Location: Balboa Marina, Newport Beach, California
Event: Balboa Invitational Boat Show
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 and Saturday, September 26, 2026
Compensation: $500 per day
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a paid 30-minute lunch
Engagement: Independent contractor, temporary event assignment
About the Role
Alliance Drone is looking for photographers/data collectors to help us document the Balboa Invitational Boat Show in Newport Beach.
We build detailed digital maps and visual data products for boat shows. This is different from a traditional event photography assignment. You will systematically photograph boats, exhibitors, signage, docks, walkways, and surrounding context so the imagery can be associated with specific locations and used to create an accurate digital representation of the event.
You will follow an assigned route through the show and capture imagery using both an iPhone and professional camera.
Training and detailed capture instructions will be provided.
Responsibilities
* Follow an assigned capture route through the boat show.
* Photograph boats, exhibitors, signage, docks, entrances, and other assigned areas.
* Capture identifying information and surrounding context so boats and exhibitors can be accurately identified and located.
* Take location-enabled reference photos using an iPhone.
* Capture high-quality imagery using a professional camera.
* Maintain accurate date, time, location, and other image metadata.
* Track your walking route using a provided Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking application.
* Follow a structured process to ensure your assigned area is completely documented.
* Report inaccessible areas, moved boats, missing exhibits, or other capture issues.
* Transfer original image files at the end of the assignment.
* Work professionally around exhibitors, event staff, marina personnel, and attendees.
Required Equipment
You must provide:
* iPhone 15 or newer, with sufficient available storage and location services enabled.
* Professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera.
* A wide-angle lens is required.
* Sufficient batteries and memory cards for a full day of shooting.
* Portable phone battery and charging cable.
* Comfortable, dock-safe footwear.
Qualifications
We are looking for photographers who are comfortable working independently and systematically documenting an event site.
Ideal candidates will have:
* Experience with real estate, architectural, event, commercial, or similar professional photography. Real estate photography experience is particularly relevant because this assignment requires systematic documentation rather than purely artistic photography.
* Experience using a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera.
* Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow a repeatable capture process.
* Ability to ensure complete coverage of an assigned area.
* Ability to clearly photograph identifying information, signage, boats, exhibitors, and surrounding context.
* Comfort managing large numbers of image files while preserving original filenames and metadata.
* Ability to walk and stand for most of the workday, including working on docks and around boats.
* Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work independently.
* Professionalism when interacting with exhibitors, event staff, marina personnel, and attendees.
Compensation
$500 for the day, scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a paid 30-minute lunch.
This is a short-term independent contractor assignment. Contractors are responsible for bringing the required equipment listed above.
How to Apply
Please reply to this posting with:
1. Your name and general location.
2. Confirmation that you are available Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2026
3. Your iPhone model.
4. Your professional camera make and model.
5. The lenses you can bring.
6. A link to your photography portfolio or examples of your work.
7. A short description of relevant photography experience.
Experience with real estate or property photography is especially helpful.
You can learn more about Alliance Drone and our boat show mapping work at:
https://www.alliancedrone.com/boat-show-mapping
