Know Your Neighbours:Classic Kayak Shots

FURTHER READING

BOOK REVIEW

John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide, by John Shaw,

Amphoto publishes an extensive series on photography (watch the WaveLength website for more reviews to come) and this is their best guide for us outdoor folks. It doesn't cover kayaking (or boating in general) but does deal with the basics of working outdoor subjects and includes one of the best descriptions of exposure I've read (always a tricky subject to explain).

Colorado-based John Shaw has written more than five photography books over the last decade. His style is simple and relatively easy to understand, with occasional bits of humor. This book isn't a field guide though - it's more of a glossy, beautiful guide to field work.

It will help out just about anyone who wants to do more than point and shoot nature. The instruction is based on a decent, modern 35mm camera system, using the best of new technology without being dependent on it. Shaw usually advocates using manual exposure and provides a lucid look at the topic in terms of stops and medium tones. Besides exposure, chapters cover equipment, lenses, composition, close-ups and working in the field. Most of the tips on equipment are particularly helpful for outdoor photographers, and he takes a refreshingly dim view of harassing wildlife for photos, a common problem with both tourists and pros.

Amphoto, 2000 160 pg, US$24.95 0-8174-4059-3

1. Your bow in a beautiful inlet

For many, the essence of Northwest paddling is a sea kayak bow pointing up a fjordlike inlet.

The colorful boat provides a beautiful foreground for the blues of sky and sea flanked by the greens and browns of forest, rock and clearcut.

Although this is a reasonably easy shot to take, you'll find you have to point your bow up many different inlets before you're finally satisfied.

2. Your paddlemate & the big empty A good companion shot is one of your paddling buddy paddling into... nothing.

The big empty, mother ocean, the endless horizon, the curve of earth and time.

The good part is, using creative cropping and the right angle you can get this shot without actually going Kon Tiki.

3. Kayak & killer whale

The ultimate wildlife shot, beloved by tour companies and tourist boards. If you're lucky, an Orcinus orca will find someone in your group worth checking out and swim on over, pushing that gleaming black dorsal fin out of the water near enough for a shot. Don't sweat it if you miss this one though - having a predator that is bigger than your boat check you out doesn't lend itself to calm, calculated photography.

4. Your paddling partner in a double A wide angle lens makes a great photo of the person you are sharing your lower body with.

If you've ever paddled a double you know they're bigger, faster, safer and more romantic.

Ok, maybe they're not always romantic, maybe they've broken up more couples than televised sports, but regardless, you can get some fun photos by snapping the Captain, crew, dog or child in your boat - before the mutiny.

5. Boats on the beach

Another brochure favorite, especially since most beaches tend to be rather dull, color wise, but a fleet of kayaks can be brighter than a rainbow.

Scramble up that nearby rock or tree or your partner's shoulders, and shoot down on your colorful fleet.

6. Your boat en route

One of the nifty things about kayaks is the ease with which they travel - even out of the water.

Don't forget to get some shots of your kayak on your shoulder, your hatchback, your wheelbarrow, your megayacht, your bicycle and so on.

7. All the stuff going in

For a shot to impress those who haven't toured (and make canoeists laugh), try to snap a picture of all your gear laid out before it finds its way through those hatches into the nooks and crannies of your bow, stern, cockpit and deck.

It's really quite remarkable how much wine, camping gear, beer, food, wine and beer you can stuff into a good touring sea kayak.

8. Surfing

Hey, you've got some high speed film and a wicked new telephoto lens - time for your action shots.

Prop up on shore near the nasty standing wave or the thundering point break and fire away, freezing the chills and spills of kayak surfers in heart stopping action.

9. You & yours in sprayskirts

I have a love/hate relationship with sprayskirts. I love it when they keep me (mostly) dry as waves pass over.

But I hate wearing one on the beach because no matter who you are, novice or pro, male or female, young or old, no matter how cool your sunglasses or expensive your suv - you probably look silly standing in a sprayskirt.

So be sure to take photos!

10. The essence of sea kayaking

Can you capture what you love about the sport?

I love peering into the world below my boat, dodging rocks covered in invertebrates and skimming over kelp and seagrass beds alive with life. This view from the other side of the surface reminds me of that; a hint at the remarkable window between worlds that sea kayaking can open up. Get out there and capture your essence!