It can be argued that one should always live in the moment.
Some people might be of the belief that stopping to take a photo on the water detracts from the sheer joy that you’re trying to capture for prosperity. Others might take the side that there is also delight in preserving memories, looking back on fondly, and giving a visual representation of the day. To have to help you out when you might want to tell others about a particularly beautiful or profound moment you experienced on the water.
No matter which side you take in this debate, if you pause to capture a picture while you’re out on the water, Girl Paddlers wants you to be able to snap the best shot possible. With that in mind, we checked in with some photography experts to see what tips for taking photos on the water they could offer. Here’s what they told us.
Gear
It’s a given that you’re going to need to start with a camera or smartphone. However, there are some other items you may want to purchase to help. For example, if you want a good quality camera, you might consider something like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 which is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) mirrorless option that takes great photos and provides lots of shooting options. If you’re going to take it out on (or under) the water, the Ikelite SL3 Housing is rated to 200 feet. With a camera like this, you might also want to research getting some filters you can add to the lens. There are colored lenses to change the depth of the photograph, starburst lenses to add dramatic effect, and polarized lenses that may help you see below the water’s surface.
If you don’t want to spend the money for a professional camera, there are plenty of small, DSLR cameras that are waterproof or at least water resistant. You should also add a floating strap in case the camera accidentally falls overboard so it won’t sink to the bottom and can be easily retrieved. They come in a variety of bright colors to make them easier to find in the water.
The easiest option for photography is to simply use your smartphone. While many of them are water resistant, you should consider a floating pouch that helps keep it dry and on the surface if the phone slips out of your hands and into the water.
One more piece of equipment you might want to have with you is a small, flexible tripod or mount to stabilize your shots while out paddling. People make fun of selfie sticks, but they are not only a great way to get pictures of yourself or group photos, they can help you change the angle of a shot to get a more dramatic photo.
Lighting
Your best shots are going to come during what is called “the golden hour,” which is shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. Try to avoid shooting directly into the sun or in harsh light that will cast unflattering shadows and wash out your subject matter. Believe it or not, cloudy days are good for shooting photos on the water, too.
Being out on the water gives you an opportunity to take advantage of reflections to intensify whatever you are shooting. Even on rippled water, color contrast in the water will be distorted, but can create extra drama. Be mindful of the backgrounds when shooting.
Motion
If your camera has a burst option, try using it for action shots. This can be used to capture different phases of a paddler on the move, a splash, a bird in motion, or a friend jumping in the water. The advantage of digital photography is that you can take a ton of pictures and just delete the ones that don’t work for you later.
Don’t forget the panoramic setting on your phone. This can be a wonderful way to capture the beauty of a shoreline or a sweeping sunset.
Perspective
There is a very genuine truth to the reality that you’re going to see—and shoot—things differently from a paddleboard versus a kayak or canoe. However, you can change your perspective to change the composition of your shots. The aforementioned selfie stick can assist you when in a kayak or canoe, and you can simply sit or lay down on your board to get dramatic, water-level shots when paddleboarding. Try shooting from different angles to see which view you like best.
Composition
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so shoot what appeals to you. You can use the “rule of thirds” to create a “balanced” photo by imagining grids in your lens and placing your subjects at the intersections. Or, just have fun, shoot away, and see what you come up with. As all Girl Paddlers know, part of the beauty of the adventure is in discovering new things along the way.
If you’d like to ask for more tips for taking photos on the water from the community, be sure to join us in our Facebook group.
All mentioned items can be found on our Photo Gear Amazon list here
