Thanks for this video Luke! I’m a pro photographer (from The Netherlands) but only bring the Olympus TG-6 and my iPhone (in a housing) in my kayak (and an actioncam for video). Not the quality of my dreams but I’m not the daredevil you are. All my camera’s and lenses stays in my house;-)
I use a point and shoot waterproof camera that is secured by a strap to my pfd and is put in a front pocket for quick access. I also use a GoPro with a head strap when I need two hands to paddle.
The Olympus TG-6 is a pretty nice waterproof point-and-shoot camera. It won't have the resolution or the optical quality of a large, expensive camera+lens, but it has decent optical zoom, can be used one handed, shoots in RAW, easily fits in pockets, can be tethered to you or the kayak so it doesn't escape in the event of a mishap, and it is actually properly waterproof. On the topic of camera settings, I'd say don't get trapped by the macho always-use-manual-mode mantra some photographers promote. Don't be afraid to use Tv, Av, P, or even one of your camera's fully automatic modes. This is somewhat true in general, but it's especially true in situations where you're likely to have little to no ability to change settings on the fly. The important thing is to get the shot, not to do it in some arbitrarily defined technically "correct" way.
Thanks Luke! This was very helpful. I have lots of equipment that often stays in the kayak, especially when I’m leading a trip! This year, I want to try to get some better photos of our trips and courses with whatever I have available (e.g., mirrorless, phone, or GoPro). I think I worry too much about getting the right photos and will use some of your tips to get settings put in beforehand and having a specific goal for the day, so I don’t try to do too much and end up with nothing much! Enjoyed the video!
You can also use proper underwater camera housings. They are camera-specific and allow access to all camera functions. Down side, they are very heavy and very expensive. But they are waterproof!
Nice video Luke! I'm not that great as a photographer but I have exactly the same thoughts as you are having. I tend to bring too much camera gear, just in case 😀I might need it, and then not use much at all. For your last tip I have more or less stopped filming videos, or even taking photos, when I'm leading a group on the water. There just isn't time for it. An extra tip, bring lot of spare batteries and a power bank. Anyway, it's nice to see your videos out here on RUclips again.
I have a seriously basic question. What would be an ideal type/size of Kayak to take out for photography. I’ve been wanting to do this for years and I got a canoe thinking I would have a good chance of keeping things dry, but the canoe is about 70Lbs and it is hard for me to handle by myself. So I want something that’s light, but stable. Any recommendations are greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Thanks for your video - really very inspiring! When you love analog, have you already considered a Nikonos Camera - these tank-like analogs from the 80ties? I‘ve tried once for a trip with mixed results (mostly missed focus - but was also to lack of experience with these cameras 😄)
Thanks for this video Luke! I’m a pro photographer (from The Netherlands) but only bring the Olympus TG-6 and my iPhone (in a housing) in my kayak (and an actioncam for video). Not the quality of my dreams but I’m not the daredevil you are. All my camera’s and lenses stays in my house;-)
I use a point and shoot waterproof camera that is secured by a strap to my pfd and is put in a front pocket for quick access. I also use a GoPro with a head strap when I need two hands to paddle.
The Olympus TG-6 is a pretty nice waterproof point-and-shoot camera. It won't have the resolution or the optical quality of a large, expensive camera+lens, but it has decent optical zoom, can be used one handed, shoots in RAW, easily fits in pockets, can be tethered to you or the kayak so it doesn't escape in the event of a mishap, and it is actually properly waterproof.
On the topic of camera settings, I'd say don't get trapped by the macho always-use-manual-mode mantra some photographers promote. Don't be afraid to use Tv, Av, P, or even one of your camera's fully automatic modes. This is somewhat true in general, but it's especially true in situations where you're likely to have little to no ability to change settings on the fly. The important thing is to get the shot, not to do it in some arbitrarily defined technically "correct" way.
Thanks Luke! This was very helpful. I have lots of equipment that often stays in the kayak, especially when I’m leading a trip! This year, I want to try to get some better photos of our trips and courses with whatever I have available (e.g., mirrorless, phone, or GoPro). I think I worry too much about getting the right photos and will use some of your tips to get settings put in beforehand and having a specific goal for the day, so I don’t try to do too much and end up with nothing much! Enjoyed the video!
You can also use proper underwater camera housings. They are camera-specific and allow access to all camera functions. Down side, they are very heavy and very expensive. But they are waterproof!
Nice video Luke! I'm not that great as a photographer but I have exactly the same thoughts as you are having. I tend to bring too much camera gear, just in case 😀I might need it, and then not use much at all.
For your last tip I have more or less stopped filming videos, or even taking photos, when I'm leading a group on the water. There just isn't time for it. An extra tip, bring lot of spare batteries and a power bank.
Anyway, it's nice to see your videos out here on RUclips again.
Thanks! And great tips, thanks for sharing 👍
Hi Luke, useful stuff. Do you have a feature coming up on taking quality video when out kayaking? Many thanks
I have a seriously basic question. What would be an ideal type/size of Kayak to take out for photography. I’ve been wanting to do this for years and I got a canoe thinking I would have a good chance of keeping things dry, but the canoe is about 70Lbs and it is hard for me to handle by myself. So I want something that’s light, but stable. Any recommendations are greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Thanks for your video - really very inspiring! When you love analog, have you already considered a Nikonos Camera - these tank-like analogs from the 80ties? I‘ve tried once for a trip with mixed results (mostly missed focus - but was also to lack of experience with these cameras 😄)
So shortly, don't do it. Kayak and expensive camera systems do not mix.