[Complete Guide] Camera Settings and Tips for Beautifully Photographing Humpback Whales: How to Not Miss Your Few Seconds of Opportunity

Introduction: Seizing the Moment

Hello, this is Daisuke.

In my previous article, I explained the rules for whale swimming in Japan. Now, it's time for the real thing. I will share the settings and tips I've derived from my own experience on how to beautifully capture those giants on camera. Whale swimming gives you only a few to a dozen seconds as the whale passes in front of you. There is no time to hesitate.

Camera Settings to Avoid Failure

AF (Autofocus): Relying on the Latest Technology is the Right Choice

While manual focus (MF) is an option, the AF performance of modern cameras is phenomenal. Unless you have a strong policy against it, don't hesitate to use AF. In my case, since the subject is moving, I shoot with
AF-C, but AF-S should also work fine.

⚠️ Caution: When shooting near the water's surface, the focus may lock onto bubbles in the foreground. Make it a habit to calmly check in the viewfinder whether the whale's eye is in focus.

Aperture (F-stop): The Safe Zone is f/5.6 to f/11

Prioritize capturing the whole subject sharply rather than aiming for bokeh.
On sunny days, stopping down a little makes it easier to capture the rays of light (sunbeams) shining into the water beautifully.

SS (Shutter Speed): Fast is the Golden Rule

Whales may look like they are moving slowly, but they are actually fast. Especially since calves move unpredictably, ensure at least 1/500.

ISO Sensitivity: Flexible Adaptation to the Environment

In whale swimming, where strobes and lights are prohibited, natural light is everything.

• Shallow water/Sunny: Low (ISO 100-400)

• Deep/Cloudy: High (ISO 800-6400) Prioritize preventing motion blur over worrying about noise.

Conclusion: My Top Recommendation is 'ISO Auto'

After trying various things, what I recommend most is
setting the F-stop and SS yourself, and leaving the ISO sensitivity on Auto
.

[Reason for these settings]

1. Guaranteed prevention of blur: You can lock in your desired SS.

2. Resilience to change: Even if the whale dives deeper or the sun is obscured by clouds, the camera will instantly adjust the ISO sensitivity.

Opportunities last only a moment. There is no time to fiddle with settings when a whale appears right in front of you. The biggest secret is to have your camera ready to 'just point and shoot'.

Make a difference in the field! 3 shooting techniques

Once your settings are locked in, the rest is about how you move in the field.

1. Predict the path from the surface before going underwater

Do not look through the camera immediately after entering the water. Unless the whale is clearly visible underwater, first lift your head to check its direction based on its blow (spout) or the position of its tail. It is most efficient to make a prediction, get your camera ready, and then look underwater just as it approaches.

2. Adjust your composition with 'minimal movement'

Swimming is prohibited, but you won't get good photos just by floating. When other guests are about to enter your frame, use slight movements of your hands and feet to quietly adjust your position. Delicate movements that don't splash the surface are the key to clearing your frame without startling the whale.

3. 'No-finder shooting'—you can do it!

When a whale passes directly beneath you or at a slightly deeper position, looking through the viewfinder will only capture its back.

In such cases, try extending your arms downward as far as you can to take the shot.

• Pros: You can get closer to the whale's profile and expressions.

• Cons: The chance of failing to frame the shot correctly is very high.

• Tip: Wide-angle lenses have a deep depth of field, so you can actually get surprisingly clear shots. Practice a few times to get a feel for the relationship between your arm angle and the frame.

Conclusion

Whale swim photography relies more on 'luck' and 'preparation' than on technique. Once you have the perfect settings, all that's left is to pray that the whales come to you. Don't just look through the viewfinder; make sure to burn that overwhelming presence into your own eyes as well.
See you later!