These trips visit some of the world’s most sensational landscapes and come with virtual guarantees of wildlife encounters – even if you’re a total amateur, chances are this will be a great time to improve your photography.

To that end, most operators employ photography guides to help explain, interpret, and instruct on best practices. Much of my year is spent on assignment shooting for the likes of National Geographic Traveller and the Financial Times, while my work has also appeared in the New York Times, Outside Magazine, and newspapers around the world. When on board working as a photo guide, I share knowledge learned on those trips with passengers, helping them understand the demands of working in the field, as well as various tricks to improve their shots. 

Many of the tips apply equally, whether shooting polar bears in the Arctic, penguins in the Antarctic, or whales anywhere in between. While much can be taught on the trips, occasionally, people – myself included – arrive underprepared for what lies ahead. Below is a list of equipment and advice I wish I’d had before starting out on my first expedition cruise.