Imagine this: you are on the polar expedition of a lifetime. Forget about your location for a second. Instead, answer this: how will you capture these memories?
Go back in time 15 or 20 years and your best option was a digital or standard SLR camera. Today, thanks to advanced smartphone cameras, you have more options than ever before.
But why not go out on a limb? You want to do something exciting. And that is why you want to learn more about how to take the best polar “jumping selfies.”
For jumping selfies – literally, snapping a selfie of yourself while jumping – it doesn't matter what you're wearing, or what your face looks like. If you're in the air, you are sure to take a killer photo! Don't believe it? Go through some of the many photos submitted for our polar selfie contest. Every photo is exciting in its own right, but the jumping selfies are among the best.
Photography techniques for taking jumping selfies
There is a big difference between taking a selfie when your feet are on the ground and snapping the perfect photo after “getting air.”
A post shared by Quark Expeditions (@quarkexpeditions) on Feb 21, 2017 at 1:47pm PST
Here's what you need to know:
1. Use a fast shutter speed. This will help freeze your movement, giving you a better chance of taking the photo at the absolute best time. Note: if using a digital SLR camera, choose “sports mode”.
2. Know how your smartphone camera works. Smartphone cameras have come a long way. Not only is image quality better than ever before, but todays smartphone cameras are extremely fast. Learn how your camera works - is the photograph taken when you push the button on the screen? Or does it snap once you let go?
3. The “continuous burst” button is your best friend. This allows you to take several photos by holding down the shutter button. Many of the images will be “throwaways,” but this greatly increases your chance of getting that one special shot. From takeoff to landing, you will enjoy sifting through each action shot.
4. Don't jump straight up and down. Do something interesting. Maybe you can grab your ankles. Maybe you can spread your arms to give the appearance you are flying. Try to do something fun.
5. Try, try again. There's a bit of skill in taking the perfect polar jumping selfie. Keep trying and soon enough you will get the hang of it.
We want you to remember your trip for the rest of your life. For this reason, we encourage you to take as many pictures as possible and take things to the next level. Don't shy away from taking a few jumping selfies! These are likely to be the pictures you share most often with friends and family.
To learn the best tips for polar photography you can also check out our expert tips on low-light photography for capturing the spectacular Northern Lights, and on snapping perfect wildlife pictures on your polar holiday.
And if you're joining us this summer at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, be sure to take part in our immersive polar photography program.
