Museum Quality Replica Ship Models
Photo How-To Guide
For a full model, we’ll need approximately 40-60 photos around and on the boat. For a half hull model, 10-12 shots around one side of the boat will do. These don’t need to be taken by a professional with a fancy camera. Using a simple digital camera, with low resolution settings will do. However someone will need to be on the boat, willing to walk around all areas and levels of the exterior. Be sure to take the photos as you want the model to appear – remove all canvass coverings, instrument covers, and assorted “boat stuff” (keys, cords, binoculars, cups/glasses, towels, etc.). Dock lines and power cords can be left on board during the photo session. The better the lighting, the better the photos - be aware of shadows.
- A complete walk around exterior set showing the profile of the boat, water lines, sheer lines, boot stripes, any and all graphics. Include shots of roof top items such as antennas, radar and communications, assorted electronics, lights, bells, horns, etc) at least 8-10 photos
- Cockpit, helm station and steering areas, a minimum of 8-10 photos from different angels showing the helm and navigation instrumentation. Take photos from the helmsman seat and from the sides and above (don't forget to remove the instrument covers)
- Same for the fly bridge
- All port lights, hatches and any vents
- The main companionway from 4 different angles
- Deck hardware: any winches, cleats, chocks, etc.
- Bow pulpit, windlass, and anchor or furling systems
- For Sailboats - various sheet handling systems, masthead, shrouds and stays, mainsheet and vang, mast boot and mast assembly items
- Transom: at least 3 photos showing shape
- Vessel name and home port, showing placement on vessel and font
- If you want your yacht club burgee on the model, please photograph, indicate placement and send a pdf example file.
Send your photos to us by mail on a disk or flash drive; or preferably, send them electronically via a web-based photo service such as Picasa, SmugMug or ShutterFly. Please do not send your photo set by e-mail as it tends to clog up our server.
The below photo set should serve as an example of a properly done photo session for a full model.
