About

Billy Black loves his work: "Photography is all about problem solving. My job is to anticipate everything under my control, and then be ready for that perfect moment when it all comes together."

Photo by Jim Raycroft

Photo by Jim Raycroft

Billy has 40 years of experience making those magic moments happen all around the world from Newport to New Zealand. Bob Derecktor once called Billy a "professional enthusiast" and it’s his true love of boats and the people who build and run them that makes his work spectacular. We have the patience, energy, and experience to get to the heart of your message in stills and video. 

Your project is very important to us. Whether you’re developing an ad campaign for a production boat, wanting to record the unique features of a custom yacht, or sharing the story of your charter boat in an exotic location, you want us on your team. Every shoot is unique and Billy and his wife Joyce have planned and produced successful shoots all over the world. Billy and his assistant, Allison Barrett, work efficiently and tirelessly to make the most of an opportunity. Back at the office our expert processing and video editing assure that you’ll get stills and movies you can put right to work.

Call or email for a detailed proposal on your next project!

401.965.7565 - mail@billyblack.com


Testimonials

We look for excuses to call Billy Black for a photo shoot. Billy, Joyce and their team are not only highly professional but a pleasure to have on site. They make a point of getting to know their clients’ preferences. All their products; still, video, interiors are
unique and extremely well done. It is always a pleasure to see a Billy Black Photo boat pull alongside...you know there will be some great images to come.
— Charlie and Rose Dana
Billy Black is an extraordinary photographer, from the artistic to the practical aspects of every job. Billy and his team have years of experience in the marine industry and know what it takes to plan for every job. Whether shooting a marina, a mega yacht, a sailing yacht, a fishing boat, interiors, exteriors, aerials or underwater, they take care of every detail. They know how to travel the world efficiently with all the right gear, are always on time and creative. Billy works extremely well with yacht crew and knows the precise shot to take to make each boat look beautiful under the best light of day or night—and anything in between. Working with Billy is a pleasure as he conducts himself with professionalism, kindness and a smile throughout each project, and at the end, his deliveries are always perfectly curated, organized and punctual. Billy’s images are breathtaking, he truly captures the spirit of each yacht and the mood of every moment, but Billy goes above and beyond photography to provide the best service possible. His serene approach to photography helps everyone relax, trust and enjoy the process.
— Natalia Rodriguez, Studiorod
We have worked with Billy Black and his team for more than two decades to showcase Newport Shipyard in the best light possible through digital and print photography and video. Billy and Joyce are always efficient, professional, and well loved by the yachting community as a whole. Whether we need aerial photos of our marina, on-the-water shots of yachts racing in our super yacht regatta, or dockside photos during the Newport Charter Yacht Show, Billy and his team always deliver! We often recommend Billy for onboard photography, other marine-related photo shoots, and special event photography. We look forward to working with Billy and his team for many years to come.
— Veronica Brown
At Nicholson Yachts, we present our boats to thousands of potential clients who bring their luxury lifestyle preferences with them on the water. The difference between a Billy Black image and one shot by owner or crew is the deal maker or deal breaker. If we had to show clients and brokers images from a smartphone, we wouldn’t have a going concern anymore. Don’t kid yourselves. Avoid the fatal error of Do-It-Yourself Photography. Go with Billy.
— Karen Kelly Shea, President, Nicholson Yachts