Get that Moment When the Whale Breaches!

Whale watching is a mesmerizing experience. Capturing that majestic moment of a whale breaching is exhilarating and a challenge for any photographer. If you're fortunate enough to witness this incredible spectacle from a boat, setting up your camera in advance is crucial. Let's explore the art of photographing whales breaching using a 200mm lens and the appropriate camera settings while adopting a paparazzi-style approach to shooting without the use of a tripod. For the reader, I am a Canon photographer and use the Canon R5, and use the Canon EF 70-200mm (with an EF to RF adapter) or Canon RF 100-500mm. I typically use a PolarPro Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter but could bypass when the glare is low and waves are choppy.

Equipment:

Before embarking on your whale watching adventure, ensure you have the right gear. A reliable DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 200mm lens is an excellent choice for capturing the distant breaching whales. While a tripod is beneficial for stability it will be prove to be complicated to use when moving around on a boat and when you need to react fast. Instead, you'll need to use a paparazzi-style approach which involves shooting handheld, rapidly pointing your camera in the area of the whale breach to maintain flexibility and spontaneity. This is similar to how you'd hold a pistol. You won't look thru the viewfinder, but you can and should use the back panel viewer if you have one to help you aim. Let's look at settings.

Suggested Camera Settings:

Humpback Whale Breaching in Cabo San Lucas, Baja del Sur, Mexico

Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action of the breaching whale. Aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to ensure sharp and clear images, even without the support of a tripod.

Aperture (f-stop): Opt for a wide aperture (lower f-stop number) to let in more light and create a shallow depth of field. A range between f/2.8 and f/5.6 is recommended to emphasize the whale while blurring the background.

ISO: Set your ISO to a low value (e.g., ISO 100 or 200) to maintain image quality and reduce noise. If the lighting conditions are challenging, gradually increase the ISO while monitoring the image quality.

Focus Mode: Use continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI-Servo) to track the moving whale as it breaches. This ensures that your subject remains sharp throughout the sequence, even with the dynamic movements.

Burst Mode: Switch to burst mode (continuous shooting) to capture a rapid series of shots when the whale breaches. This approach compensates for the lack of stability and increases your chances of getting that perfect shot.

Exposure Compensation: Depending on the lighting conditions, consider using exposure compensation to adjust for highlights or shadows. Experiment with slight adjustments until you achieve the desired exposure.

White Balance: Choose a white balance setting that complements the natural colors of the ocean and sky. Daylight or cloudy settings are often suitable for whale watching scenarios.

Spot Focus: Set your focus to be a single spot, and center it in your screen. This will allow you to 'point and shoot" rapidly. You'll need it. Many cameras offer an array of settings. If you have a spot focus setting that allows you to track and focus on an animal's eyes, even better.

Tips for Success:

Anticipate the Breach: Whales often exhibit certain behaviors before breaching. Study them for the frist half hour or so before shooting. Keep a keen eye on their movements and be ready to capture the moment.

Shoot Like a Paparazzi: Embrace the spontaneity of paparazzi-style photography. Be agile and ready to move quickly to capture the dynamic moments of whale breaching. Rapidly point your camera in the direction and shoot!

Compose Thoughtfully: Pay attention to composition. Frame the breaching whale against the ocean or sky, and consider the rule of thirds for a visually appealing shot. You will want to have the whale fully in your frame so don't zoom in too much unless this is the photo you want.

Respect the Wildlife: Maintain a safe and respectful distance from the whales. Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing their natural behavior.

Conclusion:

Photographing whales breaching from a boat with a 200mm lens in a paparazzi-style approach is a thrilling and dynamic endeavor that requires preparation and skill. By following the suggested camera settings and tips outlined in this guide, you'll increase your chances of capturing breathtaking images of these magnificent marine creatures.

Remember to savor the moment and enjoy the beauty of nature while honing your photography skills in an unrestrained and spontaneous manner.

Join me on this journey, and let's explore the world through the lens of my camera together.

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