Dolphin encounters are typically fast paced with lots of swimming. Individuals in a pod will pass very close to you, but at high speeds so you don't have time to experiment much with light and settings.
Where
Any ocean, most famously the Bahamas, Hawaii, and the Red Sea.
DSLR + Mirrorless
ISO: 400
Mode: Tv Shutter Priority
Aperture: (set by camera)
Shutter Speed: 1/500 to 1/1000
Point + Shoot
ISO: 400
Mode: Tv Shutter Priority
Aperture: (set by camera)
1/1000th • f/22 • ISO 640 © Steve Miller
Technique
Shoot while following the movement of the animal with your frame to reduce motion blur.
Strobes
Typically you will be snorkeling or at the end of your dive near the surface, so you won't need the extra light that strobes provide... Strobes will only slow you down!
1/640th • f/5.6 • ISO 400 © Steve Miller
Additional Reading
Techniques for Photographing Sharks
Photographing Dolphins on a Sardine Run with Jacques de Vos [VIDEO]
Dolphins and Rays in the Red Sea with the Panasonic GH5 and Trim Weight System
