Lighting can make or break your photos, especially in the varied environments on a cruise ship. Here are some tips to help you master different lighting situations: It’s not personal. It’s business. I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart! Te salut, Don Corleone. Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever. I want your answer and the money by noon tomorrow. And one more thing. Don’t you contact me again, ever. From now on, you deal with Turnbull. 1. Natural Light: Make the most of daylight when shooting outdoors on the ship’s deck. Position your subjects facing the light for even exposure, or use backlighting to create silhouettes. 2. Golden and Blue Hour: The warm tones of the golden hour and the cool hues of the blue hour (just after sunset) are perfect for creating dramatic skies and vibrant colors. 3. Indoor Lighting: Cruise ships often have ambient indoor lighting that can be challenging to work with. Use a fast lens with a low f-stop (e.g., f/1.8) to capture well-lit photos without needing a flash. 4. Using Reflectors: A portable reflector can help you bounce light onto your subjects during outdoor shoots, especially when the sun is too harsh. 5. Flash Techniques: For nighttime events, learn how to diffuse your flash to avoid harsh shadows. Use off-camera flash for more creative control. With these tips, you’ll be able to adapt to any lighting scenario and consistently produce beautiful images on board.
