How to organize the photo shoot for the yacht

Welcome! Here you’ll find examples and information on how to prepare your boat for a photo shoot. The sections follow the chronological order of a full day’s work, so they’re not random.

If your boat is larger than 30 meters, it might take more than a day to photograph all the spaces and any lifestyle moments. In that case, don’t follow the chronological order, but focus on preparing the boat.

Don’t worry, once we’re on board, we’ll have a briefing with the whole crew. Just make sure everything is in order as if you were expecting guests.

Morning:

Engine room *
Crew area *
Kitchen
Cabins + bathrooms

*if requested by the client

Midday:

Outside the port:
Outdoor areas in daytime mode
Sunbathing areas
Pool or Jacuzzi
Games

Afternoon and Evening:

Shots while sailing
Cabins with large windows offering expansive sea views
Salons
Areas designated for cocktails
Flybridge with cocktail hour
Dinner table set
40 minutes after sunset, return to port

It’s essential to have a crew member available to assist the photographers in each area of expertise.

The goal is to help find the best arrangement of things quickly and make the day as smooth as possible.

Having enough food for the entire crew and photographers is essential, and in case of delays, arranging a cabin for the photographers is crucial.

The boat should be ready upon the arrival of the photographers.

Table Setup

Table setting should be planned for a full dinner service, with neatly ironed napkins and tablecloth/place mats, coordinated tableware and cutlery, and a bread basket: details matter, including candles or table lighting (check battery charge), and some seashells, etc..

Ideally, we should see the setup for fruit cocktails for the sunbathing moment, appetizers with snacks: some indoors, others on outdoor tables.

Centerpieces to provide a variable for both indoor and outdoor tables (vase, tray, etc.).

Cabins

Please ensure that the owner’s personal items (photos, clothes) are not visible in the photos and videos.

Beds are best made in the evening mode with sheets and visible pillows, and there should be an assortment of small and medium-sized vase flowers available (orchids are preferable), along with books, magazines, throws, runners, candles, and towels to provide details for the shot.

Particular attention should be paid to bedspreads, especially hidden corners, wrinkles, and folds, as they can appear messy in photographs. Bathroom amenities will be necessary to provide details; Towels should be new or nearly new if possible, as corners tend to curl, and older ones generally lack life. The same goes for bathrobes. Ensure they are all neatly aligned as if ready for guests.

Crew Areas (if requested)

The galley should be clean and tidy. Ideally, a vegetable platter would be useful to add detail. If there will be shots or videos of the chef in action, chopping vegetables, flambéing, or putting the finishing touches on dessert can work well. He/she should be in clean white chef’s attire.

Crew cabins should be tidy without personal items.

Outside: Additional Information to Consider

The pool and hot tub should be filled while the boat is stationary (check operation), anchored. We need to ensure this is done to maximize twilight shots.

All windows and bulwarks should be cleaned.

Tender Shots (if available) Ensure there is at least one tender available.

Table and Lounge Area Setup

Table settings are color-coordinated and prepared for dinner. Large books are preferable to magazines unless they are new and unused; beverages like champagne and summer snacks like fruit platters to be presented as finger food, water carafes flavored with colorful fruits. Bath towels should look new, with at least one per seat.

Toys

They can only be photographed if they are part of the yacht’s rental/sale. If there are tenders and games on board, it’s best to remove them from the boat to maximize deck space and also take some shots with the games in action to showcase the wide range available.

If possible, the crew should be prepared to handle and demonstrate the games and be involved in the shots to get some action shots.

Crew

At least one crew member should accompany the photography team to provide assistance with setup, ensure all areas are immaculate, and provide contact with other crew members when needed.

Applicable only if crew shots are required: The chef may also be required to appear in any galley shots, often just preparing food, chopping vegetables. Engineers should wear coveralls and be photographed in action at their desks or near the engines. Crew/hostesses should be photographed as for table setting/equipment and service. Hair should be well-groomed, and light makeup should look as natural as possible. Nail polish should be neutral in color.

Notes

Flowers should blend with the environment and not dominate; avoid multicolored and flat arrangements. White/cream is preferable. Small vases (almost the size of a glass) are very useful. Flowers for cabins should be relatively small, proportionate to the room size and not too elaborate. Soft colors generally work well.

Food is not always necessary for direct yacht shots. If possible, it’s always useful to have pastries and fresh bread on hand for a few shots. Fruit juices and croissants for breakfast are useful, and cocktails can look interesting.

Champagne buckets where the bottle rests diagonally are the best, and it’s always good to have a couple of bottles of champagne to pour into glasses to mimic champagne.

Items such as bathrobes, throws, runners, hats, books, candles, vases, centerpieces, magazines are all useful for bringing the yacht to life and creating atmosphere; it’s good to have a selection on board if possible.