Whale photos: How to capture great shots!

Capturing stunning whale photos presents a thrilling challenge. Afterall, you’re aboard a rocking boat, contending with shifting light, constant motion, and the elusive nature of your subject—a majestic creature that seems to appear and disappear with the rhythm of the waves.

Now, add the rush of adrenaline as you witness the awe-inspiring spectacle unfolding before your eyes: there it is, a magnificent whale breaching! The urgency to immortalize that breathtaking moment in a photograph is palpable.

Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, capturing the perfect whale photo requires a little skill and a lot of patience. Let’s explore some tips and techniques to help you capture stunning images of whales on your Sea of Whales adventure.

Protect your gear

Protecting your camera is as essential as waterproofing your ship! Whether you’re rocking a high-end DSLR or a trusty smartphone, ensure your gear is snug as a bug in a dry bag—or even a plastic bag. Microfibre cloths or towels will enable you to wipe your camera and lenses if they get damp, and a good wipe down after is always recommended. Be sure to loop your camera strap securely around your neck while shooting. For smartphone and iPad users, maintain a firm grip on your devices and avoid holding them over the water. While on your trip, joyful squeals and excited chatter are music to our ears. Conversely, the last thing we want to hear are the ominous sounds of a camera plunging into the water followed by a series of unfortunate glugs.

Embrace the Whale Whisperer Within

As we adventure through the waves, channel your inner whale whisperer and keep watch for any telltale signs of whale activity. Look out for spouts, breaches, and the occasional tail slap—these majestic creatures have a flair for the dramatic! Keep your eyes peeled, your camera at the ready, and your whale puns on standby. You never know when a “whale hello there” moment might arise!

Do you need a fancy camera?

While it’s certainly true that a high-quality camera, with a telephoto lens will increase your odds of capturing detailed shots of whales, we’ve seen some pretty epic whale photos that were shot with a point-and-shoot camera or smartphone. If you’re using a point-and-shoot, we recommend the sports or action settings if you have one. If your camera has both optical and digital zoom, don’t use the latter – you’ll end up with blurry photos. 

For photographers using a bigger DSLR or mirrorless camera, a lens with the widest range possible allows you to adapt to various shooting scenarios. We strongly recommend against changing lenses on the water as the risk of getting water and salt spray in your camera body is too high. Remember to compensate for motion – a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 is recommended, if light allows. Tripods and monopods don’t work very well on a moving platform with moving subjects, so it’s best to hand-hold.

How close will we get?

Our guides understand the behaviour of whales, and are pretty great at anticipating their movements. We’ll do our best to get you as close as is safely possible for that perfect whale photo, while ensuring that we respect their space and give them the room they need to do their thing. You can read more about the Canadian guidelines for marine wildlife watching here.

Practice and Experience

Embrace the Magic

As we cruise along beautiful Trinity and Bonavista Bays, remember to savour every moment of this enchanting adventure. From the salty sea spray to the dramatic coastline, let the magic of the ocean wash over you like a tidal wave of wonder. After all, it’s not just about the photos—it’s about the memories we capture along the way.

Happy snapping, and may your photos be as legendary as the tales of the sea! Ready to book your next adventure? Let’s go!