Whether it’s your first time or an annual excursion you take, dolphin watching is an outing that provides countless chances to capture memories. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to document your experience, even if unpredictable sea life is involved. Make the most out of your dolphin watching trip with the following four photography tips.

A Beginner’s Guide to Photograph Dolphins

1. Consider Composition

When trying to take a memorable photo during your dolphin watching tour, keep in mind what surroundings will also be in the photo. When preparing to snap a picture, pay attention to any boats, the setting sun, or landmarks you may want to serve as background imagery.

Remember, you can always crop something out of a photo, but you can’t alter an image that has something cut in half.

2. Check Shutter Speeds 

Dolphins move incredibly fast. Check your camera’s shutter speed to determine if you need to switch this setting into a live-action mode. While some cameras enable you to manually adjust shutter speed, you can easily opt for a setting like fast shutter mode, which typically has a speed of 1/500 of a second and can capture most action photos.

3. Keep Snapping

It may be tempting to check your photos after every few you take, but doing so may make you miss out on the perfect shot. You have plenty of time to review your photos, delete, or edit any after your excursion, so resist the urge to double-check and just keep snapping.

4. Think About the Weather

Whether it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day or rainy and cloudy, knowing the weather report ahead of time can help you prepare the appropriate camera settings. This includes nature settings or high contrast options to ensure you get the brightest photo, whether it’s sunny or cloudy.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind island experience, schedule an excursion with the team at Ko Olina Ocean Adventures in Kapolei, HI. Whether you prefer dolphin watching or want to see various sea life while snorkeling, this group provides a range of adventures to meet the interests of all ages. Learn more about their tours and events by visiting them online or calling (808) 396-2068.