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
Shadows in Focus: Chasing shadows over the mountains in Mallorca
One of the most beautiful sights in Mallorca is the stunning mountain landscape. When combined with the sunrise, it creates breathtaking views; the light from the sun casts long shadows over the mountains and a very warm light.
In the world of photography, light often steals the spotlight, but there's an unsung hero — the shadow. Shadows have the power to become the main subject of a photograph, evoking a sense of mystery, emotion, and intrigue.
Moon over Andratx hills, Mallorca
To capture the stunning moments in southwest of Mallorca, I had to get up early and arrive at the location before the sunrise (around 5:30 am). Having prepared my camera bag the night before I only added water and my coffee bottle and was ready to go. It can be a bit chilly in the morning so an extra layer of clothes is handy.
What was in my camera bag?
My Nikon Z6 camera, telephoto lens Nikkor Z 100-400mm/f4.5.-5.6 and polarizing and ND filter. I almost always have my tripod with me for sunset and sunrise photography. During these magical moments, the available light is often limited, and I may need to use slower shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure and maintain image quality. Landscapes often require using smaller apertures for greater depth of field, especially when I want to capture both the foreground and distant elements in sharp focus. This means slower shutter speeds, which can lead to camera shake if handheld. By using a tripod, I stabilize my camera, ensuring that images are crisp and sharp.
Why do I like using shadows in landscape photography?
We are all hunting light for our captures but I love using shadows too. They create an interesting and dynamic element and sense of depth and drama in photos and they are often use as the main subject of a photo. They create a sense of visual separation between foreground, middle ground, and background, allowing for a more layered composition.
Contrast and Drama: Shadows in landscapes can create a striking contrast between light and dark areas. This contrast adds drama to the image, emphasizing the textures and shapes. When sunlight casts long shadows across the terrain, a whole new dimension emerges. The interplay between light and shadow brings life into even the most ordinary landscapes, creating a captivating image of contrast and textures.
Visual Interest: Shadows can introduce visual interest and intrigue into a landscape photograph. They can highlight patterns, leading lines, or intricate details within the terrain, enhancing the overall composition.
Time of Day: The quality and direction of shadows are greatly influenced by the time of day. During golden hour or the hours around sunrise and sunset, the long, soft shadows can create a warm and magical atmosphere in landscape photography, enhancing the overall beauty of the scene. This is the best time of the day!
Sense of Scale: Shadows can contribute to a sense of scale and size in landscape photography. When a prominent subject or element casts a shadow, it can provide a reference point for viewers to understand the grandeur or vastness of the surrounding landscape.
I used shadow as an important element in my pictures of Mallorca’s mountains. It was not intentional at the beginning but the more I kept shooting and moving around, the more fascinated I became by shadow and its visual scenery.
Shadow and moon over Mallorca hills
Shadow over Mallorca during sunrise
Shadow during sunrise, Mallorca
Mallorca’s sunrise
Sunrise tones, Mallorca
Light and shadow, Mallorca
I have to say it was an absolutely gorgeous morning driving around the hills and seeing Mallorca waking up into another sunny day. Sometimes photographs with perfectly blue sky without any cloud could be a bit boring and than it’s the time to look what’s around us, like shadows. Yes, I had to get up early but it was worth it! And I am an early riser anyway!
See more images from Mallorca on my Travel Photography Collections.
Find your shadow and catchMYzoom!
Jitka