Capturing the Moment: Photography Tips for Western Australia’s Top Whale Watching Tours

There are few more breathtaking experiences you can have than travelling to WA for whale watching. As you coast across the stunning pristine waters, here is where you capture amazing moments with this majestic wildlife. 

Once you are situated in this part of the world and based in their natural habitat, it’s the right time to snap a memorable collection of photographs. This might sound like an easy process at face value, but a degree of preparation will go a long way.

Here we will discuss some of the tips and trips for people heading to Western Australia on this adventure.  

Invest in the Right Equipment 

Part of your focus taking part in these leading whale watching tours is to have the right tools to begin with. A mirrorless or DSLR camera is strongly advised. This gives you a telephoto lens that’s perfect for capturing distant whale breaches and special behaviours. If you have a camera which enjoys a longer focal lens, you have the ability to zoom in on great action shots. 

Have Patience 

Take the long-term approach. These magnificent creatures might take time to appear or to showcase what they do best. This is where you discover the best whale watching tour experience available, being prepared to go the distance and take note of savvy observation techniques that the specialists employ. Focusing on the water’s surface will help you to see the splashes and blows that they are famous for. 

Capturing-the-Moment:-Photography-Tips-for-Western-Australia’s-Top-Whale-Watching-Tours

Fast Shutter Speed Cameras 

While your new smartphone will have clear capabilities, it always helps to utilise a camera with faster shutter speeds. Here is where you get real value from trusted whale watching specialists while on tour. A minimum of 1/1000th of a second or faster is advised. Their motion speed can be unpredictable and this is where a fast camera action really does pay dividends. 

Continuous Shooting Option 

Hold a conversation with anyone who has been on a whale watching tour program in this part of the world and they will say the same thing: blink and you’ll miss it. The perfect photo opportunity can pass you by. If you’re able to connect with a camera that has a continuous shooting option, you can catch a rapid succession of shots. This is where that stunning tail snap comes into sharper focus, even if you didn’t pick it up in real time. 

Incorporate the Environment 

What makes an unforgettable whale watching adventure? Of course the whales take centre stage, but the coastal environment of WA is a gem all by itself. Don’t hesitate to capture the background and soak in the magnificent views. The same can be said for the passengers onboard that you share the experience with.  

Opt for Natural Light 

As soon as the topic comes up about photography styles and techniques with whale watching providers, the subject of light will quickly come up. What you want is a soft and warm light composition. This helps to highlight the whales, the water and the backdrop. Too bright or too dull, and those features become harder to see. Early morning and late afternoon schedules are ideal for this very reason.