A black and white drawing of a wave on a white background.

March 29, 2024

A black and white image of a wave on a white background.

How to Capture Incredible Images With A Phone During a Boat Tour

Have you ever seen a photograph and knew something wasn’t right? Maybe the water looks like it will flow off the photo, or the buildings are crooked. Those are some problems that occur when snapping pictures.

The key to capturing incredible images is understanding composition, lighting, and how to edit that photo with a few clicks to improve its quality.

The Rule of Thirds

Portrait or Landscape

Get Close!

Where Is the Sun?

Editing Tips

Where to Capture Incredible Images

When you visit the Sarasota, FL region, you can capture incredible images of the water on Passage Key Dolphin Tours. Our mission is to provide you with the best vacation excursion ever.

Enjoy private tours for up to six people on our 2020 Regal 26 OBX. This luxury bowrider has a shaded lounge, restroom, and swim platform.

Booking is easy. Check out our selection of
tour adventures ranging from two to eight hours, and reserve your spot today!

Before you share that photo, look at it carefully to determine if any tweaks will improve its impact. Open the image on your phone, then click Edit.

Check the horizon; if it is crooked, level it. Too far away from the subject? Crop it!

If the image is too bright or dark, select the adjust button on your phone to change the brightness, contrast, HDR, etc. A few minutes of editing can transform your images from so-so snapshots into a collection of great photos.

Check the sun’s position before clicking the camera button on your phone. This can make the difference between people having squinty eyes or shadowed faces. Other objects may also be overexposed or dark.

Try shooting with the sun off to one side, which provides a more dramatic, artistic look and prevents heavy shadowing or glare. In some instances, you may want to shoot toward the sun.

Think about the look you want, then position yourself accordingly. On an Anna Maria Island
sunset tour, you’ll want to capture the setting sun, but don’t put it in the middle of the photo. Position it off-center for eye appeal.

Capturing awesome landscape photos is easy on a boating tour. Sometimes, you’ll want to fill the lens with the sea animals you view.


Will that manatee or sea turtle be a speck in your photo? Zoom in! That is the difference between good photos and spectacular images.

Turn your phone sideways for group photos or scenery. Do you want a tall, narrow photo (portrait) or a wide image (landscape)?

Consider the difference between a tall, skinny sunset and a landscape of shimmering water as the sun drops below the horizon. Are you photographing one dolphin or an entire group? Don’t press that button until you compose the image you want.

When taking a photo, do not put your subject in the center. Imagine a grid on your viewfinder that divides the image into thirds horizontally and vertically.

Place your subject in one of the cross-points for eye appeal. That is the rule of thirds. Also, consider elements you may or may not want in the picture. Sometimes, stepping sideways can improve an image.

Are there
leading lines, such as a streak of sunlight, that draw the eye through the photo? Add interest by capturing a shadow or reflection.

Our Blog

A black and white image of a wave on a white background.
Florida
March 31, 2025
Deciding between Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key? This guide compares beaches, activities, wildlife, and more to help you choose the perfect Florida destination for your next getaway.
Dolphin Watching
March 27, 2025
Discover the best times of the year to see dolphins near Passage Key. Plan your unforgettable wildlife experience with tips on the perfect seasons!
A white lighthouse with a smaller building in front of it
March 26, 2025
Explore the beauty of Egmont Key near Anna Maria Island! Learn its history, ferry rides, and snorkelling spots. Plan your visit with essential tips today!
Dolphin tour
March 16, 2025
Experience dolphins like never before with a private tour near Anna Maria Island! Enjoy exclusive access to hidden wildlife hotspots, personalized itineraries, and unforgettable memories without the crowds. Book your adventure today!
Anna Maria Island
February 19, 2025
Discover Anna Maria Island’s resilience after recent hurricanes! Get updates on beach restoration, local businesses, and why now is a great time to visit.
Passage Key Dolphin Tours
February 11, 2025
10 reasons Why Passage Key Dolphin Tours is the perfect spring break adventure—dolphins, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable memories!
a dolphin jumping out of the ocean waters
January 23, 2025
Take the ultimate dolphin quiz to see and test your knowledge about these creatures! Discover interesting facts about dolphins near Anna Maria Island.
A group of people smiling in the back of a boat while doing sunset cruise around Anna Maria Island
January 15, 2025
Discover the magic of sunset cruises around Anna Maria Island. Enjoy breathtaking beach and Gulf of Mexico views in Florida and spot dolphins.
A dolphin jumps out of the water
December 27, 2024
Discover the best spots to watch dolphins on Anna Maria Island, including Bean Point and Coquina Beach. Learn about boat tours, tips for unforgettable sightings, and why dolphin watching is a must-do adventure!
Show More