Written by: Jake Hawley
Whale photography is a wild ride. You’re out on the water, the salty wind in your face, the camera in your hand—and then suddenly, *whoosh!* A whale appears, and you’ve got seconds to grab the shot. After years on the water, I’ve picked up a few tricks that can make all the difference. Whether you’re new to photographing marine wildlife or just want to up your game, here are six whale photography tips I swear by.
1. Use Both Eyes—Seriously
This one might sound odd, but trust me—it works. Most of us, when we’re looking through the viewfinder, close one eye. But with whales, keeping both eyes open helps you see more of the action.
Here’s why: when you only use one eye, your vision is limited to what’s in your viewfinder. If the whale surfaces somewhere else (and they usually do), you’ll have to pull your camera down, find the whale, and try to refocus—by which time it’s probably already gone.
Keeping your non-dominant eye open gives you a wider view of the scene. Your brain does a cool trick of merging what you see through the camera with what you see outside of it. That way, you can track where the whale is and where your camera is pointed *at the same time*. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a game changer.
2. Match Your Shutter Speed to the Whale
Whales aren’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to motion. A slow-moving humpback gliding near the surface needs a different shutter speed than an orca on the hunt.
If your subject is calm and steady, like a humpback slowly lifting its fluke, a lower shutter speed is fine. But if the whale is breaching or tail-slapping, you’ll want to bump that speed up to freeze the action. Orcas are fast and agile, so photographing them often requires higher shutter speeds even during less dramatic behavior.
Bottom line? Be ready to adjust your settings on the fly based on what the animals are doing.
3. Breach? Don’t Freak Out!
Breaching is the holy grail of whale photography. It’s dramatic, rare, and often over before you even realize it happened. If you miss it—don’t panic.
Whales sometimes breach more than once. So instead of beating yourself up over the one that got away, get your camera ready and keep watching. There’s a good chance it’ll happen again, and this time, you’ll be ready. (And remember Tip #1—keep both eyes open!)
4. Know Whale Behavior—and Go Often
Great shots come from great timing, and great timing comes from knowing your subject. The more you’re out on the water, the better you’ll get at reading the signs.
For example, humpbacks usually arch their backs in a certain way before they dive and show off that iconic tail. Learn the cues, and you’ll start to anticipate those perfect moments before they even happen. That only comes from spending time with whales—so go often, be observant, and take mental notes.
5. Pack the Right Lenses
Yes, zoom lenses are awesome. Being able to photograph a whale from a distance without disturbing it is a must. But don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens, too!
Whales can surprise you. One minute they’re way off on the horizon, the next they’re right beside the boat. A 600mm lens won’t help much if a curious humpback decides to say hi up close. A wider lens lets you capture those sudden, intimate encounters—and the epic seascapes that go with them.
6. Be Patient (Really, Really Patient)
This is the big one. You’re not always going to get the shot you want. Sometimes the whales are shy. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. That’s the deal when you’re working with wildlife.
But that’s also what makes those moments so magical. We’re guests in their world, watching them live life on their own terms. Respect that, stay patient, and enjoy the experience—even when it doesn’t result in a photo.
Some of my best shots came after hours of waiting… and a few came after multiple trips with no luck at all. Stick with it, and eventually, the whales will reward you.
Final Thoughts
Whale photography is a mix of skill, instinct, and a whole lot of waiting. But every minute on the water is a chance to learn, grow, and connect with these incredible animals. So grab your camera, get out there, and remember—it’s not just about the photo. It’s about the experience.
See you on the water!