5 BEST Tips To Capture Bioluminescence

Introduction

There's a certain magic that happens along the Oregon and Washington coasts from late spring to early fall. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the coastline, the waves begin to glow with an otherworldly light. This mesmerizing phenomenon, known as bioluminescence, is a natural wonder that every photographer should experience and capture at some point. But how do you photograph something as elusive and delicate as bioluminescence? Let's dive into the best techniques to immortalize this glowing spectacle and explore the science behind it.

What Causes Bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms. In marine environments, this phenomenon is often caused by tiny planktonic organisms called dinoflagellates. These microorganisms emit light as a defense mechanism when disturbed by motion, such as waves breaking on the shore, boats moving through the water, or even the splash of a fish.

The light produced is usually blue or green, which is most visible underwater. Factors like water temperature, nutrient availability, and the presence of specific types of plankton influence the intensity and frequency of bioluminescent displays.

Best Time to Witness Bioluminescence

To increase your chances of witnessing and capturing bioluminescence, consider the following tips:

1. Season: Late spring to early fall (May to September) is the best time, as warmer water temperatures support plankton growth.
2. Moon Phase: A new moon or nights with minimal moonlight provide the darkest conditions, making the bioluminescence more visible.
3. Weather Conditions: Calm, clear nights with little to no wind are ideal. I've noticed on nights with high surf and windy conditions the glow is a lot less consistent.
4. Location: Choose spots away from city lights, such as secluded beaches or coves that don't have any artificial light bleeding into your scene.  Even the slightest bit of external light will minimize the blue glow in your images.
5. How to Spot It: There's no fool proof way to know when and where it will be but I find after a heat wave is a great time to search for it at night. Heat waves are often associated with calm weather and less wind, which can actually be beneficial for observing bioluminescence, as calm waters help maintain the concentration of bioluminescent organisms near the surface. Take some test shots at a high ISO and look for that blue glow.

EXIF ABOVE - SINGLE EXPOSURE - 767 Secs - ISO 1250 - F/2.8

EXIF ABOVE - Foreground - 122 Secs - ISO 3200 - F/2.8

Sky - 20 Secs - ISO 6400 - F/2.8

Photography Tips for Capturing Bioluminescence

1. Use a DEPENDABLE Tripod: Stability is key. A sturdy tripod will prevent camera shake during long exposures, ensuring sharp images. I can't stress how important it is to have something dependable you don't you have to fuss around with too much in the dark.

2. Aperture & Shutter Speed: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow as much light into the camera as possible. Long exposures (10-30 seconds) help capture the glow of the bioluminescence and keeps your shutter fast enough to allow for pin point stars. Typically anything over 20 seconds and you'll start to get star trailing at a wide angle. Experiment with different shutter speeds to find the sweet spot. I've found that when the bioluminescence is faintly seen with the naked eye I'm using "Bulb" mode to capture 2-10 min exposures. As a bonus, it not only captures the magical blue glow of the oceans crashing waves but ensures I let enough light into my sensor for a detailed night exposure.

3. ISO: I'll start with an ISO of 6400 with shutter speeds ranging from 10-30 seconds. Longer shutter speeds will allow me to drop between  (800-3200 ISO). Adjust as needed based on your camera's performance in low light.

4. Focus: Autofocus struggles in low light, so switch to manual focus. Focus on a star in the sky that's bright or if there's no stars then use a flashlight to illuminate a point of reference such as a midground rock, and focus on it. 

5. Use a Remote Shutter Release: This minimizes camera shake during long exposures and allows you to choose shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds in Bulb mode. If you don’t have one, use the camera’s self-timer function.

Conclusion

My number one tip to get detailed images is to take as long of an exposure as you can for the foreground and blend a separate exposure of the sky. Ie - 180 seconds, F/2.8 and 3200 ISO in a relatively dark sky area of the coast will set me up with enough details in the foreground. If I want my stars to be pin point then I'll need to take a separate 15 or 20 second exposure for the sky then blend them together in post production.

Photographing bioluminescence can be challenging, but with patience and practice, you can capture stunning images of this natural phenomenon. Remember to plan your shoot around the optimal conditions, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your camera settings.  Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, witnessing the glow of bioluminescence along the Oregon and Washington coasts is an unforgettable experience worth capturing. So pack your gear, head to the coast, and let the ocean's glow inspire your creativity.