Ventura has provided a unique, classic maritime venue for commercial photography, as well as sets for motion pictures and dramatic HD helicopter video for TV. Shoots may be arranged on an hourly, half-day, full day, or longer basis.

Clients who have shot high fashion include Harper’s Bazaar. The “I Love New York” campaign featured Ventura under full sail by lower Manhattan’s skyline.. Nautica recently shot dockside for a new line of sunglasses. ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” shot their weather report – broadcast live nationally from on Ventura -- in front of the Statue of Liberty. The NY Times did a fashionable summer wardrobe shoot dockside aboard Ventura at the World Financial Center.

Also available for shoots, both as chase boat or “star of the show” is the classic mahogany speedboat “Petrel.” Most uniquely, Petrel may be brought ashore, to your studio, making this summer background available year-round, in your own setting. Have a nautical thought for a bridal product? Think Petrel.  Petrel's art deco chrome details -- curved windscreen, cleats, red and green running lights -- make a great backdrop.  If your studio permits, she can be trailered into your facility to guarantee lighting and weatherconditions.

Ventura’s wealth of authentic, antique nautical details – details that captivate the eye of an art director and highlight a product -- are made more accessible by the yacht’s on-board facilities.  Operationally, Ventura provides 110 vac power -- even when sailing -- and features a private cabin area for hair and make up; facilities for steamers to keep clothes fresh are also aboard.

Rates for shoots vary according to location. Dockside shoots on Ventura are generally half-price from shoots underway, a combination which can be exceptionally cost effective: many savvy producers book, for example, 2 hours dockside and 3 hours underway, thus saving valuable budget dollars.  Petrel is priced according to location and time.

To discuss your specific project, please contact Captain Patrick Harris directly – with over 21 years of experience in New York Harbor alone, “Captain Pat” knows where to find background, or no background, and can answer all your financial as well as operational questions.

Considering a shoot in the Bahamas? Captain Pat has been on location in the "glam" parts of Nassau (the James Bond films "Casino Royale", in the Ocean Club, and "Thunderball" in the Thunderball undersea grotton, Exumas) for over two decades. The deserted beaches and dramatic cliff and sea locations are his specialty.  His 43' double cabin houseboat, and ocean-going yacht are available in the Bahamas from November through March and may be booked on a daily or weekly basis.  See "Other vessels" in this site for photos and details.

Contact Captain Pat via phone or email. PH 212 786 1204 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it