Boat tours are one of the best ways to explore a city or a natural wonder, especially if you’re a photography enthusiast. Not only do you get to experience the beauty of the surroundings from a unique perspective, but you also have the chance to capture stunning photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. However, photographing from a moving boat can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you capture the best views during your boat tour.
- Use a fast shutter speed
When photographing from a moving boat, you need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water and the boat. A fast shutter speed also helps you avoid blurry photos. A shutter speed of 1/500th of a second or faster should be enough to capture the scene sharply. If you’re shooting in low light, you may need to use a higher ISO or wider aperture to compensate for the faster shutter speed.
2. Stabilize your camera
To avoid shaky photos, stabilize your camera by using a tripod or monopod. If you don’t have a tripod, you can also use the boat’s railing or any other stable surface to rest your camera on. You can also try to brace yourself against the boat’s movement by standing with your feet apart and holding the camera with both hands.
3. Pay attention to the light
Lighting is one of the most crucial elements of photography, and when it comes to boat tours, the light can change rapidly. As the boat moves, the light can shift from bright sunlight to shadows, so it’s important to be aware of the changing light conditions. Try to position yourself so that the sun is behind you, and avoid shooting directly into the sun. If you’re shooting during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset), the light will be softer and more flattering, creating a beautiful warm glow in your photos.
4. Look for interesting compositions
When you’re on a boat tour, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery. However, not all scenes make for great photos. Look for interesting compositions that will make your photos stand out. Use the rule of thirds to position your subject off-center and create a more visually pleasing composition. Look for leading lines, such as the edge of the boat or the shoreline, to draw the viewer’s eye into the photo. You can also experiment with different angles and perspectives, such as shooting from a low angle or from above.
5. Be patient
Photography requires patience, and when you’re on a boat tour, you may need to wait for the perfect shot. Don’t be afraid to take your time and wait for the right moment to capture the scene. Be mindful of your surroundings and anticipate the action. For example, if you’re on a wildlife tour, keep an eye out for any movement in the water, and be ready to capture the action when it happens.
6. Experiment with different lenses
Boat tours offer a unique perspective that can be captured with a variety of lenses. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vast expanse of the sea or the city skyline. Telephoto lenses are ideal for zooming in on wildlife or capturing distant objects. If you have a zoom lens, experiment with different focal lengths to see which works best for the scene.
7. Shoot in RAW format
When you’re shooting from a moving boat, it’s easy to overexpose or underexpose your photos. Shooting in RAW format gives you more flexibility when it comes to adjusting the exposure and color in post-processing. RAW files contain all the data captured by the camera’s sensor, allowing you to make more significant adjustments without losing image quality.