The Experience
Some people may be intimidated by taking expensive electronic gear in a kayak on a lake or river. However, with the right gear and practice it is a great way to get photographs of wildlife. Here is how I have become comfortable and proficient in taking wildlife photos from a kayak.
Early River Trips
It all started more than 15 years ago on the Waccissa River in northern Florida. I started taking my camera gear with me in the kayak, because the Waccissa River is a hot spot for birds and wildlife. While the first trip with expensive gear was not imbedded in my memory, I still remember honing my techniques over many trips there. In fact, I do remember my first photo sale was of an alligator sunning on a log on the river. It was primitive compared to the work I can do with the years of practice and improved gear. Early on I decided that photographing from a kayak had distinct advantages. Wildlife is less wary and more approachable and you are at eye-level which yields a more engaging photo. Plus, you don't have to carry heavy gear overland. I remember too discovering the need to anchor on the river and parking in floating weed mats to keep from floating downstream as I was composing a photo. This did lead to a few unexpected close-up encounters with alligators.
Lake Photography
More recently I have been photographing loons, swans and other waterfowl on a lake near my home in Michigan. Of course the big advantage on a lake is the lack of a current. It is even better when you get out in the morning while the wind is still. The reflections are better and the kayak is steady. I almost always photograph early for the good light and calm conditions. One caveat, on cool mornings there is often a lot of fog on the lake. Finding loons or any wildlife in the fog can be a challenge and photographing in the fog is even more difficult. So I have an excuse to sleep in a little later on chilly mornings.
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| Loon taking off | |
What kayak?
Some have asked recently what type of kayak do I use and is it stable? I have been using a Perception Sundance 12 foot kayak, and yes, it is very stable. I also have insurance on my gear, but I am sure that I would have to recover any dunked gear in order to submit a claim. Experience has allowed me to feel very comfortable in a boat with my gear. I do usually have dry bag on the floor of the kayak in front of me because that way I don't have to set the camera down in pools of water in the bottom of the kayak.
Camera Gear
Until this past year I was using a 500 mm f/4 lens which is a heavy and awkward beast of a lens. Last year, I traded the 500 mm f/4 for Nikon's new 500 mm f/5.6 pf lens which is super light and makes a huge difference in the kayak. I still like the autofocus and bokeh on the f/4 lens better, but I can get shots now I never would have gotten with the beast lens. Quite often I use a teleconverter, either a 1.4 x or 1.7 x to give better reach. I always have a life jacket with me, but personally I think the kayak would be my life raft. One thing I have not done is to fashion any type of tripod or camera support for the kayak. Believe me, I have tried, but have not found a system that I feel comfortable with.
A bigger challenge has been photographing wildlife on the Silver River in Florida. The current is much faster that the Waccissa and there are fewer weed mats to anchor on. There is also a lot of boat traffic. But I have still found opportunities to capture wildlife on the river.
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| Rhesus monkeys, Silver River |
This female monkey and baby were photographed on the edge of the Silver River, just before a group of kayakers arrived to scare them off. Along with alligators, the monkeys on the Silver River can be the most dangerous. But common sense and giving the animals space is the best way to avoid unwanted conflicts. The hardest part of photographing the monkeys is the vegetation which often obscures part of the subject or creates odd shadows. Unlike being on land you cannot step to the side to get a better angle, you have to set the camera down paddle a little and hope you have a good spot and that the current doesn't move you away too quickly. The green heron was on the edge of the river where there was little current and thankfully it was an overcast sky, otherwise I would have had difficult lighting conditions under the shore vegetation.
Ethics
Although wildlife may be less wary of a person in a kayak, basic ethics should be applied when photographing wildlife. While I do not wear camo, I also do not wear brightly colored clothing. The wildlife can see you in a kayak, but no need to send a warning that brightly colored clothing will give. I have learned to approach loons in way that will not bother them. After they do not see you as a threat, they are much more calm and almost seem to ignore you as they go about their daily lives. Plus repeated trips allows you to become more familiar to the loons. If I know the location of a nest, I stay well away. I would not have it any other way. I almost always use 500 mm or more lens. This allows me to keep my distance and I am as quiet as possible, even when paddling. I often avoid eye contact which seems to soothe wildlife. And, although I often get questions about where I found xx animal, I do not reveal locations on social media. There are too many other photographers who would stampede a location. It is for the protection of the animal.
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| Green Heron, Silver River |
In Conclusion
So, it is quite possible to get some really astonishing photos from a kayak and it is easier than you might think. Know your limits and skills and proceed at a pace that is comfortable to you. You may get some really amazing wildlife photos from your kayak.
