![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.etendues-sauvages.com\/actualites\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/afriquedusud_satb700_5.jpg\" "\\"Whale")
<\/a><\/p>\nLenses and focal lengths<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There’s no need for overly long focal lengths \u2014 the boat’s instability makes framing very difficult above 200mm. The ideal is a stabilised lens such as a Canon 100-400 or Nikon 80-400. Optical stabilisation makes framing far more comfortable.<\/p>\n Speed<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You need both a very fast autofocus and a shutter speed quick enough to avoid motion blur and freeze the movements of whales or dolphins. The best approach is to set your camera to Tv mode (shutter priority) at a minimum of 1\/500s or 1\/750s. Horizon<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n It should be level, and the rule of thirds matters more than ever (easier said than done on a pitching boat!).<\/p>\n Filters<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A UV filter is essential (a polarising filter is optional). Accessories<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n – A waterproof bag or case to protect your camera gear The ultimate extra!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n – An underwater sound recorder, to listen to whale song. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n Watching and photographing whales<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Being close to these impressive marine mammals is always a powerful experience…<\/p>\n If encountering them is a dream you’d like to fulfil, take a moment to explore a few examples of tailor-made journeys designed by Etendues Sauvages:<\/p>\n To meet grey whales<\/strong> in Baja California, Mexico, click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n See here<\/a> an example journey for observing humpback whales<\/strong> in South Africa.<\/p>\n
\nA whale or dolphin breaching the surface lasts only a few tenths of a second. It happens very, very fast…<\/p>\n
\nConsider a fast lens or a high ISO setting if you want to shoot at dawn or dusk, when the sun sits very low on the horizon.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nYou can also use a filter to reduce the blue cast caused by the sea, or adjust your camera’s white balance.
\nIf you shoot in RAW, you’ll be able to adjust this balance later, when selecting your images.
\nQuick reminder: never more than one filter at a time!<\/p>\n
\n– A dry cloth to wipe off sea spray
\n– A monopod to steady your shot (not always very practical)
\n– Binoculars (avoid magnifications above eight, as stability becomes an issue)
\n– Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
\n– A cap and a bottle of water!!!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n