 Collette Photography |
Of Cruises and Cameras OK, I'm going on a cruise with my family in a few weeks, so I have two questions: 1) I want to get some cool pictures of dolphins and possibly sharks in the water, but to do that I would have to have my camera with me constantly on deck, and I'm afraid it will get damaged or wet. So has anyone else been on a cruise and got good shots? If so, when and how did you get them? 2) For some of the places that it stops at, they said not to bring anything in your pockets or purses, because they will get stolen. So how do I bring my camera for pic. without it getting stolen?
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John P. Sandstedt |
I don't know where you're cruising, but I'd be really surprised if you will see many dolphins or sharks. While sailing, you'll be moving too fast. I recently went on a sailing cruise around the Greek Isles; nothing expected or seen regarding that kind of sea life. If you're at sea for long periods, you'll be bored in that there's not too much to photograph. Oh sure, there's the ocean, clouds, sun, sunsets - but, in reality, the second day's pictures will be repeats of the first. But, departures and arrivals at ports of call, and the sites you'll visit will provide lots to photograph. As for security, the bigger your camera the better. You have to hang it around your neck! A point-and-shoot in a jacket pocket is inviting to a pickpocket, as my wife found out as we went to the Isle of Capri on our Italy tour. She failed to hang the camera strap around her neck. You need to put your camera in a fanny pack when you're not shooting. But, why wouldn't you be shooting? And, use the safes that most cruise ships provide when you leave your stateroom.
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Corinne M. Thompson |
I agree with John....keep your camera around your neck!
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery  |
I just got back from a cruise to Alaska. As John said, lots of boring water/sunrise/sunsets. If/when you happen to see dolphins/sharks, start shooting as fast as your memory card can keep up with both eyes open so you can see what may be coming into the viewfinder...and then delete all the partial backs/tails/blows when the show is over. And if I'm not sitting in my living room, I have a death grip on my camera. Feel free to ask my wife....:-) Bob
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- John Zimmerman Contact John Zimmerman John Zimmerman's Gallery |
I too took an Alaskan cruise with Holland America. When the ship appraoched an area with dolphins, whales etc.. the captain would announce it and slow the ship for the safety of the animals and allow us to take pictures. I carried my camera and lenses all the time. I was known as "Lens Man" for the entire trip. Enjoy yourself.
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Angela K. Wittmer |
When we went on our cruise, we didnt have to worry about splashing as believe me these cruise ships sit like floating hotels (the desk is WAY up in the air), & we didnt get wet at all. Just make sure if you lean over at all keep a tight grip on the camera & wear a neckstrap at all times, even on shore. That way if they grab the strap they will not be able to steal unless they take your head with it. Also you may want a 300 mm lens if they (whales, etc)are futher away off the ship than what a standard lens might reach. Good luck... when we went on ours all we saw were some flying fish! It is great fun, & you meet some really interesting people (we were in Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, Bahamas, St Thomas, San Juan & Cozumel, Mexico) Smiles! Angie
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Collette Photography |
Thanks everyone so much, Im so excited about going and I want to make sure I take every opportunity that I get to take pictures, cause I will most likely never get this chance again, so all of your suggestions are very much apprectiated!!!! We will be going to St. Thomas, St. Martin, and the bahamas, So hopefully there will be plantty of opportunities!!! Plus I have a film SLR so I will have to make sure I bring a ton of film, any suggestions as far as that goes? Also, did anyone have trouble with the staff on board as far as you taking pictures, cause on this cruise there is a huge digital photography lab and professionals on staff for special occassions ect..., will they mind me? Thanks again for all of your interest and info.!! -Collette-
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Rhonda Journeay |
I recently cruised to Alaska and was lucky enough to have lots of opportunities to shoot humpbacks, orcas, dolphins and bald eagles. That may be different than your destination though since you stay fairly close to land for most of the cruise, but as everyone stated, keep your camera with you and keep it around your neck! I always had my slingpack with me as well just in case I wanted to switch lenses or needed a filter, so hopefully you have a convenient carry case that you can keep with you that will keep your camera safe to. Keep it on you though and don't leave it anywhere! As for the professional photographers on the cruise, they are usually set up to take formal portraits at different locations on the ship and while they will probably not let you pose yourself in front of their backdrops (there's usually a line of passengers waiting to get their pic taken), they don't have a problem with other camera buffs on the trip. If anything, I had some great chats with them about equipment, technique, etc...just not when it interfered with their job. Hope this helps and I'm sure you'll have a great cruise!
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