Hourglass Dolphin

Capturing the Hourglass Dolphin requires a different approach than typical backyard wildlife, as these are pelagic animals found in the Southern Ocean. If you are on a vessel in their range, the best way to 'trap' them on camera is by utilizing a high-speed action camera mounted to a stabilizer or a gimbal. Because they love bow-riding, mount your camera at the lowest safe point on the ship’s prow, angled downward toward the water's surface. This allows you to capture their incredible speed and the way they weave through the wake.

For the best results, use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/2000s) to freeze the motion of the water and the dolphin’s leaps. The high contrast between their white markings and the dark water often tricks camera sensors into overexposing the white areas. Set your exposure compensation to -0.7 or -1.0 to preserve the detail in their white patches. A circular polarizing filter is mandatory; it cuts the reflection off the ocean surface, allowing your camera to see the dolphins even when they are a few feet underwater.

If you are using a trail-style camera from a stationary point (like a research station or a shoreline during a rare coastal approach), use a 'burst mode' triggered by motion. These dolphins move incredibly fast, and a single-shot trigger will often result in a photo of a splash rather than the animal. Set the camera to record 5-10 frame bursts. In terms of timing, the 'Golden Hour' in the Antarctic summer can last for a long time, providing soft, side-lit conditions that highlight the texture of their skin and the unique shape of their dorsal fins.