Advise on shooting from a boat needed.

[jgogums]

I've offered to photograph a close friends funeral this weekend (he was an avid photographer and his family really wants this day documented). There will be a scattering of ashes in the ocean fronting his family's surf spot. I will be on a motorboat...

It should take place about 3 hours before sunset so I'm anticipating challenging lighting conditions (sun should still be fairly high but hitting at an angle).
It may be overcast but given the normal brisk tradewinds here if there are clouds it may be intermitent.

I have a circular polarizer but haven't experimented with it much.
I obviously want to do a good job and I'm looking for any tips.

I shoot manual. Gear listed below.

I guess I'm concerned about glare off the water as well as trying to get water, sky AND family members/friends (many will be in canoes and surfboards) fairly well exposed.

I know there will be compromises. I'm not looking for miracles. If I was I'd ask for my friend back.

Thanks for any tips.

[Dchemist]

The polarizer in the situation you describe is crucial. You can set the rotation to minimiz glare once if your shooting angle relative to the sun does not change much. Its likely the best you will be able to do. Setting it on while you shooting will be tough in this enviroment. An IS lens might be useful and shooting in full manual might be a challenge since the light may change dramatically - I might use aperture priority and let the camera chose the shutter speed. In the end the people you show these images to will appreciate the image for its content so you do the best you can do. Good luck, Dennis

[JWright]

Don't fall overboard... :lol: