Photographer's Paradise: Capturing the Beauty of Whales in Perth
The salty breeze carries a promise of adventure and the gentle rock of the vessel beneath your feet is a reminder that you're about to embark on a journey like no other. This is your passport to the photographer’s paradise, the exclusive opportunity to capture the beauty of whales in their natural habitat, right here in Perth's crystal-clear waters.
Whale watching in Perth is not merely a pastime; it's an art form, a symphony of nature and an unforgettable experience waiting to be captured through the lens of your camera. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiast with a smartphone, this journey is designed to inspire, educate and help you create stunning visual memories that will stay with you long after the waves have settled.
The Whales of Perth
In the waters around Perth, several whale species are commonly spotted. These include the humpback whale, southern right whale and the occasional visit from the majestic blue whale. Perth is particularly renowned for its humpback whale population. From September to November, these oceans come alive with the spectacular sight of humpback whales making their way along the Western Australian coast.
Perth's strategic location along the migratory path of these whales has established it as a prime whale-watching destination. The city serves as a vital stopover for these gentle giants, making it an ideal place to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat. The unique combination of clear waters and abundant marine life has elevated Perth's status as a top-tier location for whale watching.
The Best Time to Photograph Whales in Perth
Timing matters just as much as gear when it comes to whale watching photography. A few things worth planning around:
Season - Humpback whales pass through Perth's waters from September to November, giving you the best chance of encountering active, curious whales, including mother-and-calf pairs.
Time of day - Early morning and late afternoon light (the "golden hour") is softer and warmer, reducing harsh glare off the water and giving your photos more depth and colour.
Weather and sea conditions - Calmer seas mean a more stable shooting platform and clearer water for spotting whales beneath the surface. Overcast days can actually help too, as diffused light reduces blown-out highlights on white water splashes.
Position on the boat - Ask your crew where the best vantage points are likely to be based on wind direction and the sun's position, a small adjustment in where you stand can make a big difference to your shot.
Preparing for the Photography Adventure
Preparing for a whale photography adventure is crucial to ensure you capture stunning images while on one of our whale watching tours. Here's a breakdown of the essential elements to consider:
Camera - A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is highly recommended for greater control over your shots.
Lenses - Invest in a telephoto lens with a long focal length (e.g., 70-200mm or 100-400mm) to capture distant subjects effectively. A wide-angle lens can also be handy for shots of breaching whales or scenic views.
Lens Hood and Filters - These can help reduce glare and protect your lens from saltwater mist.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards - Ensure you have sufficient power and storage for a day of shooting.
Recommended Camera Settings for Whale Photography
Whales move fast and unpredictably, so dialling in your settings before you spot one will save you from missing the shot. As a starting point for whale watching photography:
Shutter speed - Aim for at least 1/1000s to freeze breaches, tail slaps and splashing water. For calmer moments, like a slow fluke dive, you can drop to around 1/500s.
Aperture - A wider aperture (lower f-number, such as f/5.6–f/8) helps in lower light and keeps your subject sharp against a softly blurred background.
ISO - Keep it as low as the light allows to minimise noise, but don't be afraid to raise it on overcast days, a slightly grainy sharp photo beats a clean blurry one.
Continuous/burst shooting mode - Whale behaviour happens in a split second. Shooting in bursts gives you a sequence to choose the best frame from afterwards.
Continuous autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo) - This helps your camera track the whale as it moves, rather than locking focus on a single point.
Back-up your smartphone camera - Even with a dedicated camera in hand, keep your phone accessible. Wide-angle phone shots and video are perfect for capturing the scale of a close encounter or the reaction on board when a whale surfaces nearby.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Whale Photos
Capturing stunning whale photos during a whale-watching tour requires a combination of technical skill and an understanding of these magnificent creatures' behaviour. Before your tour, familiarise yourself with the behaviour of the humpback whale. Learn about breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping and other typical whale activity.
Keep an eye out for signs such as diving patterns, surface ripples or blowhole sprays that may indicate a breach or other exciting activity. Be patient and attentive. Whales often surface unexpectedly, so you need to be ready to capture the moment when it happens.
Tips to Compose Your Shots for Maximum Impact:
Rule of Thirds - Apply the rule of thirds to create visually appealing compositions. Place the horizon and the whale's action in one of the horizontal or vertical thirds of the frame.
Frame the Shot - Use elements in the foreground, such as the boat's railing, to add depth and context to your images.
Leading Lines - Use leading lines, such as the whale's trajectory or waves, to guide the viewer's eye toward the subject.
Tips to Utilise Natural Lighting and the Right Angles:
Backlighting - Experiment with backlighting to create dramatic silhouettes of breaching whales against the sun. Use spot metering to expose for the subject.
Low Angles - Get down to water level or even lower to capture the whale against the sky or ocean, which can provide a unique perspective.
Shutter Speed - Adjust your shutter speed to control the motion of splashing water or the whale's movement.
By understanding whale behaviour, composing your shots thoughtfully and leveraging natural lighting and angles, you can increase your chances of capturing stunning whale photos that not only showcase the beauty of these creatures but also tell a compelling visual story of your whale watching tour.
Whale Behaviours Every Photographer Should Know
Recognising what a whale is about to do gives you precious extra seconds to get your camera ready. Here are the key behaviours to watch for on a whale watching photography tour:
Breaching - The whale launches most or all of its body out of the water before crashing back down. It's the most dramatic shot in whale photography, but also the hardest to predict, whales that breach once often breach again, so stay ready.
Tail slapping (lobtailing) – The whale slaps its tail fluke against the surface, often repeatedly. This is a great, slightly more predictable opportunity to practise your timing.
Pectoral slapping - Similar to tail slapping, but using the long pectoral fins. Common in playful or socialising whales.
Spy hopping - The whale rises vertically out of the water, head first, seemingly to look around. This gives a beautiful, symmetrical shot if you're ready with a slightly wider frame.
Fluking - As a whale begins a deeper dive, it arches its back and lifts its tail fluke into the air. This is one of the most reliable and photogenic behaviours to capture.
Blowing (spouting) - The visible spray from the blowhole as a whale exhales. It's often the first sign a whale is nearby, and a good cue to start watching closely.
Smartphone Whale Watching Photography Tips
You don't need a professional camera to bring home great whale photos, plenty of memorable shots on our tours come from phones. A few ways to get the most out of your smartphone:
Use burst mode - Hold the shutter down to capture a rapid sequence, then pick the sharpest frame afterwards.
Tap to set focus and exposure – Tap on the whale (or the patch of water where you expect it to surface) so your phone doesn't default to focusing on the sky or boat.
Avoid digital zoom - Zooming in on a phone reduces image quality significantly. Get as close as safely and respectfully possible instead, or crop the photo afterwards.
Shoot wide for context - Phones excel at capturing the whole scene, the boat, the horizon, fellow passengers reactin, which a telephoto lens will miss.
Clean your lens - Sea spray on a phone's small lens can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Wipe it with a soft cloth regularly.
Common Whale Photography Mistakes to Avoid
Even enthusiastic photographers can miss great shots by falling into a few common traps:
Chimping too much - Constantly checking your last photo on the screen means you'll miss the next moment. Trust your settings and keep your eyes on the water.
Zooming in too tight, too soon - A whale can surface much closer than expected. Start a little wider so you don't accidentally crop off a breaching whale's tail or head.
Forgetting to check your settings after a light change - Moving from open water into the shadow of a headland, or from morning into midday sun, can throw off your exposure if you're on manual settings.
Only shooting horizontal - Some behaviours, like spy hopping or a full breach, can look striking in portrait orientation too.
Not bracing yourself - Boats move. Keep a wide stance, brace your elbows against your body or a railing, and use a strap so a sudden swell doesn't cost you your camera.
Sue Doble
Sue Doble
Framing Patience – The Art of Whale Photography
As a photographer, each day on a whale-watching tour is an exhilarating journey into the unknown, filled with excitement and challenges. Whale watching is, in many ways, a waiting game. We keep our eyes peeled for telltale signs, such as the elusive blow, a water spout-like exhalation from the whale's blowhole or perhaps the flick of a massive tail fin.
Whale photographers on our tours share some personal anecdotes during this extraordinary experience.
One of my most memorable moments was capturing a mother and calf swimming gracefully alongside the boat. The affection and connection between them were tangible, and the photo is a treasured keepsake.
During my 2022 tour, I was fortunate enough to witness a rare, synchronised breach of two humpbacks. It was a breath-taking display of power and beauty that I'll never forget.
The thrill of the hunt, the waiting game and the moments of pure awe when we capture that breathtaking image are what make this experience truly unforgettable. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." To truly understand the magnificence of Perth's whales, there's no substitute for witnessing it in person.