My kayak has become a favorite vehicle and platform for nature photography. In addition it provides me with some much-needed exercise. It has gotten to the point that the line is blurred between whether I am going out to take photos in the kayak, or going kayaking and bringing the camera along for the ride. As they chanted in the movie Meatballs, "it just doesn't matter" Whatever the reason for going out, I always come back feeling good and with at least a few images on the memory card.

A couple of things came together to convince me to get the 'yak'. After getting permission from a local NWR to photograph ducks from a restricted shoreline, I realized it still wasn't the best position to shoot from and noticed that there were a lot more things to see further down river. Around the same time Nikon introduced the 70-200 'VR' lens. Imagine the surprise when I walked into the local kayak shop, "Glacier Bay Sports", handed Chris a D1x with the "VR" lens and 1.4x converter attached and proclaimed, "I want a kayak I can use with that camera and it can't get wet". When he learned the value of the camera, he quickly handed it back and proceeded to give me a quick lesson in kayaks and kayaking. I walked out of the shop with a little more knowledge and a few brochures.

After narrowing down my choices, the next visit to the shop was spent mostly on the water comparing various models and asking more questions. For me it came down to a Pungo 140 by Wilderness Systems, based on size, accessibility, stability, and comfort. I mention all this because your choice may be totally different. The water you paddle on could produce different conditions than 'my' river, your gear may be different and you need to be able to sit comfortably. We are all different. The important thing is that you find a dealer who will spend the time with you to find the right vessel.

For more information on kayaks go to www.paddling.net

Now let's hit the water and take some pictures. As there is not a lot of room in a kayak take only the gear you are going to use. For me, it is the setup described above except I substituted the D70 as it is smaller and lighter. In addition to the camera, you want a good paddle, life jacket, some drinking water, maybe a small snack, a towel and a dry bag. The camera starts out packed in the dry bag in case of any accidents on the way out and is repacked before heading in. Once I start shooting the camera stays out, otherwise I would miss too many opportunities. I do throw the towel over it to protect it from minor splashing. If your stretch of water is rough, you may need to rethink this to keep your gear dry.

Once leaving the dock or beach it is important to take your time and keep your eyes open. It is to your advantage to spot your subject before it spots you. Unlike hiking, you can't just stop. If you use the paddle to try a quick stop, the noise created in the water is likely to spook a bird. It's best to have the time and space to plan your approach. As always, look at how the light is striking the subject. Now consider wind and current and head in. Make wide turns and use a smooth stroke. When you are ready to start the photo session, lift your knees to cradle the paddle and slowly reach down and pick up the camera. By now the bird or other target probably knows you are there. It's up to you not to spook it. Keep in mind that your boat is probably still moving. The first time you bring the camera up to your eye and try to compose, it might be a bit disorienting, especially if the subject is also moving. After a while it becomes second nature and you have to remind yourself to take the camera away from your eye now and then to see where you are. If you are getting so close that the animal looks stressed, put the camera down and paddle backwards instead of turning around. On your second and third approach you will most likely get a little closer. I was once attempting a shot of a Red Winged BB which was high (compared to me) in the grass along the bank. With the wind at my back pushing me closer, I was thrilled, as the bird kept getting bigger in the viewfinder. All of a sudden there was a loud screech, the bow of the kayak hit the shore and as I lowered the camera a rather large Great Blue Heron starred at me for a split second as if to say, "what are you doing... fool" and then took off over my head. Had I only been paying attention!

If you go back to the same area a lot, as I do, you will start to know what to expect at certain times and at different tide levels. Don't get complacent, as something new always seems to pop up. Take a few shots from a distance so there is a photographic record even if the subject takes off before you get too close. On rare occasions you may find a subject or subjects that just are not afraid of this thing (You) floating around in their territory. That can be a real treat as you may be able to herd them some distance to get better lighting or better background. Again, work slowly. That's what happened when I came under a railroad bridge and found a few Muscovy Ducks swimming in the shadows. It was my first time with this species, so I got off one quick shot, then sat back and watched. After a few minutes they were heading toward me instead of going the other way. I spent the next hour or so cajoling them into the light. It was a blast and I came away with a few pictures I never expected that day.

On land or in a kayak all the rules of photography apply. F stops still control depth of field. Shutter speed still determines whether we freeze or blur the subject. While I found using a big flash was inconvenient, the built in flash on the D70 is effective as a fill since the kayak often permits a shorter working distance. VR (Nikon) or IS (Canon) makes getting sharp photos from a moving kayak a lot easier but with a high enough shutter speed I'm sure good results can be achieved without it.

It won't take long before you realize that you are seeing some things that you may never capture with a camera. They may be a bit too far or a bit to fast or hiding just a bit too far into the tall grass. Don't despair, cherish those moments as they will remain yours and yours alone. I'll never forget the day hundreds, if not thousands, of Red Winged Blackbirds came up out of the reeds and flew about six feet overhead. I didn't photograph it nor can I properly describe the scene... but I will always remember it. My parting suggestion is to get out on the water, make photographs and memories, and have fun.

Happy Paddling

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