on the boat, it might not be possible to put the camera and lens down anywhere safe between shoots. With a monopod, you can use it between your legs to take the weight of the camera while on the search for your next wildlife opportunity.

When the time to shoot comes, your arms, back, and shoulders will be fresh, and you can lift the monopod off the deck to isolate the camera from the boat’s movement. This is the point where your core strength comes into play, and you put into practice the technique that I mentioned earlier. I don’t bother with this when using a shorter zoom lens, but I have used it on longer days with larger lenses. I’ll take any advantage I can give myself!

Talk to Your Captain

Having a pre-trip chat with your boat captain wouldn’t be necessary if you were on a dedicated multi-day photographic workshop–that’s up to your tour leader–but if you’re jumping on a smaller boat for a one-off trip, then it’s worth having a chat to let him know that your primary goal is photography. Once you encounter the landscape or wildlife that you’re looking for, they might be able to position the boat in a way that offers you some additional benefit. You might also find that they have suggestions about where to sit in their boat to get the smoothest or driest ride.

In my experience, I have found that if you approach a boat holding a huge super-telephoto lens, these conversations happen naturally. As long as it doesn’t negatively impact the experience of other guests, most captains will be more than happy to try to help you get what you need. After all, they would love you to come back again!

Don’t Leave your Wide Angle Lens at Home

If your primary goal is wildlife photography, consider still carrying a lens as wide as 24mm. A zoom like a 24-105mm or a 16-35 is a great choice. Wildlife is unpredictable; the image above is a great example. On a whale watching tour in Canada, I was happily photographing more distant grey whales with a telephoto lens when another suddenly surfaced next to our small boat and began to rub itself along the hull! Getting a close-up shot of a barnacle-covered whale like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would have been photographically wasted if I hadn’t had a wide-angle lens in my bag.

A wide lens is also great for storytelling images with your boat within the frame. If I publish a series of wildlife images taken from a boat, I like to include at least one or two shots that give the viewer more of the story from that adventure and a sense of the surrounding environment.

Use the Water to Help your Story

If the wildlife you photograph is on land, don’t just focus on tight portrait shots that hide the coastal or lakeside environment around them. Shimmering water, waves, and reflections are just a few of the exciting elements that can be added to the foreground of your photos when working from a boat.

Best Ways to Carry Your Camera Gear on a Small Boat

Choosing the right camera bag for your aquatic adventure depends on your boat size. A tightly-packed zodiac might not have room for a large backpack. When this is the case, I hand carry my camera with my telephoto lens attached, then pack a waist pack with my additional essentials: batteries, memory cards, sunglasses, sunscreen, wide angle lens, 1.4x teleconverter, and a lens cloth. Any smallish shoulder bag or medium-sized waist pack will do, but I like the Think Tank SpeedTop Crossbody 15 . It uses magnets to secure the lid, which is much more convenient to open and close with one hand while bobbing about in the ocean and holding your camera with your other hand.

Related Post : Think Tank SpeedTop Crossbody Review

Importantly, I also take an empty 30-liter ultralight dry bag with me stuffed into my jacket pocket. This dry bag from Sealline is large enough to protect my camera and my small camera bag if weather and waves start to make things wet. You might find that your boat tour provider has a collection of dry bags for customer use, but I still prefer to carry one with me, just in case.

Camera Weather Protection

While I have the 30-liter dry bag to wrap everything up if the ocean is too rough, it’s also a good idea to have a cover for your camera to keep shooting in rainy weather. Having tested many camera rain covers here on Shutter Muse over the past years, I’ve narrowed the choice to two covers that should fit anyone’s budget. Both options are from Think Tank Photo.

First up is the Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover , available in Small, Medium, and Large. This is the cheaper of the two options and is a waterproof sleeve that fits over your camera, with a clear plastic back for viewing the LCD screen and camera controls. What sets this rain cover apart from other simple covers is a small plastic attachment that slots into your camera’s hot shoe. This clever addition ensures the cover stays in place, and the compact size of the folded cover makes it a great option to keep in your bag at all times for, as the name suggests… emergencies. These are a huge step up from using a garbage bag.

The second option is the Think Tank Hydrophobia Rain Covers . Again, these are available in three sizes, but this time are labeled 24-70, 70-200, and 300-600 to give you some idea of the lens size they are designed to cover. These covers are built from slightly tougher material and have armholes and a built-in shoulder strap. They require a camera-specific eyepiece, but this does allow you to look through the viewfinder without lifting the cover. Its bulkier folded size makes it less suitable for everyday carry in your camera bag, so I choose this cover when I’m sure I will encounter heavy rain.

Personal Protection

Suppose you’re on a commercially organized wildlife tour. In that case, most companies will give you a PFD (personal flotation device = lifejacket) or a flotation suit if you’re in an open RIB. At the same time, larger commercial boats will have lifejackets stowed away for emergencies. If you’re out on your own boat and want a PFD that works well for photographers, I suggest you check out PFDs designed for specifically for fishing.

My preference is those made by NRS and Kokatat. I use these in my kayaks and packraft because they have many pockets perfect for storing my 1.4x extender, a wide-angle lens, some batteries, my phone, by InReach Mini, a marine radio, and my memory card holder.

When I’m on the water, I also pay close attention to how much sun I’m getting, and I always carry sunscreen with me in my camera bag. It amazes me how many people pay no attention to this and even stubbornly decline the sunscreen I offer them, only to show up the next day with scorched faces. Water reflects the sunlight at you and drastically increases its effect on your skin! If the sun is intense and you plan to be out for prolonged periods, consider getting a fishing sun mask that offers 50+ SPF protection from someone like Buff .

If you plan on shooting from a boat in the near future, I hope this article has fully prepared you to make the most out of your aquatic adventure. Getting out into such a different environment can be eye-opening, and it’ll undoubtedly help you broaden your portfolio if you’re well-prepared.

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10 thoughts on “10 Top Tips for Photographing Wildlife from a Boat”

Excellent article! I do a bit of shooting from a canoe and use a pelican case rather than the bag type which is hard to handle in tight spaces.

Thanks! Yeah there’s pros and cons. I’ll be kayaking tomorrow and then I’ll certainly use a Pelican case.

Enjoying the very practical and no nonsense hands on articles and reviews— I find them clear and to the point. I’m traveling to Tofino-Ucluelet BC and will be hitting the water for a wildlife tour on Monday/Tuesday as a learning exercise with my new d500.

Do you have any recommendations for tour companies for good wildlife photography? We currently have one kayak excursion booked and I’m considering a second day out.

I’m also struggling over how much gear to take on the tandem kayak and what to leave behind.

Kit I have available to choose from. Nikon 16-85mm f6.3 Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 (+generation 1 TC1.4) Nikon 200-500mm f5.6, rented — still learning about this one.

I’m planning on stowing these in their padded holsters in a 30 liter Raptor dry-bag pack while on the water.

Is this a practical setup in your opinion, and are there any other items you’d recommend as necessary? I’ve spent a little time shooting from a canoe, but never a kayak.

I realize this is short notice for a question — so no worries if you’re not able to reply.

Cheers and thanks Tom

Sorry Tom, I was in the Arctic when you posted your message so I didn’t get it for a couple of weeks. I hope you enjoyed your time in Tofino and were able to get out with some great tour companies. For future, my tours in Tofino were always with Adventure Tofino.

Let me know how it all went!

No worries! I did what I usually do — jumped in and learned from my mistakes. I ended up carrying everything — Nikon d500, Nikon 200-500, Nikon 70-200 f2.8 + TC-14EII, Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-6.3 That turned out to be a good kit for me.

I did 3 tours — 1 kayak, 1 small covered powered boat, 1 large whale watching boat.

On the bigger boats, I carried the lenses in a small day-pack. For the kayak, I lashed an MEC Raptor drybag to the deck.

The biggest change I’d make in future is to go with a tour specifically aimed at photographers — I found the general tours were a lot of “run here and there” for proof of sighting, then run back to shore for the next mob. Lots of great photo opps were missed. (I did have the foresight to talk to the tour folks ahead of time about my goals.)

Still — I had a lot of fun and got some good images and learned a lot. Your run-down formed a great starting point — I went fairly well prepared.

One thing – the rented Nikon 200-500 seemed to produce images that lacked the detail of my 70-200, even when distance was accounted for. I’d love to send you a sample of a shot I got of a mother bear off Tofino. I love the shot, but I feel like my 70-200 would have done a better job with the 1.4 teleconverter. Maybe you could tell me if I’m crazy (or just inexperienced).

Cheers and thanks for the advice — hope the new location is providing lots of fantastic shooting opportunities!

Hey Tom, thanks for the trip report. I’d like to see the shot with your 200-500. Shoot me a message in the contact page to say hi and I’ll reply with muy email address.

The 200-500 can’t be expected to be as detailed as the 70-200 as the 200-500 is not a pro-grade lens, so I would expect some different, but lets’s see what you got!

Dry bag packs and holsters provide protection against water that comes from any direction and even a tumble into the blue stuff.

I’m a fan of OverBoard gear. (Note: no financial interest).

https://www.over-board.com/

Thanks! Never heard of them but I’ll check it out.

Another Nikon equivalent of the Canon DO lenses is the 300/4 PF. That’s the little brother to the 500/5.6 PF.

On a D500 you can shoot one-handed, and that’s very useful if you’re hanging on with the other.

Good point. That’s a lovely little lens.

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• Motor Yacht Ronin - Lürssen
• Motor Yacht Rush X - Sunseeker
• Motor Yacht S - Palmer Johnson
• Motor Yacht Sans Abri - Ferretti
• Motor Yacht Santa Maria - Feadship
• Sailing Yacht Sarita - Oyster
• Motor Yacht Saspa - Sanlorenzo
• Catamaran Sasta - Lagoon
• Sailing Yacht Satori - Big Blue Yachting
• Sailing Yacht Sea Shuttle - Jongert
• Motor Yacht Sea Story - Vanquish
• Motor Yacht Sea Walk - Oceanco
• Motor Yacht Seraph - Mochi Craft
• Motor Yacht Seven - Sanlorenzo
• Sailing Yacht Shamanna - Nautor's Swan
• Sailing Yacht Shenandoah of Sark - Townsend & Downey
• Motor Yacht Smooth Operator - Sunseeker
• Sailing Yacht Silver Spray - Scheepswerf Piet Smit
• Sailing Yacht Sixteen Tons - North Wind
• Sailing Yacht Skipper - Holland Jachtbouw
• Sailing Yacht Smitten - Nautor's Swan
• Motor Yacht Solinda - Feadship
• Motor Yacht Solange - Lürssen
• Motor Yacht Sprezzatura - Ferretti
• Motor Yacht Stalca - Visch Holland
• Catamaran Star Dust - Tag Yachts
• Motor Yacht Summer- Mulder Shipyard
• Sailing Yacht Surama - Royal Huisman
• Sailing Yacht SYL - Barcos Deportivos
• Motor Yacht Tamara RD - Admiral
• Sailing Yacht Tenaz - Pendennis Shipyard
• Motor Yacht Tiger Lily - Pershing
• Motor Yacht Toffee Crisp - Azimut
• Motor Yacht Tremenda - Admiral
• Motor Yacht Va Bene - Cees Cornelissen
• Sailing Yacht Valial - Jongert
• Vanquish Yachts - The Netherlands
• Motor Yacht Venera - Van der Valk Shipyard
• Motor Yacht Vogue - Horizon
• Sailing Yacht Vijorara - Pendennis Shipyard
• Wally Yachts - Italy
• Sailing Yacht Wavelength - Pendennis Shipyard
• Motor Yacht Wild Thyme - Benetti
• Sailing Yacht Zurbagan - Garcia

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RACH STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

- new zealand landscape photography -.

Through my lens .. come journey with me

Take a journey through stunning New Zealand landscape photos by award winning New Zealand photographer Rach Stewart, & shop NZ photo print art  for your home

Hi there and welcome!   Take home a piece of the New Zealand landscape from  my New Zealand Photography prints store , browse my NZ  landscape photography galleries , read  photo tips and adventures I have documented on my blog , find out how to work with me or view my services  or check out my amazin g  NZ Travel Guide and Map app.   I am a professional New Zealand Landscape Photographer who was  born and raised in New Zealand and love nothing more than to explore this beautiful country I get to call home and share stunning photos of New Zealand landscapes while doing so. I am lucky enough to live in such a photographers paradise where I am constantly inspired by the NZ Landscape which has become my specialty and where my passion lies. I have been selling my NZ photo print art for many years through my online print store  and you can read the fantastic reviews from my happy customers on my Google Business Page .   For the past 10 years I have explored the landscape of New Zealand extensively and you can join our team  on a New Zealand Photography workshop in the South Island learning from the best NZ Photographers and taking your own incredible New Zealand images.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BEGIN?

Buy new zealand prints from my print store.

Would you like a stunning New Zealand Landscape image for your home or office? Head on over to my online print store to view my extensive galleries and landscape photos of New Zealand for sale.

These galleries are a culmination of my years spent as a NZ Landscape Photographer and nothing makes me happier than seeing my work displayed as a New Zealand Photo print in your home or office. All NZ photo print art is available as Fine Art Prints, Canvas, Framed Fine Art Print and Digital File.

JOIN US ON A NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPES PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Wanting to become a better landscape photographer and advance on your skills ?

Come and join us at  Pure Photo Adventure NZ  on a  New Zealand Photography workshop   exploring the best NZ landscape photography locations in the South Island. ​We are all New Zealand Landscape Photographers and will teach you how to use your camera in full manual mode, share all our knowledge on how to improve your composition and camera set up, use neutral density filters and long exposure photography to enhance your imagery, astrophotography settings plus help you achieve the best New Zealand landscape photos for your portfolio.

COMMERCIAL & BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

I have worked with countless businesses, corporations and branding agencies producing commercial imagery for products and brands.

I provide high end brand and landscape photography marketing imagery that is stand out and sets apart your business from the rest.

Whether it be social media marketing, images for website and online platforms, large scale media advertising, product imagery or New Zealand images to spruce up the office, I am here to help!

You can choose from my current  New Zealand Landscape photos  or hire me on commission.

Check out past  client projects  and what I can do for you

VIEW MY NZ LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERIES

Browse my New Zealand Landscape Photography Galleries and purchase imagery for your home, office or  for business

MY NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL GUIDE AND MAP

Planning a trip to New Zealand and want to take the hassle out of finding where to go to take photos? My New Zealand Guide and Travel Map  is now available!  Easily accessible on your phone, computer and laptop, travelling NZ just got a whole lot easier.

After a lot of work and many years (10 plus) of photographing the New Zealand landscape I've listed all of my favourite locations into a single interactive NZ map and guide so that you can travel NZ like a local to all the best spots.

This New Zealand travel map and guide features over 350 top destinations, amazing hikes, hidden gems, beautiful waterfalls, places to stay, super fun activities, plus much more including itineraries, personal itineraries, all accompanied by my photos for each spot AND photography info.

Sharing my travel guides, landscape photography tips and where you should go to get best the best New Zealand Photographs!

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CONNECT WITH ME

For all enquiries please contact me at

[email protected]

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Make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter so that you don’t miss out on new blog posts, upcoming events, exclusive discounts and other fun photography info  

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WHY NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY

As a passionate landscape photographer for the past decade, I find endless inspiration in the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes. From the rugged mountains to the stunning coastlines, this enchanting country I get to call home offers so many captivating scenes that have become my canvas. Every corner of New Zealand boasts a unique charm, making it a true paradise for anyone visiting or coming here for landscape photography.

Capturing the essence of the New Zealand landscape is an ever evolving journey for me. I have traversed the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps, exploring the grandeur of Aoraki Mount Cook, and witnessed the ethereal glow of the Southern Lights dancing across the night sky. The dramatic fjords of Fiordland National Park have left me in awe, their serene waters reflecting the towering peaks that surround them.

One of my favorite aspects of photographing New Zealand landscapes is the ever changing diversity. New Zealand's landscapes offer an infinite range of subjects to explore. Whether I am venturing into the lush rainforests of the West Coast or immersing myself in the tranquil beauty of Lake Tekapo, I am constantly inspired by the diverse and captivating scenes that New Zealand has to offer.

Through my lens, I aim to share the awe inspiring beauty of the New Zealand landscape, hoping to transport viewers to these remarkable places even if they can't experience them firsthand. I believe that landscape photography is a powerful medium that allows us to appreciate and preserve the natural wonders that surround us. So, join me on this journey as we embark on a visual exploration of the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's landscapes, one image at a time.  

AS FEATURED IN

• Bay of Islands
• NZ sea birds
• NZ native birds
• Arethusa's History
• Arethusa's Log
• Arethusa's Gallery

Wooden boat photography

Yacht Photography

Yacht charter photoshoot.

Our yacht photographers specialize in selling the yacht charter experience to yachting clients. 1-4 day photography production. Typical locations include The Bahamas, Caribbean Virgin Islands, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach.

131′ SUNSEEKER “TC” Nassau, Bahamas

27′ RIVA “MONTEREY” Miami, FL

185′ DELTA “STARSHIP” Exumas

44′ SEA RAY “DOUBLE DOWN” Miami, FL

200′ LURSSEN “MARGUERITE” Nassau, Bahamas

46′ SUNSEEKER “TOMAHAWK” Miami, FL

181′ M/Y TURQUOISE Nassau, Bahamas

130′ MANGUSTA “JOMAR” Antigua

Yacht Photographer

TECHNICAL PHOTO SHOOT

Selling the yacht itself with a high-quality interior, exterior & aerial photographs. 1-2 day yacht photography production.

65′ Axcell Airlift “AWOL Shaka” Fort Lauderdale, FL

38′ PARDO “SHINING FORCE” Miami, FL

82′ SUNSEEKER “J&J” Miami, FL

92′ PERSHING “ARENA” Miami, FL

REQUEST A QUOTE

Tell us more about your production.

Yachting Image

(954) 323-8697 [email protected] recent-posts  

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Rates & Availability

Request a quote

Voilà - Yacht Charters

"Experience the Magic of the Marlborough Sounds with Voilà Charters"

Voilà:

Voila Yacht Charters is a locally owned and operated business.  Owner, Yo and David McGill are passionate about sailing and enjoy sharing one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets – the stunning beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.  We love our yacht and have sailed her to the Pacific Islands in 2018.  We have sailed the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman extensively.  Occasionally we convert Voila from a charter yacht to a race yacht and compete in some of the long harbour races.  Our favorite times on Voila have to be overnight/multi day excursions, where we de-stress and live simply.

We endeavour to make each experience unique and tailor the experience to the clientele.  Whether it is an exciting sailing day you want, or you prefer a relaxed, tranquil day out on the water, our experienced crew will ensure it is memorable.

Charter & Venue Options

Full Day Charters

Cruise the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds for a special time out with friends, family or work colleagues.

Resort Transfers

Voilà's private yacht charter will be more

than just a holiday it will be

“A trip of a lifetime”

Corporate Charter

Voilà offers a luxury platform to boost morale of employees and implement team building exercises in a unique and memorable setting.

Wedding Venue

Voilà is perfect for an intimate, beautiful and unique wedding. Our team can provide a full customized service experience

Queen Charlotte Track

Voilà is your private yacht holiday on the water. Walk the track and stay onboard overnight in a secluded bay along the way.

Sail & Lunch at

Bay of Many Coves Resort

Celebrate that special occasion with your family onboard Voilà for a memorable experience.

Picton Marina

Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand

(+64) 27-4222-384

[email protected]

Thankyou for contacting us. We will contact you shortly