Lizann Loc: Portland

I am on my way to Maui this Thursday and hope to take some photos of the whales with my Nikon D90. All I have done is take pics in the program mode. I need some suggestions on how to take some great shots of the whales. Any suggestions out there?

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

MtnMan Loc: ID

I don't have great suggestions but perhaps can prepare you. I went in Alaska last year and got mostly pictures of swirls of water and a couple of Orca fins. The Humpbacks were there but mostly too far to get a good shot and the crowd made it difficult. In this situation you had to hand hold your camera and definitely needed the max telephoto. They said they are supposed to stay 100 yards from the whales.

I understand they might get you much closer and in smaller boats in some other countries but I'd assume Hawaii follows the same rules.

Lizann Loc: Portland

Thanks. I was afraid of that very thing. I guess that it might be dumb luck if I get anything at all.

Itpurs Loc: Carson City, NV

Unfortunately the whale watching boats in Hawaii do not get you very close. I got a great whale tail in Alaska, and the whale tour boats in Provincetown are incredible. they get you right in among the pods. (can be scary, as they are really big mammals). Your only option in Hawaii is to look for a real small tour operator who is willing to take you out far enough to get you some close shots. Also, check on the web for local photog guides who know the ropes and could get you closer to the whales. It may cost a few extra $ but it sure is worth it. ;)

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Try to go on a cloudy day. I went in Alaska this past summer & was lucky enough to see at least an hour of bubble netting. Apparently, whales do not like the sun and you'll see more on an overcast day.

Since you're used to the program mode, keep it in program.

Change your exposure mode to take multiple or continuous exposures. That way you're bound to get some good shots.

Take a long lens and set it just before maximum (i.e. 295mm vs 300mm) If you don't have a long lens try to rent one or buy one if you can.

If overcast, bring your ISO up.

MtnMan Loc: ID

The below seems to be all good advice I wish I had on my trip. Well, maybe not the cloudy day! ;-)

Using continuous shooting is a great idea to avoid getting just swirls. The camera I had at the time wasn't up to that task.

Another advice I'd add is to try your focus control on spot. The sea may give you trouble with autofocus and you'll need to try manual focus instead though.

Also I'd double down on setting up the ISO...even if sunny...so you get an exposure time of at most 1/1000. You'll be handholding a telephoto and even with image stabilization on the higher shutter speeds can help control camera movement blur. With recent DSLR camera sensors and bright light digital noise isn't much of an issue up to ISO 2000 and beyond.

Since they'll be a ways off you should be OK on DOF if you keep your f-stop above 8 or so.

Lizann Loc: Portland

THANK YOU so much for these suggestions - they are just the type of info I am searching for. ISO up to ??? and definitely in continuous shooting mode.

marlinman1 Loc: Sunny New Mexico

ran a charter boat on oauha when i was stationed there seems that most of the good whale contacts i had are no longer there i tried to look a few up and see if they knew anyone over on maui but sorry no luck. If you get the oportunity to get out on a sail boat you can get some really great shots

Lizann Loc: Portland

I will try to go on a small raft or catamaran. Thanks for the help.

jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

I was in Maui in Jan. 2010. We went whale watching with the Pacific Whale Foundation and had a blast. They are a great group and are concerned with following the rules and protecting the environment.

At first we didn't see many whales...well, up close anyway. There were dozens breaching off in the distance all the time. But before we knew it we had a lot of activity right around us. I believe one of the rules is that boats can't run their motors within 100 yards of where any known whales are. If whales come close to the boat, the motors must be shut down.

At one point we were watching 3 male humpbacks "fighting" over a nearby female. There was also lots of "spy hopping". I ended up with a picture series of a baby humpback breaching while it's mother swam nearby. Then the mother and calf swam right in front of the boat.....just yards away. (See pics below)

We were there in the first week of January. I'm not sure how the whales are by the third week in February, but I would expect they are still hanging around. Set your camera to a fast shutter (I only shoot in manual mode) and be at the ready. They come and go fast.

Playful calf breaching next to momma


Humpbacks swimming near the boat


La Perouse Bay (just for fun)

Lizann Loc: Portland

How exciting! I have already booked my trip with Pacific Whale Foundation - I am a member. So, on Friday morning I will be out trying to get a photo. Thank you so much for your response and the pictures are great! Maybe I will have a couple to post when I get back. I tried to attach a couple of dolphin photos from last summer, hope it worked.