Update the date and time settings to reflect the time zone that you are in. Digital cameras attach to the saved image so-called EXIF information (date and time, camera parameters). Very useful afterwards.
Try not to take photographs using the LCD screen on the back of your camera, since keeping your arms stretched may lead to unsharp pictures. If you use the viewfinder, you will hold your camera much more stable.
Regularly make backups of the pictures you have taken so far. Burn them on a CD or DVD so they cannot be accidentally deleted.
Tips for film cameras
Disable the automatic date and time stamp on the film (and so on each photograph).
It will result in orange text printed over each photograph which you cannot remove. Quite ugly, even though it may look useful.
Include a note in every finished film tube which states date, location and maybe a sequential number. Also, mark if the film has been overexposured ('pushed') since the photo lab needs to know this when developping your film.
Taking photos on board of a ship
A humpback whale spyhopping briefly.
Everything moves, so position yourself somewhere where you are fixed while keeping your hands free. Take photographs from the hand, since using a support is not possible (often the engines causes vibrations too). Using a lens with image stabilization is recommended.
Scout all corners of the vessel for various point of views and where you should not be standing (areas susceptible to spray, waves, but also for your own safety). A low viewpoint is perfect for shooting seabird flying over the waves, a high viewpoint offers good opportunities when there are whales close to the ship. The rear of the ship is often perfect for spotting seabirds while being protected from the wind.
Always take your camera with you (and binoculairs), or make sure your gear is in close quarters. Opportunity usually knocks once, sometimes twice. You'll be too late if you first need to go and find your camera.
Force yourself to regularly look through your binoculars to scan the sea and the landscape, even if you believe there is nothing to see. You will find that you will spot details every once in a while that you would have missed otherwise: a flock of birds on the horizon, a whale's blow far away, black spots on a piece of ice that appear to be sleeping seals.
It can happen that on some days, there is 'nothing to see' for a couple of hours. But bowriding dolphins, a snow petrel following your ship, they always turn up unexpectately.
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