Sailing Photography: How to Take Stunning Photos at Sea

Capture the magic of the sea—one epic shot at a time.

There’s no better backdrop than the open ocean. The way sunlight dances on the waves, the colors of the sky as day fades into night, and the joy of being with your crew—these moments are made for sharing.

But we get it. Not every picture comes out as breathtaking as it felt at the moment. That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to help you capture the feeling of sailing, not just the view. Whether you're snapping shots with your smartphone or travelling with your trusty DSLR, these tips will help you take photos worth framing.

Introduction to Sailing Photography

Light is everything when you’re shooting outdoors—especially at sea. Here’s how to work with it:

First, learn how to quickly adjust exposure, focus, and white balance. Using manual mode on your camera gives you full control over exposure settings, allowing you to fine-tune brightness with the EV dial, especially in challenging lighting conditions like beaches during the golden hour. This helps prevent automatic underexposure and ensures your images are optimally lit. Family sailing offers unique opportunities to capture memorable moments and shared experiences on the water.

Sailing photography is all about capturing the energy, beauty, and adventure of life on the water. Unlike shooting on land, you’re constantly working with changing light, moving subjects, and the unique challenges of a boat in motion. Whether you’re using a compact camera, a DSLR, or your phone, understanding your camera settings is key to getting quality photographs that truly reflect your experience.

Sailing Photography: Best Times of Day for Perfect Photos

Start by getting comfortable with your camera—learn how to quickly adjust exposure, focus, and white balance so you’re ready for any moment. Pay close attention to the available light, as it can change rapidly at sea. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best natural light for capturing stunning images, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different times of day. With a bit of practice and a creative eye, you’ll find that sailing photography offers endless opportunities to capture images that are as dynamic and memorable as your time on the water.

Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset)

• Soft, golden light makes everything look warm and glowing, providing warm light that enhances the mood of your photos and helps avoid harsh shadows that are common during midday.
• Skin tones look amazing, shadows are long and gentle.
• Ideal for portraits, wide-angle landscape shots, and dreamy “cheers to this view” moments.

Midday Sun

• On a sunny day, the light is harsher because the sun acts as a strong light source, so use it for action-packed shots like diving, jumping, or splashing.
• During midday, the sun is the main light source, which can be used creatively for underwater and drone photography when the water is crystal clear.
• Use shadows creatively—like sails casting patterns on the deck.

Blue Hour (Twilight)

• Happens just before sunrise and after sunset.
• Great for moody, atmospheric shots with cool tones and reflections.
• Bring a tripod or stabilize your phone for sharper images. Using a tripod also allows for longer exposure times, which helps capture more detail and smoother water during blue hour.

Composition Techniques for Sailing Photos

Great sailing photography isn’t just about timing—it’s about how you frame the shot. Start by using the rule of thirds: imagine your photo divided into a grid, and place the boat, sails, or horizon along those lines for a balanced, eye-catching image. Leading lines, like the edge of the deck or a row of rigging, can draw the viewer’s gaze right to your focal point.

Don’t be afraid to play with perspective. Shooting from a low angle can make the boat look more dramatic against the sky, while a high angle from the bow or mast can capture the whole boat and the surrounding sea. Wide angle lenses are perfect for fitting in the entire scene, from the sails to the horizon, while a longer lens lets you zoom in on details like a splash of water or a crew member’s expression. By mixing up your shooting angles and lens choices, you’ll create a collection of images that tell the full story of your sailing adventure.

Capturing Movement in Sailing Photos

Movement is at the heart of sailing, and capturing that energy in your photos brings your story to life. To freeze the action—like a wave crashing or a sail snapping in the wind—use a fast shutter speed (1/1000th of a second or faster). This is especially important when shooting from a moving boat, where both you and your subject are in motion.

For a more artistic effect, try a slower shutter speed to blur the water or sails, giving a sense of speed and motion. Panning your camera to follow the boat as it moves can also create dynamic, scenic shots with a sharp subject and a blurred background. The golden hour is a fantastic time for these shots, as the soft light adds warmth and depth to your images. Equip yourself with a lens that offers a good range, like a 24-70mm or 70-200mm, so you can switch between wide angle views of the whole boat and close-ups of the action. With the right camera settings and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to capture the excitement and beauty of sailing in every shot.

Smartphone Sailing Photography Tips

Your phone’s camera is more powerful than you think—and best of all, it’s always within reach. No heavy gear. No complicated settings. Just pull it out of your pocket, point, and capture the magic.

Whether you’re lounging on deck or jumping off the side, your smartphone makes it easy to snap spontaneous, story-worthy moments without missing a beat. The phone camera on most phones is capable of taking pictures that rival traditional cameras, especially when you use the right techniques.

By following these tips, you’ll be taking better photos with your phone camera while sailing.

How to Get the Best Out of Your Phone:

• Use HDR mode to balance out shadows and bright skies—especially helpful when shooting into the sun or on high-contrast days.
• Turn off the flash. Natural light is always your best friend at sea.
• Don’t zoom digitally. Instead, move closer or crop later to keep image quality sharp.
• Use Live mode or burst to capture mid-air dives, waves, or candid laughs in motion.
• Try adjusting exposure compensation on your phone camera to brighten or darken your photos, especially in tricky lighting conditions like bright beaches or backlit scenes.

Try This: Hold your phone just above water level in a waterproof case for a dramatic view of the sea in the foreground and your boat in the distance—pure sailing magic.

DSLR Photography on a Sailboat

For those ready to go beyond snapshots, bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera on board opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. These cameras offer far more flexibility with lighting, depth, and movement—perfect for capturing the unique rhythm of life at sea. Shooting in raw images is highly recommended, as it allows you to capture more detail and gives you maximum flexibility for post-processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Yes, it’s a bit more effort than pulling out your phone—but the payoff? Rich detail, sharp action shots, and truly frame-worthy moments. Whether you’re freezing the spray from a dive or capturing golden-hour reflections on the water, a DSLR gives you full artistic control.

Just make sure your gear is protected—salt, water, and waves don’t play nice with electronics. But with the right setup and a bit of planning, you’ll bring home photos that feel just as alive as the experience itself.

Gear Checklist:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with both zoom and wide-angle lenses
• Polarizing filter to cut down on water glare and boost color contrast
• UV lens protector—a simple safeguard against salt spray
• Dry bag or waterproof pouch for safe storage between shots
• Waterproof camera bag to protect your gear from sand, saltwater, and splashes
• Neck strap or wrist strap to keep your camera secure in motion
• Extra memory card(s) for backup and extended shooting sessions
• Bring enough memory cards to store high-resolution and raw images, as larger files require more storage solutions

Creative Ideas:

• Shoot through the ropes or rigging to frame your subject and add depth
• Use a fast shutter speed (1/2000 or higher) to freeze water droplets mid-air
• Capture candid crew moments—like laughter at the helm or focus during docking
• Play with aperture for dreamy, blurred backgrounds or razor-sharp landscapes
• Use a large aperture to achieve a small depth of field, isolating details and creating a beautiful blurry background in close-up shots
• Try a wide angle lens for dramatic landscape shots, capturing the full scene and enhancing the sense of space
• Try shooting from the bow or stern to capture motion and a full sense of place

Pro Tip: Keep a lens cloth handy—you’ll need it more than once out there.

Fun, Playful, and Creative Sailing Photo Ideas

The sea isn’t just a setting—it’s a playground. Sometimes, you only get one shot to capture a fleeting moment at sea, so timing and preparation are key.

Try these dynamic shots to bring your album to life:

• Dive & Splash: Set your phone or camera to burst mode and capture someone mid-air. Timing is crucial to get a good shot that freezes the action at its peak.
• Rope Work: Get detailed close-ups of hands tying knots or winching sails.
• Sunbathing Vibes: Snap from the front of the boat with toes in the frame and sea ahead. Try to capture natural facial expressions for more engaging photos.
• “Follow Me” Pose: One person leading the other along the deck, shot from behind. Focus on candid moments and facial expressions to convey emotion and activity.
• Reflection Trick: Use sunglasses or the boat’s windows to reflect the scene creatively.

Tip: Experimenting with different angles and timing can help you take better pictures and improve your skills when taking shots on the water.

Bonus Tips for Group & Family Photos

Sailing is often a shared adventure—so make sure your crew gets in the frame, too. Set aside half an hour during your trip specifically for group or family photos to ensure everyone is included.

• Use the self-timer or voice command on your phone for group shots.
• Designate a photo buddy so one person doesn’t end up behind the lens the whole time.
• Capture candid moments like cooking lunch in the galley, navigating together, or playing cards on deck.

Pro Tip: Avoid backlighting when taking portraits—unless you’re going for a dramatic silhouette!

Best Photo Editing Apps to Enhance Your Sailing Shots

Once you’ve captured that perfect sailing moment—sunset toast, mid-air dive, or calm sea horizon—a little editing can go a long way.

Here are the top photo editing apps for Android and iOS to give your sailing photos that extra polish:

• Snapseed (Android & iOS)
• Lightroom Mobile (Android & iOS)
• Photoshop Express Photo Editor (Android & iOS)
• Luminar: Photo Editor (iOS)

Tubber Tip: Keep your edits natural—enhance the light, color, and contrast without losing the authenticity of your moment at sea.

Safety First: Photo Tips Onboard

When you’re out at sea, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment—chasing the perfect shot, climbing for the best angle, or leaning over the edge to capture the color of the water. But remember: safety comes first, always. Having your own boat gives you more control over your position and safety, allowing you to set up for the best shots without unnecessary risks.

A sailing trip is all about freedom and fun—but boats move, decks get slippery, and gear can go overboard in a flash. With just a few precautions, you can protect yourself and your equipment while still getting amazing photos.

Use onboard lights to safely take photos in low light conditions, ensuring you can see your surroundings and avoid accidents.

Here’s how to shoot smart and stay safe on board:

• Always hold on or sit down when shooting on a moving boat—balance can shift quickly.
• Avoid standing near the edge unless you're on stable footing or holding a secure point.
• Use a wrist strap or floating phone case—trust us, it’s worth it.
• Keep your gear out of direct sun when not in use to prevent overheating.
• Wipe your lens and screen regularly to clear salt spray and prevent corrosion.

 Pro Tip: Keep your camera or phone stashed in a dry bag between shots—ready when you need it, safe when you don’t.

How to Organize and Store Your Sailing Photos

Once you’re back on land, don’t lose those memories!

• Create a shared album with your crew (Google Photos or iCloud works great)
• Tag by destination and date to easily sort later
• Back everything up to cloud storage or an external hard drive

Sorting and editing your photos not only keeps your memories safe, but also helps you achieve the desired result when sharing or printing your sailing memories. Organizing your photos makes it much easier to select the best shots for your final image or photobook.

Editing and Post-Processing for Stunning Sailing Shots

Once you’ve captured your sailing photos, a little editing can turn good images into truly frame worthy pictures. Start by enhancing the natural light in your shots—adjust the exposure and white balance to bring out the warm glow of the golden hour or the cool tones of early morning. If you shot in raw format, you’ll have even more flexibility to fine-tune your images without losing quality.

Don’t overlook the power of artificial light for creative effects, especially if you’re shooting in low light or want to highlight certain details. Use a lens hood to minimize glare and protect your lens from stray light entering the frame, which can reduce contrast and clarity. Adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness to make your photos pop, but keep it natural—let the beauty of the sea and sky shine through. With thoughtful post production, you’ll create stunning images that capture the spirit of your sailing adventure and are ready to be shared, printed, or added to your next photobook.

Get a Free Photobook When You Book Before September 1st

Your best sailing memories deserve more than your phone screen.

Complete your Tubber booking before September 1st, 2025, and we’ll send you a free PastBook voucher to create your own professionally printed photo book. From golden-hour glows to mid-dive action shots, it’s the perfect way to relive the journey—page by page.

Why Sailing Photos Matter

• Every photo you take on board tells a story—not just of where you went, but how it felt.
• Every picture you capture becomes a cherished memory, preserving the excitement of the wind in your sails, the peace of an empty bay at sunset, and the laughter of your crew after a splash fight.
• These aren’t just snapshots—they’re souvenirs of something unforgettable.

Ready to Set Sail and Capture Your Story?

With a little planning and the right mindset, anyone can take incredible photos on board. Amateur photographers are especially encouraged to try sailing photography—anyone can capture great moments and stunning pictures with the right approach.

Whether you’re aiming for Instagram-worthy content or simply preserving your personal adventure, the best camera is the one you have—and the best shots are the ones you truly feel.

Explore the world. Snap the moments. Relive them forever.