What makes a whale watching excursion even better? The answer is bringing home great whale watching video of your experience.
If you think capturing quality action video is something only the pros can do, well, think again. Small video cameras that are inexpensive and simple to use are widely available to the average consumer.
The simplicity of these video cameras is as easy as pushing a button. No longer is the process of transferring images and video from a camera to a computer a complicated task. The term “plug and play” is really true when it comes to these little electronic devices.
So, now that you have a little “pocket” video camera in hand, you are ready to step on the boat and go see the whales! There are a few tips or tricks that will help you get the most out of your excursion.
If the ship has a naturalist or guide on board, pay close attention to what they have to say. (Often if there is not a naturalist or marine expert on board, the captain will give information to the tourists regarding the whales and other sea life you might encounter.)
Often the spot where the captain will take the tourists to see whales is at their feeding grounds. Take advantage of the time onboard getting out to the whales by introducing yourself to the expert. Remember, this is what they do for a living. For most of them it is much more than a job; it is a way of life. Engage them in conversation. Ask them questions such as, “Where is the best vantage point onboard this ship to see the whales?”
Once you arrive at your destination (probably the feeding grounds) the captain will slow the boat down and even stop when the whales have been sited. At this point the show is about to begin.
Whales are mammals and have to breathe. In order for that to happen they must come up to the surface of the water. Use your senses of sight and sound to detect them. There is a tell-tale sound of a “poof-whoosh-exhale” and a spray of water in the air when they breathe.
After your first few sightings you can get an idea of the timing and pattern of where they will appear. This is the key to getting a great whale watching video. Anticipate the direction of where the whale(s) might appear next and be ready with your video camera.
If you spot a clear place to stand on the boat, grab it! Lean against something sturdy to balance yourself while shooting the video. Also, ensure that other passengers won’t block your shot at a crucial moment.
Whales can leave a “footprint” on the water. This is an unmistakable area that looks flat as compared to the surrounding water. Scan the ocean for these “footprints” and look for a whale to appear near.
Another clue to where the whales might be is through sea birds. Often birds congregate in the area where whales are because they want to take advantage of an easy meal. The giant sea mammals stir up the food source and the birds take advantage of this.
Once you master how to spot the whales in the ocean, taking great whale watching videos is as easy as point-and-shoot.
So capture that once-in-a-lifetime Whale Watching Video on your next vacation with the best little video camera I have found – the Flip Video Camera. They take amazing movies, are inexpensive and easy to use, and convenient to carry with you all the time.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Roey_Pimentel/301890