Josh in a kayak and a Common Yellowthroat
There are many methods of photographing nature but one of my favorites is shooting from a kayak. A great rule to live by in Nature Photography is “Where there’s water, there’s life” so it always amazes me how many photographers refuse to take their gear around water. The consensus seems to be fear and we all have an investment in our gear but avoiding amazing locations out of fear can rob us of capturing great moments in nature.
When photographing on the water, stability is everything. Whether shooting with a super telephoto lens or a smaller point and shoot package, there are safe ways of taking on this method. I personally have some rules to live by with this type of shooting: the first is to plan for problems (even though they rarely happen). I always have a large dry-bag with me I can throw my gear in if the winds pick up or I find myself in a nervous situation.
A small towel is also handy to cover gear when paddling. This protects electronics from paddle splash and hot sun damage. I prefer not to shoot with my long lens if floating a river I’ve never been on. In this situation, I pack a lightweight camera body and a 70-200mm lens, which makes for maneuverability and quick shots when necessary.
When shopping for kayaks there are touring models and sit-on-top models, but my preferred platform is a recreational kayak. These kayaks typically have a wider stance in the water and the cockpit is more open for maneuvering gear around. While these boats are slower in the water I find them to be super stabile. When photographing, stay low in the seat and keep the camera as low as possible. This not only helps keep your center of gravity lower for stability but when photographing ducks or anything on the water, a low point of view will enhance your imagery.
If you’re new to kayaking, spend time on the water without a camera just paddling and get accustomed to the different feeling of kayaking. Go out on a hot summer day in a swim suit and force your kayak to capsize so you understand the limits of how far you can take the boat before the worst happens.
Remember that cameras are most definitely replaceable. One way to get around the fear of all the money invested is to talk with your Insurance Agent about a separate Insurance Policy to cover your camera gear (i.e. Personal Articles Policy). This is an amazing piece of mind when on the water and is surprisingly inexpensive. It’s worth every penny to me (even though I’ve never had a claim involving water).
Shooting on the water can be very gratifying but it can also be frustrating. Practice is everything and it’s very important to know the limits of your gear. For those who don’t have long lenses, don’t forget why we started photographing nature; amazing natural connections. Just because our camera gear can’t reach an opportunity doesn’t mean we can’t sit back and simply enjoy them.
Tags: birding, birds, kayaking, nature, Photography, postaday 2011, wildlife
Well-reasoned tips in your article, Josh. I especially like that you emphasize planning ahead with equipment and routes so that possible problems can be dealt with as though they are expected. I would also say that your PFD should be on at all times and be an article of equipment that is comfortable and fits well, with pockets for sun block and small stuff – comfortable so that you want to wear it and not left on the deck of your kayak. When out in your kayak, practicing capsizes and re-entrys, try to put your PFD on when you are in the deep water with you boat capsized. Multiply that with current and trying to keep ahold of your paddle, dry bag, camera, etc.
Will want to go to your web site or blog and see your pics. Thanks again for your “Wonders of the Water”
Josh,
I enjoyed your article on photographing from a kayak. I also pack my point and shoot Canon with me when I paddle into estuaries, lakes, and wetlands of Washington State. The birds and animals just think you are a floating log, drfiting by if you have your camera ready, and don’t have to scramble as you approach. Your tips were very helpful. I will bring along a small towel next time I go out. I am going to be spending the next 4 months in Key Largo, so am looking forward to getting some good shots of birds down there. Great ideas! I enjoy all your blogs! Happy Paddling and nature watching in 2012!