Mammal field guide · Rorquals

Photographing the Humpback Whale

How to photograph the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae): the right lens for its size, shutter speeds for perched and moving animals, and when it's most often seen (July and August).

700–2500 cm1/2000–1/3200 s
700–2500 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/1000 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
15,954
Research-grade sightings in N. America
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/1000 s
Shutter (action)1/2000–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionBoat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent

Focal length needed to frame it#

For a subject about 1600 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.

Distance⅓ of frame (FF)½ of frame (FF)⅓ of frame (APS-C)⅓ of frame (MFT)
5 m (16 ft)4 mm6 mm2 mm2 mm
10 m (33 ft)7 mm11 mm5 mm4 mm
15 m (49 ft)11 mm17 mm7 mm6 mm
20 m (66 ft)15 mm22 mm10 mm7 mm
30 m (98 ft)22 mm34 mm15 mm11 mm
50 m (164 ft)37 mm56 mm25 mm19 mm

When to find it#

Jan: 4% Jan Feb: 4% Feb Mar: 5% Mar Apr: 4% Apr May: 7% May Jun: 12% Jun Jul: 18% Jul Aug: 19% Aug Sep: 14% Sep Oct: 6% Oct Nov: 3% Nov Dec: 3% Dec
Share of iNaturalist observations by month across North America. Peak months: July and August.

About the Humpback Whale#

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weigh about 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field-craft tips#

  • Fluke shots: wait for the arched back that precedes a dive.
  • Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
  • Sightings peak in July and August, which is when you'll have the most chances.

Ethics#

  • The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
  • Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
  • Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
  • Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.

Frequently asked questions#

What lens do I need to photograph a Humpback Whale?

At about 1600 cm long, a humpback whale fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 7 mm, or at 20 m with 15 mm.

What shutter speed should I use for a Humpback Whale?

1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.

When is the best time to photograph a Humpback Whale?

Observations in North America peak in July and August. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.

Sources & licences#

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources