| Probably the main reason we purchased our inflatable | | | | shots. Get in as close as you can to the subject and |
| kayak was to use it to gently paddle along and take | | | | try to make eye contact if possible. Move slowly and |
| scenic pictures of wildlife, newly budding flowers and | | | | carefully to avoid spooking the subject. But don't put |
| other vegetation. Whatever kind of kayak or other | | | | your self in danger if your subject is a potentially |
| paddling craft you own here's a few tips to help you | | | | dangerous animal. We had a suggestion from a |
| take good photos. | | | | photographer friend, Bob Wall, to mount a zoom lens |
| When "framing" the photo in your camera's view | | | | on the stock of an old rifle base and run a short |
| screen or lens, it is always good to remember some | | | | shutter release cable down to the trigger guard. This |
| of the basic rules for taking good photos. Be sure to | | | | will provide more stability than hand holding your |
| keep your horizons level and keep in mind the rule of | | | | camera and a heavy lens. |
| thirds. For example, the horizon should be in the top | | | | A few notes about pictures of flowers and vegetation. |
| third or bottom third of the photo, never in the center. | | | | Although you may take panoramic views of these |
| Any other points of interest should also be placed off | | | | subjects from inside your kayak, when you pull over to |
| center by about a third for a more pleasing look. You | | | | the shore, some of the most interesting shots can be |
| don't necessarily always have a focal point in every | | | | close-ups. The occasional bug or bee that gets into the |
| shot, but having one gives the eye of the viewer a | | | | frame or natural drops of moisture on the plants can |
| place to rest, so do your best to include one. | | | | become the focal point and make for a very |
| If there are natural elements like fallen trees, branches, | | | | interesting photo. |
| blades of grass, etc. that can be included in the shot, | | | | Dusk and dawn are the best time for taking pictures. |
| they can be used as diagonal lines to add interest to | | | | The light is the best with a soft quality and long |
| your photo. For example, a fallen tree that runs | | | | shadows to add interest to your shots. This is also the |
| diagonally along the bottom of the photo, or even the | | | | time of day when wildlife is most active, increasing |
| front of the kayak pointing in a diagonal across the | | | | your chances of paddling into a great photo! |
| frame can add a nice dimension to the picture. Natural | | | | It goes without saying that you need to keep your |
| elements can also be used to frame the shot. Maybe | | | | equipment dry. There are dry bags you can purchase |
| an overhanging tree limb could be used in the top | | | | to accomplish this, or you can just use a zip lock bag |
| frame with your subject in the area below. | | | | to store your equipment while not in use. Keep your |
| When taking wildlife photos from inside a kayak, there | | | | camera strapped around your neck at all times, unless |
| are some additional factors that come into play. Try to | | | | you are kayaking some serious white water streams. |
| approach any wildlife you may encounter from | | | | Be sure to have extra memory cards or film and |
| upstream if possible. Let the kayak drift into the scene | | | | enough batteries, so you will be ready to capture all |
| slowly so your subject can adjust to your presence. | | | | the beauty of nature you will encounter. |
| Having a long zoom lens helps to get great close up | | | | |