F.A.Q.’s To Know Before Your Charter Yacht Shoot

From years of experience, we have seen major benefits of having more photos than originally thought was needed, especially for social media. It is a great idea to keep 10-20 extra photos in reserve to freshen up a social media channel, a brochure or your website months after the original media from the shoot was released. We are very detailed in our photography and not only want to leave nothing to the imagination, but create an experiential story whenever a prospecting guest is reviewing your yacht for charter. In addition, charter brokers love to see fresh media frequently to show active marketing and grab their attention.

We strongly advise we go to a scenic location for the yacht shoot, even if we are just doing photos. This is extremely crucial if your yacht is for charter. In addition to showcasing your vessel through media, we are advertising the charter experience and the Virgin Islands. We have ideal spots that we can recommend prior to the shoot, depending on conditions.

If there is not a captain available or it is for a yacht sale, an on-dock shoot may be acceptable. Please inquire for details and any assistance we may be able to offer to capture the best content possible.

A full yacht shoot, such as a the Ocean Bundle, will typically take from 9AM to 3:30PM from our embarkment to disembarkment (weather dependent). It's advisable to allocate an additional hour as a precautionary measure to accommodate any unforeseen delays, such as adverse weather conditions, necessary discussions, or last-minute adjustments and staging of the decor.

In general, ensure the yacht looks like how it would be when guests arrives, minus provisions. In addition to an interior and exterior clean, consider these preparatory steps:

• Eliminate clutter. Tidy up the salon and galley, ensuring they're clean and presentable. This includes distracting products with logos such as snacks and an excessive amount of board games. Flowers and tropical fruit are a great idea for table-pieces.

• Arrange each cabin (besides the crew cabin - we will not shoot that cabin, unless requested) in the most appealing manner to showcase its best features. Small flowers (such as orchids) are also a good idea to have out.

• For the aft deck, flybridge and bow, introduce decorative items such as colorful throws and cushions to enhance and add vibrancy to spaces that might otherwise appear plain. A charcuterie board and champagne orc cocktails are also great as well. Keep in mind, it is best to avoid moving items around from space to space as we shoot. For any video content this will not be ideal, so it is recommended to stage as complete as possible for efficiency.

• Ensure all stainless is smudge-free and windows are clean. We will open all shades and turn on all lights.

• Keep in mind, we will do a complete deco audit once we are aboard and do last minute adjustments, if needed.

Typically, your Ocean Bundle or HDR images will be ready for review within 10 days following the photoshoot. However, should you opt for the expedited service at the time of booking, your images will be delivered in 3 business days. Once ready, these images can be directly incorporated into your listing.

For those who select 'A La Carte' Photography, you'll receive proofs at the 3 or 10 business day mark, depending on your chosen turnaround time, to select the number of images you'd like to purchase.

While photography using a smartphone may suffice in some cases, discerning potential guests can often distinguish between average and high-quality imagery, which might influence their decision, especially if competitors showcase their offerings more compellingly through superior photography. For this reason, we strongly advocate for our High-Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, which leverages professional-grade equipment. The quality and refinement brought about by our advanced editing techniques are simply unmatched by standard phone photography.

Beyond just the equipment used, the professional touch in photography also significantly depends on the photographer's skill in choosing the right perspectives and framing. The "eye" for photography, which includes understanding the best angles, lighting, and composition, plays a crucial role in distinguishing professional content from amateur efforts. This artistic sensibility, combined with technical expertise, elevates the visual storytelling of the subject, making professional photography stand out.

They are similar, but yes. In charter shoots, helping potential guests visualize themselves on your charser ing the amenities and features onboard is the goal. We want to capture the charter experience through media. In both shoots we want to portray the quality of the vessel, but it yacht sale shoots we will take photos of the engine room, generators, water makers and electronics.

If the shoot will take place in St. Thomas or St. John, there will not be any travel or lodging costs.

If the shoot is to be completed in St. Croix or Puerto Rico, there will be travel and lodging expenses in addition to the media shoot rate. They are as follows:

Flight: $200

Car Rental: $100/day

Lodging: $200/night