From the Boat's Perspective: Stunning Views of Mallorca's Coastline
I've got to tell you, capturing those mesmerising moments from a boat along the Mallorca coast was an absolute game-changer. It's like the coast opens up a whole new world of possibilities for my camera lens. I mean, who wouldn't want to be in the middle of that breathtaking scenery?
Mallorca is a stunning island located in the Balearic Sea, off the eastern coast of Spain. It is known for its crystal clear waters, gorgeous sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. This time I explored the island's coastline by taking a boat tour. From the boat, I was able to see the island's beauty from a completely different perspective.
Palma, my starting point of the boat trip
I’m not sure what it is about lighthouses but they hold a special place in my heart. Their majestic presence, guiding light, and rich history evoke a sense of adventure and nostalgia. To me they symbolise hope, safety, and the courage to navigate life's storms.
When I was cruising around them I found it a bit challenging to take straight photos at the beginning as the boat was constantly moving. I openly admit that some straightening and editing had to be done later in my favourite editing software, Lightroom.
What was in my camera bag?
When preparing my camera bag for the boat trip I made sure to take polarizing and ND filters. I used my Nikon Z6 camera together with Nikkor Z 24-70mm/f2.8S and Nikkor Z 100-400mm/f4.5-5.6 lenses.
I can’t praise enough a polarizing filter which really helps to reduce glare and reflections on water, makes the colours and details in photos more vibrant and clear. It also reduces the light in camera so it’s super helpful especially during bright summer days in Mallorca. I had one on my lenses In Mallorca almost all the time because of the strong sun and brightness.
Not everyone likes to travel with a telephoto lense but I am so happy I took it this time as I managed to focus on different patterns and textures around me. With its longer focal length, a telephoto lens allowed me to zoom in on subjects that were far away, bringing them into sharp focus and filling the frame with exquisite detail. This lens opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It not only brings distant subjects closer but also compresses the perspective, creating a stunning visual impact.
I find small coastal villages really charming especially early in the morning when they're peaceful and not too busy. This was the only time I wished I had my tripod with me so I could have captured a much smoother reflection on water surface by using a longer exposure.
Sa Foradada (below) is one of the hidden gems of the Mediterranean, Northwest Coast of Mallorca and a perfect place to reach by boat. This picturesque spot is characterised by a rocky outcrop with a natural hole forming an extraordinary frame for photographers.
Another nature beauty during my boat trip I’d like to share with you (as I couldn’t resist capturing it) are layers of a landscape (rocks). It's as if each layer holds a secret, waiting to be unveiled. The foreground, bold and assertive, guides the way. Then, the middle ground weaves colors and textures into a harmonious dance. And finally, the background emerges like a dream, beckoning with an air of mystery.
5 Most Exciting Boat Photography Challenges
Taking good pictures from a boat is exciting and combines creativity with skill. Here's what I find to be the best part of this challenge:
Dynamic Stability: The constant motion of the boat adds a dynamic element to the shots. To master this challenge, a combination of steady hands, image stabilization equipment, and choosing the right moment to capture the shot is key. Using the boat's movement as a natural part of the composition could be a great way to infuse the images with a unique energy. I set up my camera with faster shutter speed somewhere around 1/800s - 1/1250s to capture as many of sharp details as possible.
Changing Light and Weather Conditions: The interplay between the sun, clouds, and water can create stunning lighting effects, but it can also be a challenge to manage. This is the moment you appreciate to know your camera settings so you can adjust them swiftly to accommodate shifting light. During the sunset, I raised ISO in my camera settings to keep the balanced exposure.
Composition Creativity: The boat itself can serve as an interesting compositional element. Experimenting with framing your subject against the boat's structure, utilizing lines and angles to guide the viewer's eye is a great way to be creative (I enjoyed seeking the landscape reflection on boats’ window).
Equipment Protection: The marine environment poses potential risks to camera gears, such as water splashes and salt exposure. I made sure I had lens hoods and lens filters with me and will definitely consider a waterproof camera cover to be able to capture those spontaneous moments without worry.
Timing and Patience: Boating photography often involves waiting for the perfect moments to unfold – be it a seagull taking flight or a wave crashing against a cliff. Patience is key, along with anticipating these moments and being ready to snap the shot at a split second's notice. I’m still working on my patience:)
In the end, the challenge of taking boat photographs is a wonderful blend of technical skills, artistic vision, and adaptability.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a rich palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. I felt a sense of tranquility and serenity evoked by these warm hues. The soft, golden light made everything look textured and deep. Being surrounded by the warm colours and calmness felt like the perfect way to finish a day.
Taking photos from a boat along the Mallorca coast was an amazing experience and an absolute joy. Patience is key, waiting for that perfect light, and experimenting with angles adds a creative twist. Each photo becomes a time capsule, holding emotions and memories. Flipping through these pictures is like reliving the excitement and tranquility of those moments all over again.
For more images from Mallorca and my boat trip browse through my Travel Photography Collection here.
Happy boating and catchMYzoom!
Jitka
