Humpback whales are beautiful creatures that inspire awe and excitement, which is why many boat tours specialize in taking people out on the water to view them. If you want to capture amazing memories during one of these adventures, follow these tips to take stunning photographs.

3 Tips to Photograph Humpback Whales

1. Protect Your Device From the Water 

On a boat tour, you and all your belongings are likely to get wet. If you bring a camera or want to take pictures on your phone, protect the device from the saltwater. For those bringing a camera, place it in a plastic bag with a small hole cut out for the lens. If you opt for a cell phone, consider purchasing a waterproof case or pouch. In between shots, wipe the lens with a microfiber rag to get rid of any moisture that might compromise image quality.

2. Set Your Device to Auto

Most cameras and cell phones come with two settings: manual and auto-focus. The former allows you to customize the exposure and shutter speed for each picture, while the latter uses a predetermined setting to take clear images. When taking pictures of humpback whales, use auto-focus. The animals move quickly, and if you have to spend time adjusting each shot, you might miss your opportunity.

3. Shoot in Bursts

Most modern devices offer a feature called burst shooting, which takes multiple shots in rapid-fire succession. Use this setting to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. After each burst, go through the set to delete any blurry or less-than-perfect copies. 

If you want to view humpback whales, schedule a boat tour with Maui Activities Store. Based in Lahaina, HI, the company offers locals and tourists a range of exciting activities, from ziplining and helicopter tours to luau and dinner cruises. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, and call (808) 638-3230 to book a reservation today.