Key Takeaways
- Photograph your adventures so you can enjoy the memories you’ve made and bring your stories home and relive them, and share them with others.
- Visit locations in advance for your photo shoot. Always check weather and water conditions, and know how your boat sits, handles, or reacts to help you shoot safely and effectively.
- Choose weather-resistant gear, pack versatile lenses, and bring protective equipment to ensure your photo kit stands up to the challenges of boating environments.
- So get creative and experiment, especially with natural light! Time your shoots around golden hour or blue hour, and learn new techniques to get beautiful water reflections and a variety of images as conditions change.
- Enhance the drama and emotion of your journeys with simple rules of composition. Try to shoot from interesting perspectives and shoot a good mix of action and candid shots to really tell the story.
- Always prioritize safety by securing your gear, wearing life jackets, staying aware of your surroundings, and maintaining clear communication with your crew while photographing on the water.
Lund boats and photography work well together for folks who want to keep clear shots of their time on the water. With a Lund boat, I get a steady ride and good space which helps with taking sharp photos, even if the water moves a little. It’s easy to take quick photos of fish catches, peaceful lakes or bustling docks.
The wide open floor plans in Lund boats help with keeping my gear accessible. Thanks to creative storage solutions, my camera is always dry and easily accessible. Whether zooming the high seats out for wide angles or shooting down low close to the water for action shots, both perspectives offer compelling imagery.
Read on to learn some useful tips to ensure you’re able to capture the best possible images from your adventures aboard your Lund boat. These quick wins are doable by everyone at any skill level!
Why Photograph Your Boat Adventures?
This leads us to why photographing your boat adventures is so valuable. Every time you take a photo while out on your Lund, you’re catching those moments that truly matter. Not just that, you save that exhilarating feeling of being out on the water.
Photos allow you to reminisce over each voyage. You’ll enjoy the morning fog lifting off the lake, and you’ll appreciate the slow quiet sunset after you’ve been busy all day. Sometimes, these stunning images are an introduction to tradition.
Beyond that, they’re like a window into the craftsmanship of your boat and the joy that every cast or wave brings.
Preserve Cherished Memories Afloat
A photo of your friends laughing as you reel in a catch or kids jumping off the dock keeps those memories in reach. The truth is, nothing can articulate the story like a set of candid shots.
Nothing beats looking back at these shots months or years down the line to see just how far you and your crew have come. A simple digital album on your phone or a printed book on your coffee table makes it easy to revisit these trips.
They can serve as a log, documenting your journey and growth as you gain new skills on the water, or go on lengthier excursions.
Share Experiences with Others
Sharing your best boat life photos on social media will get other people excited. Get a beautiful image of your favorite Lund boat slicing through bluebird water.
Or, get up close and personal with your gear for the day to inspire other boaters! Each time you share these images, you become part of something larger. People will see your post and leave comments, ask questions, share their own stories.
Besides saving money, this barter creates interesting connections and shouldn’t let the boating-happy vibe die down.
Document Your Boating Lifestyle
Everyday moments are important to capture. Capture the still moments—enjoying coffee on deck with sunrise—as well as the adventure of bringing home a trophy catch.
You can use these pictures to show the variety and diversity of your boating lifestyle—from serene floats to adrenaline-filled runs. Creating a visual journal allows you to visualize the evolution of your style and skills from year to year, season to season.
You create a documentation that’s true to you, and you alone.
Plan Your On-Water Photo Shoot
Planning ahead can mean all the difference when it comes to getting high-quality shots while you’re out on water with your Lund boat. Proper preparation ensures you get the best shots before they’re gone. It begins with a checklist—camera, ND and UV filters, spare batteries, memory cards, waterproof dry bag for emergencies.
Water is hard on gear, which is why more than 90% of on-water photographers use a UV filter to protect their lenses. A relatively quick shutter speed, such as 1/500th of a second or faster, will help ensure your images are nice and sharp. ISO 400 or more is good on open water, and a neutral density filter will assist in bright sunlight.
Scout Locations and Conditions First
Before embarking on your next boating adventure, visit locations prior to your shoot to scout for expansive landscapes or intimate shots. Pay attention to water conditions—calm waters in the early morning provide clean reflections, while late afternoon can lead to choppier waves, perfect for capturing the beauty of your fishing boat against the horizon.
Select backgrounds that highlight your boat’s design or accentuate the environment’s beauty, enhancing your boat photography skills. This careful consideration will help create unforgettable fishing memories and extraordinary fishing experiences, showcasing the perfect vantage point for your photographs.
Check Weather and Water Reports
Weather changes quickly while out on the water. Stay tuned to forecasts and water conditions for current, tide and wind information. This not only keeps you safer on the water, but helps you get into position to capture the best light.
Shooting early in the morning, right after sunrise or later in the evening before sunset typically offers softer, warmer tones.
Understand Your Boat’s Dynamics
Be familiar with how your boat moves. Keeping a steady boat makes all the difference with sharp, clear shots. At full speed, expect the unexpected, and definitely shoot in burst mode.
Your Lund’s stable build allows you to get low for action shots, or shoot from the bow for wide action/scenery shots.
Create a Flexible Shot List
Write down the kinds of shots you’re aiming for—wide landscape, action, portrait—but be flexible and ready to explore new ideas, especially during your next boating adventure where you can capture extraordinary fishing experiences.
Consider Time of Day Carefully
Golden hour will bathe your subjects in a diffused glow, adding warmth and an almost magical aesthetic to your images. Be careful of raking shadows in the middle of the day.
Create varied atmospheres by shooting at sunrise often, mid-morning, and/or at sunset.
Choose Your Adventure Photo Kit
The right gear will help you get beautiful, captivating photos aboard your Lund boat. You’ll be amazed at how the right equipment helps you take your photography to the next level! You’re looking for tools that work to your goals and priorities, tools that are portable and effective on the water.
A professional quality kit will stand up to the elements and help you capture shots that you’re proud to share.
Select Weather-Resistant Cameras
Those of you who are familiar with the water know that weather can turn in an instant. Having a camera that can continue shooting in the presence of spray or inclement weather provides you the freedom to experiment.
Don’t forget to look for waterproof inner seal and waterproof outer case. Most action cameras, including many models from GoPro, are designed for aquatic adventures. A weather-sealed body and lens go a long way to eliminating those worries—even if you’re shooting on a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
They enable you to continue photographing, despite the prospect of stormy weather.
Pack Versatile Lens Options
A limited kit of lenses allows you to maximize each scenario. A wide angle lens works well for expansive scenes of open water and tight quarters on deck.
A long telephoto zoom lets you capture the drama of a sunset over water, or a bird or boat in the distance. A macro lens can show off the small details, like water drops on fish scales or the texture of a boat’s surface.
Use Filters for Water Glare
When dealing with water glare during your boating adventures, it can wash out all colors and details in your photographs. A polarizing filter effectively removes glare and enhances the blues and greens of the underwater world, giving your images more power for capturing mesmerizing fishing experiences.
On bright, sunny days, an ND filter is essential to prevent your fishing boat photos from washing out. These filters can increase contrast and enhance skies, allowing anglers to showcase their boat photography skills while documenting unforgettable fishing memories.
Bring Protective Gear Always
Water-resistant gear bags padded to keep your kit safe from bumps and drops. Lens hoods—they’re not just for rock stars.
Lens hoods prevent lens flare from the sun. Having backup batteries and memory cards make sure you don’t miss a moment if the action goes into extra time.
Consider Drones for Aerial Views
Drones really open up a new perspective. They provide amazing views of your Lund boat from above and allow you to experience the entire stretch of the lake.
With some patience and creativity, drone shots can make any adventure look legendary. Just be sure to check local rules before you ply those skies.
Master Lighting for Boat Photos
The difference between mediocre boat photos and amazing boat photos often comes down to how well you’ve mastered the light. When I’m out with my Lund, I always watch how the sun hits the water. Sunlight bounces off the surface of the wavy water, creating dynamic shapes and bright spots.
The contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the boat’s curves and gloss. This effect is what gives the scene depth and a sense of liveliness. This is how I get those killer highlights—first, I check the positioning of the sun in the sky. Next, I walk around to find the best angle.
1. Understand Natural Light on Water
Sunlight on water is incredibly hard to work with. I often watch the way morning light glints off the surface or how late day shadows stretch across the deck. Just a minor adjustment to the orientation of the boat or camera exposes different forms and curves.
This slight adjustment opens up dazzling layers of visual depth to the frame.
2. Leverage Golden Hour Magic Always
Early mornings and late afternoons are my preferred times of day. At these times, the light is warm and diffused, resulting in every photo having a serene, golden quality. This is the time when the intense hues really come alive and extended shadows help create a sense of depth and dimension.
That’s why the majority of my favorite shots are taken during golden hour.
3. Shoot During Moody Blue Hour
Immediately prior to sunrise or right after sunset, the sky is an incredible deep cobalt blue, providing a perfect backdrop for boat photography. Because the light is soft and cool, I like to dedicate this period of time for shots that capture the mesmerizing reflections and the curve of the boat, enhancing the overall boating adventure.
4. Tame Harsh Midday Sunlight
Strong overhead lighting at midday will create high contrast shadows and wash out any color. To get around this I either look for shade or use a diffuser. On occasion, I’ll throw on a polarizing filter to eliminate heavy glare.
Adjusting the ISO can ensure you are getting the sharpest, truest colors.
Compose Dynamic Boat Images
When you shoot from a Lund boat during your next boating adventure, there are endless opportunities to capture breathtaking boat photography. Each journey out presents different light, textures, and scenery, while good composition gets all these mojo forces working together, allowing your images to convey a complete narrative story and transport individuals deep into the underwater world.
Apply Classic Composition Rules
Break the frame into nine equal sections—two lines across and two down. Launch your boat anywhere along one of those lines or at a crossing point. This provides a natural and even perspective, without the need for expensive equipment.
Symmetry is equally effective, particularly when glassy water reflects a colorful or dramatic sky, or the surrounding terrain. Asymmetry, such as placing the boat on one side, catches the viewer’s attention in a unique way.
Whether it’s a dock, a boat wake or a shoreline, leading lines easily draw the viewer’s eye directly to your subject.
Find Leading Lines in Scenery
Once we’re out on the water, lines are present everywhere. The smooth freehand curve of a bay instantly mesmerizes. So does the boundary between water and land, and a line of breaking waves.
Directing these lines toward your boat increases dynamism in the photo and illustrates perspective, helping the scene to feel much larger.
Frame Your Boat Naturally
Surrounding trees, overhanging rocks, or even your boat’s own railing create a frame around your subject, adding depth to your images and welcoming the viewer into the scene.
By altering your angles of approach, you receive new pictures each haul.
Experiment with Unique Angles
Get low to the ground for an unusual but dramatic angle. Or, as a second option, get up onto a dock or hill to shoot from a high angle.
These unique perspectives uncover new shapes, which enhance the visual drama.
Show Scale Against Environment
Include a crew member, or reference a local landmark, such as a famous lighthouse, or a dramatic rocky outcropping, to help visualize how your boat relates to the real world.
Wide shots expand the perspective, giving a sense of the width of a lake, or the length of a river.
Focus on Intriguing Details
Focus in on details—worn hulls, scuffed up cleats, crumbling paint chips, and ripples made by your boat.
Macro shots show things you would never see with the naked eye, transforming small elements into works of art.
Capture Thrilling Action and Motion
Getting out on a Lund boat is the perfect opportunity to capture genuine action and motion shots. After all, nearly all the great shots occur when there is a lot of action. You’re trying to display action, movement, adrenaline, and convey the experience of being on location.
A fast shutter speed with a high ISO helps tremendously. By getting these right you can halt a wave or record a fish leap through the air. The GoPro, including models like the GoPro 4, is the worst piece of technology for helping you take pictures.
By using this feature, you set yourself up for success to capture that ideal shot! For a really wide view, a wide-angle lens (a 17-40mm would work well) allows you to get the entire boat and beautiful landscape into the frame. In sunny conditions, choose an ISO of 100 to 400. Set your aperture to around f/8 for clean, crisp images.
Freeze Action with Fast Shutter
A fast shutter speed such as 1/1000 of a second freezes the motion of quick-moving boats or water spray. Burst mode allows you to capture an entire range of motion, increasing your chances of finding that winning shot.
Following the action with the camera, such as a buddy reeling in a fish, creates an effect that is very smooth, sharp, and visually appealing.
Create Motion Blur Intentionally
Slower shutter speeds like 1/30 second help convey action and a feeling of speed. By panning with the subject, the blurred background adds dynamism and focus on the action.
Combining the elements of sharp focus and strong blur creates a beautiful artistry.
Anticipate Peak Action Moments
Being aware helps you be prepared to take those magic moments, such as dolphins dancing in the wash. Understanding your subject’s action—like when you have a friend who’s going to throw a line—helps you be prepared when the shot comes.
Sometimes it’s faces and reactions that tell the action and emotion-filled story.
Highlight Water Spray and Wake
Whether it is flying droplets or a cool rolling wake, it all makes for exciting boat photography. High shutter speeds freeze the water in mid-air, and by changing your angle, you can highlight the mesmerizing beauty of the water’s spray.
Track Moving Subjects Smoothly
Proper use of boat photography techniques will allow you to keep your subject sharp and in frame as they move. Good continuous autofocus goes a long way, especially when panning your camera during fishing adventures.
Tell Your Authentic Adventure Story
Photography is one of the ways I try to share the authentic, original story of my adventurous boating past. I give in to that simple joy that being on the water brings. In a world that sometimes feels empty, each trip makes life more full and beautiful.
Every photo I take helps me remember family tales, big catches, and those small moments that make each adventure special. In retrospect, I see how much these stories influence the person that I am today. They do more than that; they deepen my encounters with friends and family as well, like the classic fairy tales we read over and over again.
Capture Candid, Unposed Moments
I enjoy photographing people when they don’t think anyone is watching. These capture genuine smiles, contagious laughter, and the look of amazement on someone’s face when they catch their first fish.
Sometimes, a quick shot of two people talking or a kid’s surprise at a sudden tug on the line says more than any posed picture. These scenes are what really convey the reality of a day on the boat.
Include People Enjoying the Ride
This is why photos are the most successful when they depict us all together. I try to get photos of my friends enjoying themselves, goofing off.
Equally meaningful shots are of my family cheering, of a family enjoying snacks as the sun glimmers off the water. Every organization photograph captures the joy and camaraderie that boating fosters. Those are the images that are powerful, that still resonate years later.
Show the Journey Experience
I take photos of the drive to the lake, loading up the gear, or the slow ride out into open water. Capturing a shot of the sunrise over Lake Huron or the ripple of the wake behind us offers a glimpse into our boating adventures—not just where we end up, but the entire experience.
Highlight Unique Boat Features
By getting in close, I’m able to capture the special details that really make my Lund boat my own. Whether it’s the gleam of the new deck, the tidy storage compartments or that logo which has enjoyed a dozen journeys already.
These photos capture the passion and dedication that lies behind each and every journey.
Focus on Emotion and Atmosphere
With early morning light or the golden hour, I can create rich and warm images, often full of sense and feeling. The soft light, together with the mist on the water, all makes for a magical scene.
A more contemplative image with my fishing rod embodies the peace and joy that infuses these adventures.
Prioritize Safety During Photo Shoots
Safety should always be prioritized when out shooting on the water with a Lund. Water, and all its associated dangers— spray, salt, rain, foam, waves, or even a camera that simply falls overboard. Every photo trip starts with that one big point: water gets everywhere.
Now, I make sure that I’m organized before I even step onto the boat. That’s why I meticulously prepare my gear and crew to meet whatever the waters have in store for us.
Secure Camera Gear Properly
Straps and padded cases are essential for preventing equipment from careening into the lake or ocean. I use dry bags to protect gear and I keep smaller lenses or batteries in zippered pockets to avoid roll-off.
While the boat is moving, I stash my camera in a soft case under a seat or in a waterproof locker. I try to minimize the literal things I have around me to just what I need. Ultra-wide lens or lens cloth, they all fit nicely in a side pocket or secured via a clip, quick access when the light starts changing.
Wear Personal Flotation Devices
Life jackets are wear for me and everyone riding with me from beginning to end. They aren’t in the way of my shooting, so I can kneel or lean for a low shot.
I choose coats that have large armholes so I can shoot from all angles. Every single person on board, even if it’s the most placid, beautiful water you’ve ever seen.
Maintain Constant Situational Awareness
I’m super attuned to the sky, to the water, to the way the wind is moving. Bigger yachts or other kayakers can approach without warning.
I’m looking for floating logs or rocks close to the shore. Even when completely framing a shot I have to keep looking up to stay oriented to where the boat is going.
Communicate Clearly with Driver
Just me and my driver communicating through hand signals before taking off. If I need to chase a sunset, I just turn the other way.
If I do have to slow down for a bird, then I just deploy our pre-established signals. That way, everyone is on the same page about what’s happening next, and we keep the ship sailing smoothly and safely.
Enhance Photos in Post-Processing
Post-processing editing on the images you create during each Lund adventure will allow you to depict the authentic mood and emotion of every boating adventure. Utilizing photo editing software gives you greater influence over the atmosphere and feel of your boat photography skills. Tuning these shots can help you share bright sunsets, crisp water, and sharp details in a way that feels true and lively.
Adjust Exposure and Contrast First
Begin by correcting the exposure so you can reveal the appropriate level of brightness. A properly lit photo reveals much more of the surroundings and prevents the emergence of dark or washed-out areas.
Then, add a little contrast to emphasize the different lines and shapes. It’s going to bring out richer, more saturated colors and make your photos really pop. If the image is overexposed or underexposed, increase or decrease the brightness in small increments.
These modifications will get you closer to finding that sweet spot and replicating what you experienced in real life. Keep in mind, golden hour—shortly after dawn or just before dusk—will provide optimal lighting and depth of field.
Enhance Colors and Vibrancy Subtly
Experiment with the saturation tool to really accentuate colors and give them more life. Don’t overcook it; your shot still needs to look believable.
A subtle boost in vibrance works wonders to make those blues pop and look incredible on the water. It can even boost the reds of the boat, all without excessively saturating everything.
Maintaining that natural appearance is important, so the experience of being there in person still comes through.
Sharpen Important Details Selectively
Apply sharpening selectively to the most relevant details, such as the Lund logo or the sharp hull edge. Localized adjustment with the adjustment brush in Adobe Lightroom to increase clarity on the boat.
This nifty little tool will help make that water all peaceful and glassy. Don’t go overboard with sharpening, so that the photo remains smooth and not crunchy.
Crop Images for Impact
Try cropping to cut out clutter or boost the main subject—maybe the boat, a fishing rod, or the wake behind you. Experiment with various crop dimensions or shapes until the image looks visually pleasing and pulls the reader’s eye where you’d like.
This one easy trick is what makes a great shot into a killer one.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using a Lund for first-class photography or just a memorable adventure, snapping shots on the water pulls you instantly into the action. Every outing provides different landscapes, dynamic lighting, and candid moments to capture the authentic texture of your journey. Appropriate gear, intelligent light usage, and a carefully composed frame will all help you get the most out of your images. Fast-moving wakes, huge smiles, and wild waters all seem brand new when you nail that perfect shot. A little post production magic and those colors really jump off the screen. Photos do more than preserve memories, though — chasing these shots leaves you with a tale to spin. Have a crazy day or a good photo from your most recent adventure out there? Share your top tip or a favorite shot in the comments below and trade tips and tricks with fellow folks who make dogs days on the boat their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera gear is best for photographing Lund boat adventures?
Shoot with a weather-sealed DSLR or mirrorless camera during your next boating adventure. We recommend a zoom lens (24-70mm or 70-200mm) to enhance your boat photography skills, along with extra batteries and memory cards. A waterproof action camera is perfect for capturing fast-moving action and motion while out on the water.
How can I keep my camera safe while boating?
When embarking on your next boating adventure, remember to transport your camera inside a drybag or waterproof case for protection. Additionally, always use a camera strap to avoid accidental drops, especially during your fishing trips where the boat might be facing sonar.
What is the best time of day for boat photography?
Or, if you are working with strong light, shoot early in the morning or late afternoon during your boating adventures. The soft, golden light during these times enhances your boat photography skills, making your photos look more professional and inviting.
How do I capture sharp action shots on a moving boat?
To capture extraordinary fishing experiences, use a high shutter speed (1/1000 sec minimum) and set your camera to continuous autofocus and burst mode. Stabilize yourself to predict the action, allowing you to photograph majestic fish in sharp detail.
What are key safety tips for on-water photo shoots?
Safety first—always wear a life jacket while enjoying your boating adventures. Always keep your gear tied down and don’t stand on anything you might slip off. Be mindful of where you’re stepping or the weather, ensuring a safe experience while capturing mesmerizing boat photography.
Can I use my smartphone for boat photography?
True, today’s smartphones are amazing photography tools for capturing unforgettable fishing memories. Make sure to use a waterproof case, keep your lens clean, and turn on your grid lines to compose shots properly. Deliver the best of both worlds with HDR mode while using a slower shutter speed and burst shooting to freeze action.
How can I make my boat adventure photos stand out?
Think about the story you want to tell during your next boating adventure. Capture natural, candid moments and utilize boat photography skills to get environmental wide shots and close-up details. Take advantage of interesting perspectives, like facing sonar, and lines. Post-production edit your photos for color enhancement and sharpness adjustments to add punch to every shot.
