Taking photo on sailing boat

[sbp]

I am going on boat for reception this weekend. Some one from TPF is tagging along with me timing is 6pm to 11pm.

Anything special I have to remember?
I will have 20d and 70-200L/f2.8 and 24-105L f/4.0 with me. First time in my life I am going to use monopod.

[Holly]

I've never photographed a reception on a sailboat, but I'm thinking you may want some wider glass...how big is this sailboat to accomodate an entire wedding party?

[LadyShutterBug]

don't drop your camera into the water. ;)

[Bruce M. Morris]

I wouldnt worry about the 70-200 on the boat. There will be very few places that you will need to reach out that far if there is a large group. If you havent used it before, USE the camera strap!!

[sbp]

Yes holly entire wedding party will be on it. so I am guessing boat is not smaller one.

yes I will try not to drop myself on water

[dab94]

If you're not used to being on the water, and the boat won't just be docked, TAKE DRAMAMINE! And it may take you a little while to get your 'sea legs' if you're not used to it.

[sbp]

Originally Posted by dab94

If you're not used to being on the water, and the boat won't just be docked, TAKE DRAMAMINE! And it may take you a little while to get your 'sea legs' if you're not used to it.

That is good advice. I will get that.

Any lighting advice?

[cmalana]

I think you need to confirm how big this sailboat is going to be. You might be surprised but unless this is one of those permanently docked 'attractions' most sailboats aren't very big. Try to find out how big it is. If they say anything less than 50', chances are it's going to sound romantic but the reality will be a little different. If it is docked, it's not that big of a deal and it can be treated like a very small deck/patio. Depending on the time of day, you will need to have a flash for fill since you'll probably be in harsh sunlight.

If it is moving, the biggest issue will be the water. Depending on how choppy the waters are, there will be water that may be splashed into you and your gear. This is the type of environment where weather-sealing is very desirable. Barring that, try to make sure you have at least a ziplock or Storm Jacket to protect your camera or lenses.

Also, don't expect to be changing lenses and moving around too much. Figure out where you will have to sit down and where the pictures are going to be. It may also be good to figure out what course/direction you will be sailing since you may end up with a severely backlit shot. If possible, influence which way the boat is going so you can get a good shot. It's all about communication.

I used to sail a lot when I was in California and the idea sounds really romantic, so the pictures will be expected to reflect that, but the execution is going to be pretty tricky.

Finally, you will have a non-stable shooting platform so make sure you use shutter speeds that are very fast. I'd say 1/500 at least. You may also want to bring a circular polarizer since the water will have a lot of glare if it's going to be during the day.

Hope that helps.

[CaptainTom]

Carlo pretty much covered everything.

I would find out the size of the vessal. As he said, if it is 50 ft. or smaller, and there are more than 10 people, you will be pretty crowded. An "entire wedding party" could be 4-20 people.
If it's a smaller pleasure sailboat, and it is under way, find a spot to sit and shoot from there. Don't try moving about unless you are very used to sailing.

Wide angle lens is best. Don't shoot those who are sick or scared to death.

Have fun, no matter what happens.

[sbp]

Hi Camalan,
Thanks for input.
I Just found out more detail, It is yacht, 150 guest.They have rented two. It is going to be sailing from 6:45 to 11:00

I will try to stay away from facing son.

[cmalana]

that sounds like fun. 2 yachts with 75 people on each? That doesn't sound like a sailboat though and I suspect they will tie them together and drop anchor somewhere.

If that's the case, then you'd shoot it pretty much like a normal event. Something that big will have rooms. Looks like they scheduled it for sunset. You will have to try some sunset shots using your flash.

Also, you'll have to take some shots where you can see the view of the docks from the waterside.

You are going to have a blast and we need to see those pictures!

[CaptainTom]

Amen
Sounds like a couple of full blown excursion vessels. I still think wide angle to capture the surroundings, and bring a reflector. Flash is a must. Bride and groom in the wheelhouse, engine room, etc.

[JamesB]

I went out on one of those dinner yachts up in Chicago, while it was a large boat (200ft) with lots of space it is still somewhat small inside. Wide angle lense is a must

James

[rgm-photos]

I use to sail in Clear Lake near Houston. So, here are things to consider outside of photography.
1. I sugguest wearing DECK shoes! Dress shoes will slip more on deck and you definetely don't want that to happen.
2. Find out if the sails be up for the cruise or if you will be just motoring. The Main Sails and/or the Jib may get in your way at the front tip of the boat.
3. Watch the weather reports for wind speeds and tide heights, especially if your sailing out of Kehma.
4. Keep your bag down below and secure it.
5. DON'T FEED THE SEA GULLS! You don't want a flock hovering over you and the wedding party.

Go Luck!

[Elsaspet]

Wow, I'd love to shoot on a sailboat. :-) Have fun. We can't wait to seeeeee!