# The Hidden Beauty of Life at Sea: Celebrating World Photography Day > If you’re working in a seafarer job, life at sea gives you a view of the world that most people will never experience. And as World Photography Day approaches, Martide has some tips to help you capture that unique perspective. _Published 2026-08-17 · By Eve Church · Canonical: https://blog.martide.com/the-hidden-beauty-of-life-at-sea-celebrating-world-photography-day/_ --- If you’re working in a seafarer job, life at sea gives you a view of the world that most people will never experience. From a fiery sunset stretching across an empty horizon to dolphins racing alongside the bow of your cargo ship, there are moments during a voyage that can stop you in your tracks. There are also the smaller moments during life on a ship: a crewmate laughing during a coffee break, the view from the deck just before sunrise, or another ship silhouetted against a dramatic sky. And thanks to the phone in your pocket, capturing those moments has never been easier. Plus, with [World Photography Day](https://www.worldphotographyday.com/) being right around the corner, at Martide, we thought it’d be the perfect excuse to take a good look at your surroundings differently and document some of the hidden beauty of life at sea. ## What Is World Photography Day? World Photography Day takes place every year on August 19th and celebrates the art, science, history, and importance of photography. The date has its roots in one of the earliest practical forms of photography: [the daguerreotype](https://www.britannica.com/technology/daguerreotype). [annie-spratt-Ispv0AGlTLg-unsplash.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/c365df7d-4a25-42d9-c3fa-8102391e8b00 "annie-spratt-Ispv0AGlTLg-unsplash.jpg") Developed by French inventor Louis Daguerre, the daguerreotype created highly detailed images on silver-plated copper. On August 19th, 1839, the invention was publicly announced in Paris. The date is now commemorated by World Photography Day. Needless to say, photography has changed enormously since then. Daguerre certainly couldn’t have imagined billions of people carrying tiny digital cameras around in their pockets! For seafarers and anyone else working at sea or near to the ocean, smartphone photography means there is almost always a camera close at hand when something worth remembering happens. ## What Could You Photograph at Sea? When you spend months onboard, it’s surprisingly easy for extraordinary surroundings to start feeling, well, ordinary. But think about what your friends and family back home see every day compared with what you see. The middle of the ocean, huge container ships, busy ports, incredible weather, marine wildlife and life onboard a commercial vessel, whether it’s an oil tanker or a cruise ship, are far from everyday sights for most people. [sebastien-gabriel--IMlv9Jlb24-unsplash.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/c950e034-4f93-4548-de1a-42df9ca8fa00 "sebastien-gabriel--IMlv9Jlb24-unsplash.jpg") Here are a few ideas for your next photo. ### The Changing Ocean and Sky The sea is never exactly the same twice, which means there is always something new to photograph. You could capture: * Sunrises and sunsets over the horizon * Dramatic cloud formations * Calm seas that look almost like glass * Waves breaking against the bow * Rain approaching across the water * Storm clouds in the distance * Moonlight reflecting on the sea * Stars on a clear night * Mist and fog surrounding your vessel * The changing colors of the ocean in different parts of the world Even something as simple as the wake stretching behind your ship, tanker or trawler can create a fantastic photograph. Of course, [safety always comes first](https://blog.martide.com/stay-safe-at-sea-seafarers-guide-world-safety-day/) when you’re working at sea. Never put yourself in an unsafe position or ignore instructions just to snap a photograph, particularly during bad weather or operations. [storm-at-sea.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/db564c43-506a-410a-f9e4-33155ece5e00 "storm-at-sea.jpg") ### Marine Life One of the biggest privileges of working at sea is the possibility of encountering wildlife in its natural environment. Depending on your trading area, you might spot dolphins swimming alongside the ship, whales surfacing in the distance, seabirds following the vessel, flying fish or other marine life. It’ goes without saying that wildlife doesn’t normally wait while you compose the perfect photograph, so this is one occasion when taking several shots or using burst mode can help. And if you miss the shot? Sometimes enjoying the moment with your own eyes is just as – if not more - important. ### Your Vessel Ships themselves can make fantastic photography subjects. Look for interesting shapes, lines, shadows, reflections and perspectives around the vessel. Instead of simply pointing your camera at something, think about how you could photograph it differently. For example, you could capture the bow against a sunset, the ship's wake disappearing toward the horizon, rows of containers creating patterns, or a vessel's silhouette against an interesting sky. [cargo-ship-at-sunset.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/23bd0cc3-9b73-440c-d2e3-948c5f0dfb00 "cargo-ship-at-sunset.jpg") Small details can be interesting too. Ropes, equipment, signs, textures and working areas can all tell part of the story of life at sea. However, be careful about what you photograph and share publicly. Never photograph sensitive, restricted, confidential or security-related areas, documents, screens, equipment or information. Always follow your company's photography and [social media policies](https://blog.martide.com/the-power-of-social-media-for-seafarers/). ## Photographing Life Onboard Some of your most valuable photographs might not be spectacular sunsets or diving dolphins: They could be pictures of the people you share your working life with. Life onboard is full of moments worth remembering: * Crew celebrations and birthdays * Mealtimes and coffee breaks * Group photos * Crew members relaxing during their free time * Everyday work, where permitted * Arrivals at memorable ports * Holidays and special occasions onboard * Funny or unexpected moments Years from now, these photographs may well become great reminders of the vessels you sailed on and the people you worked alongside. [seafarer-on-deck-of-ship.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/20237646-e0e9-4210-ecd9-4f12f6fc8b00 "seafarer-on-deck-of-ship.jpg") Remember: always get permission from fellow crew members before photographing them, particularly if you intend to share the image online. And again, do not photograph anything sensitive, confidential, restricted or revealing onboard the vessel. *When in doubt, ask before taking or posting the picture.* ## How to Take Better Photos with Your Phone You don’t need an expensive camera, tripod and all the gear to take a memorable photograph. A few simple techniques can make a noticeable difference to your smartphone photos. | **Tip** | **Why it Helps** | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Clean your lens | Removes fingerprints, dirt and smudges that can make photos look hazy | | Use grid lines | Helps you create more balanced compositions | | Tap to focus | Makes sure your main subject is sharp | | Watch the horizon | A straight horizon can instantly improve ocean photos | | Avoid digital zoom | Moving closer, when safe, or cropping later can often produce a better result | | Keep your phone steady | Helps reduce blur, particularly in lower light | | Take several shots | Gives you more chance of capturing wildlife or action at the right moment | In a nutshell, cleaning the lens, using your phone's grid and experimenting with different perspectives are all [simple techniques that can improve smartphone photography.](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/photography-tips-for-smartphone/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [owen-sellwood-8pljrCekPWA-unsplash.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/3e385b64-4328-4850-04e5-c1b9cf327f00 "owen-sellwood-8pljrCekPWA-unsplash.jpg") ### Make the Most of Natural Light The hour around sunrise and sunset can produce particularly beautiful light, something anyone working in a seafarer job may be perfectly positioned to take advantage of. Instead of automatically using your flash, look at the natural light around you. Try photographing the same scene from several positions and see how the light changes your image. ### Think About Composition Before pressing the button, look at the entire screen. Is there something distracting in the background? Is the horizon straight? Would the photograph look better if you moved slightly to the left or right? (Or port or starboard?!) Turning on your camera's grid can also help you experiment with the ["rule of thirds."](https://photographylife.com/the-rule-of-thirds) Instead of always placing your subject directly in the middle, try positioning it along one of the grid lines or where two lines meet. [pexels-hank-176524726-11362004.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/33ef462c-795e-4c32-4a1d-d490b34aa900 "pexels-hank-176524726-11362004.jpg") ### Tell a Story A technically perfect photograph is not necessarily the most memorable one. Think about what your photograph says about the moment. A pair of work boots beside a cabin door, a mug of coffee next to a porthole, a crewmember looking toward the horizon, or the first glimpse of land after a long passage could tell more of a story than a perfectly centered photograph of the ocean. ## See Your Surroundings Differently This World Photography Day When the ocean is your workplace, it can be easy to forget just how unusual your surroundings are. World Photography Day is a good reminder to look again. You don’t need professional equipment, perfect weather or an incredible wildlife encounter. Take your phone, pay attention to the light and look for the small details that tell the story of your life onboard. [lifebboat.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/MN7lylkJmHINZhrMCwblyA/934cb001-2954-4201-6402-532fc6c67c00 "lifebboat.jpg") One day, the photograph that seems ordinary now could be the one that brings back your strongest memories of life working at sea. ### Frequently Asked Questions **When is World Photography Day?** World Photography Day is celebrated every year on August 19. The date commemorates the public announcement of the daguerreotype photographic process in Paris in 1839. **Do I need a professional camera to take good photos at sea?** No. Modern smartphones are capable of taking excellent photographs. Composition, lighting, timing and having a clean lens can make a big difference. **What are some good things to photograph at sea?** Sunsets, sunrises, storms viewed from a safe location, clouds, waves, marine wildlife, your vessel, interesting shipboard details and everyday moments with your crewmates can all make great subjects. **Can I photograph other crew members?** Ask for their permission first, especially if you plan to post the photograph online. Respect anyone who does not want to be photographed. **Is it okay to take photographs anywhere onboard?** No. Do not photograph sensitive, confidential, restricted or security-related areas, documents, screens, equipment or information. Follow your vessel and company's policies on photography and social media at all times.