These Cruise Trips Can Make You a Better Photographer, With Hands-on Training and Spectacular Scenery

Getting the perfect shot of a lounging leopard seal or an emperor penguin posing in Antarctica is a photographer's dream come true. Whether traveling to Svalbard to snap shots of polar bears and walruses, or the Galapagos Islands to shoot stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife, photographers are turning to expedition cruising as the perfect venue to not only snap unforgettable images but also to sharpen their skills.

A number of expedition cruise lines now offer onboard workshops and lectures on topics like image composition and smartphone photography, while others are offering immersive, multi-day programs where a like-minded cohort enjoys access to professional photographers for instruction, individualized critiques, editing assistance, and more. Some sailings bring special guest photographers and photo instructors onboard, while some National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions even feature a gear locker where people can borrow and try out new equipment for a short time. The cruise line Swan Hellenic, meanwhile, has launched a Travel Photojournalism at Sea program with Travel Photo Tour . Its inaugural departure, this past spring, featured acclaimed travel photojournalists Peter Crass and Chris Crass leading workshops at sea and photo outings, and sent attendees home with a hardcover photo book recapping the voyage.

So, how should you choose the trip that's right for you? "Start by considering your own interests—whether that's landscapes, people and culture, or wildlife—and choose a trip that aligns with what excites you most, says Dennis Minty , a senior advisor for Adventure Canada, who has worked on ships as an expedition photographer for more than 20 years.

"Personally, I'm drawn to dramatic, elemental landscapes, so the Arctic is endlessly compelling for me," Minty explains. "That said, photo opportunities exist everywhere. The most important factor isn't the camera or lens you bring, but your ability to notice what's in front of you and respond thoughtfully."

Here are a few options for guests who want to enhance their photo skills while cruising.

Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada sails to remote parts of the Arctic, including Canada and Greenland, and the company's trips feature endless fodder for photo enthusiasts. Onboard photographers give presentations about travel photography, smartphone skills, photo technique, editing, equipment, and more. They also lead activities like hikes and Zodiac rides for guests looking for a photo-oriented experience, in addition to working with guests one-on-one to provide coaching based on their interests, such as photographing birds.

Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions offers Through the Lens Photography Expeditions , which are tailored to guests with both cameras and smartphones. These trips provide special photography-focused Zodiac cruises and onshore opportunities. Departures include a 12-day Antarctica: Through the Lens , an 11-day Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens , and a 20-day South Georgia & Antarctica: Through the Lens .

Additionally, the line has other photo-friendly trips, such as the In Shackleton's Footsteps voyage hosted by Richard I'Anson, Aurora Expeditions' special guest photographer. "Over the course of the voyage, there will be plenty of time for guests to ask questions, have camera issues solved, and receive one on one feedback on their photographs," I'Anson says. He also plans to offer a Lightroom workshop and spend time teaching guests about workflow, file management, and processing images.

Ecoventura

This Galápagos Islands specialist has a handful of Photography Departures that follow the same routes as other sailings, but add an emphasis on wildlife photography. That translates to outings in the early morning hours and later in the day, to capture the best light. Naturalists and photo guides help guests spot iconic species like blue-footed boobies and Galápagos penguins, as well as other remarkable creatures.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

With trips around the world, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions always has a National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor on board—and select voyages bring a National Geographic Photographer along, too. These experts give presentations and workshops on topics like how to use a camera, light, composition, and storytelling, as well as provide informal coaching during the voyage. Most ships also include access to an OM System Photo Gear Locker, which allows guests to borrow camera bodies, lenses, and a number of accessories.

Maple Leaf Adventures

This company focuses on small-ship sailings off the western coast of Canada and Alaska, and the company has a series of photography voyages in partnership with Canadian Geographic. The Alaska Adventure Photography voyage with Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence Scott Forsyth, for example, will offer opportunities to photograph bears, humpback whales, sea lions, and tidewater glaciers, while a recent Haida Gwaii Photography Trip with adventure photographer and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow Jenny Wong explored ancient village sites and had ample opportunities to photograph seabirds.

Quark Expeditions

Participants in Quark Expeditions' Guided Photography Program , which is available on select voyages, receive the perk of being the first to depart whenever Zodiacs go out. The small group experience is limited to 16 people per departure, with guides who offer photo tips and advice during excursions and in workshops.

Seabourn

Rather than a specific photo-focused departure, Seabourn makes available an occasional, four-day Image Masters Photography Masterclass on select voyages, at an additional fee of $1,500 to $1,850. Limited to 10 guests per voyage, this program offers in-the-field instruction in a small group setting. Participants can enjoy walks and Zodiac tours led by photographers, as well as an assortment of lectures, workshops, individual mentoring, and private photo studio hours for image editing, in addition to opportunities to build community with fellow photographers.

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