Digidirect’s Sony Vivid Cruise 3-6-26

Vivid Sydney 2026 offered another spectacular display of colour, creativity and light across Sydney Harbour, and I was fortunate to experience part of the festival from the water on a photography cruise hosted by Digidirect and Sony. The evening provided an opportunity to photograph Sydney’s iconic skyline illuminated by vibrant projections, dazzling installations and reflections dancing across the harbour.

Leading up to the event, I had hoped to secure a place on the Canon Vivid cruise, which was my preferred option due to its itinerary and photographic focus. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a ticket, making the Digidirect and Sony cruise the next best opportunity to get out on the harbour during the festival.

While the cruise itself was enjoyable and well organised, the experience was not quite what I had anticipated. A significant portion of the evening was spent near Garden Island, away from many of the major Vivid installations and the brightest sections of the city. As a result, there were fewer opportunities to capture the dramatic harbour-wide vistas and iconic illuminated landmarks that many photographers associate with Vivid Sydney.

Despite this limitation, the cruise still provided unique photographic opportunities. The changing colours of the city lights, reflections shimmering across the dark water and occasional views towards the illuminated skyline created striking compositions. It also offered a chance to test equipment in real-world low-light conditions while sharing the experience with fellow photography enthusiasts.

The photographs in this collection reflect both the beauty and challenges of photographing Vivid from the harbour. They capture moments of colour, atmosphere and urban energy while documenting a personal experience that did not entirely meet expectations but nevertheless delivered memorable images and valuable time on the world's most beautiful waterway.