Photographing from a Kayak?

[Skywatch]

Anyone have experience with this, Ive seen a couple write ups online about it. I am seriously considering doing this for calm lakes and small streams to get closer to some wildlife but i was concerned for stability and protection of my equipment.....I would get it insured definetly. Anyone try this? Successful or not?

[ivar]

I think Rolling Stone has some experience.
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=56415

Maybe he is around somewhere? :ear

[JohnDC]

When these two kayaked into the rookery I was photographing last weekend, I thought they would scare away the birds. But they were very careful and the birds ignored them. Look at their set up: the 3 tripod legs are outside the kayak, and there is a large center post going into the kayak well, maybe into a mast step.
http://i.pbase.com/o6/99/656299/1/78995017.BvQykJJA._DSC8654kayakloresuse.jpg

[bsvirginian]

:D Although I never figured how to best use a tripod in my kayak I did place a "safe bag" between my legs to quickly insert the camera and lens in case of choppy water, rain or wakes. It worked for me for many years.
bsvirginian

[behr655]

I take my camera with me all the time when I kayak. I just keep it in a dry bag and make sure I'm stopped in the water before I take it out. If the water is a little fast I back into the bank or some brush to keep me still. Here is a link to some of my "kayak view" shots.
http://behr655.smugmug.com/gallery/1790558#89148438

Bear

[Jeff Fillmore]

I have done this a few times with my dslr but not in a while. The pucker factor is a little much for me. Now I just carry my little waterproof Pentax W20. Two weeks ago I dropped it overboard and just hopped in the river and got it- no problem.

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/150146905-L.jpg

I did watch an osprey eating a fish fairly close and wished I had a real camera with me though. :huh

[ebwest]

I've done it a number of times. I just put the camera and lens in a dry bag until I'm settled in and then take off. I have a "recreational" kayak that may be a little more stable than the more advanced ones. Never had a problem.

[raptorcaptor]

I use my older camera (10D with a 300 F4 lens) and like the others, place the camera in a dry bag when paddling. I have a feathercraft Kahuna kayak which is fairly stable even in choppy water. I would recommend a sit inside, rather than a sit on top kayak. Its also a good idea to have an anchor so you can stay in one place while you shoot.

Took this shot from my kayak: http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/gallery/2455279#126967187-M-LB

[Skywatch]

Hey John the pic doesnt seem to be loading....do have a link for the tripod setup with the Kayak....im very interested! Thanks.


When these two kayaked into the rookery I was photographing last weekend, I thought they would scare away the birds. But they were very careful and the birds ignored them. Look at their set up: the 3 tripod legs are outside the kayak, and there is a large center post going into the kayak well, maybe into a mast step.
http://i.pbase.com/o6/99/656299/1/78995017.BvQykJJA._DSC8654kayakloresuse.jpg

[Skywatch]

Thanks everyone for the help......Ive been looking at some recreational kayaks to putz around in on smooth rivers and flat lakes. The Pelican series of getaway kayaks that are sit in/fishing kayaks look pretty good. They are affordable and and painted a deep green for good camo instead of the bright normal colors....should allow me get to places that i otherwise wouldnt be able to reach....Thanks again.

[douglas]

I have shot from my kayak, I picked up a thermal jug and cut up some styrofome to make a cylinder shape that forms around my lens, stuffed it in the bottom, then i just put my camera inside lens strait down and screw on the lid when im not shooting. Its Orange, Waterproof and Floats!

[gluwater]

Rohirrim shoots from a floating blind that he covers with camo netting. Check out this old thread (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=37081) that he put an image of it in, just scroll down to the bottom of the page. Steve doesn't come around here much anymore but you could probably e-mail him from his smugmug site. Just looking at his set-up makes me nervous but he gets excellent low perspectives with it.