Cory Silken — Sailing, Light, and the Art of the Perfect Shot

Cory Silken is a name synonymous with ocean imagery that feels alive — frames that make you hear the wind, smell the salt, and feel the motion of the water beneath you. A Newport-based photographer, film producer, gallery director, and true sailor at heart, Cory has spent decades turning nautical life into vibrant visual stories that captivate editors, collectors, and fellow artists around the globe.

From Brooklyn to the Bow: The Path of a Nautical Storyteller

Photography wasn’t just a hobby that Cory drifted into — it was a calling from a life spent outdoors and aboard boats. Growing up with a passion for sailing and the sea, he began bringing a camera along on his adventures to share these places and moments with others. That curiosity evolved into a full-time profession that spans commercial assignments, fine art projects, multimedia collaborations, and gallery exhibitions around the world. 

Whether shooting a luxury superyacht in the Mediterranean, documenting classic regattas like the Opera House Cup, creating commissioned portraits for brokers and captains’ offices, or producing elegant lifestyle imagery, Cory approaches every subject with an eye for design, light, and motion. 

Global Reach, Local Roots

Though based in Newport, Rhode Island, Cory’s work has no geographical limits. His photography appears on the covers of major yachting magazines, in books distributed worldwide, and as fine art prints in collections from Boston to the Caribbean and Europe. He also runs the Cory Silken Photography Gallery on Thames Street, where his nautical imagery is showcased and available in custom prints, metal face-mounts, canvas, or framed editions.

Beyond yachts and regattas, Cory’s imagery often reveals a deeper connection to maritime culture — the way wind sculpts sails, how reflections dance off hulls at golden hour, and the expressive moments that make each boat and sea locale unique. His prints have even appeared in television shows and films, bringing his perspective into popular culture as well as fine art.

A Photographer Who Teaches as He Shoots

Cory also shares his expertise through immersive photography expeditions and workshops, where participants join him at sea to learn hands-on about capturing light, composition, and dynamic motion — all while sailing picturesque waters with gourmet amenities and professional guidance. These excursions are as much about community and skill development as they are about the final shot.

Sailing the Content Seas — and the Tools That Make It Easier

For a photographer who works extensively in and around water, choosing the right gear isn’t just a preference — it’s a practical necessity. Cory’s work often takes him into unpredictable maritime environments where traditional camera setups can be heavy, complex, and at risk of water damage.

That’s where Outex waterproof housings entered his workflow — not just as rugged protection, but as a tool that simplifies, de-clutters, and enhances his creative setup.

Lightweight, Streamlined, and Ready for Anything

Traditional underwater or water-edge camera rigs often involve heavy cages, multiple arms, large grips, and extensive accessory setups that add bulk and weight — making it harder to move quickly from deck to waterline. With Outex housings, Cory was able to:

• Reduce gear weight dramatically without sacrificing protection

• Simplify his setup so he spends more time shooting and less time assembling

• Cut down overall cost compared to full cage systems, stabilizers, and traditional underwater rigs

This has made water-related content creation more efficient and more affordable, especially on workshops where students and participants benefit from gear that’s easy to use, rugged, and accessible.

Why He Recommends Outex in His Workshops

In workshops, Cory emphasizes that the gear you bring should support creativity, not impede it. Outex housings help him teach effectively because they:

• Let shooters focus on composition and lighting rather than fumbling with complicated rigs

• Provide reliable waterproof protection even in surf, splashes, or deck-side spray

• Allow photographers to bring actual cameras with large sensors into wet environments — improving image quality over tiny action cameras

For Cory, Outex isn’t just a case — it’s a way to empower more photographers to explore water photography confidently and creatively.

Final Thoughts — A Life Defined by Water and Vision

From the docks of Newport to the azure waves of the Caribbean, Cory Silken’s photographic journey is about being where the story lives. Whether capturing luxury yachts in motion or guiding others to find their voice behind the lens, his work reflects a deep love for the sea’s beauty and complexity.

And by choosing tools that support his vision — like Outex waterproof housings — Cory continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in marine and water-based imagery.

Explore More

📍 Visit the Cory Silken Photography Gallery — Newport, RI
🌐 See his portfolio and prints: corysilken.com
✨ Join a photography workshop with Cory: global sailing & imagery expeditions