Shooting out of a canoe?

[adam8080]

What should I know about shooting out of a canoe. I have a pelican case I plan on using, and keeping it closed up when I'm not shooting. Any tips or tricks? Would a monopod/tripod be useful?

[Tom Reichner]

Hello, Adam!

I've done quite a bit of wildlife photography. And I've done quite a bit of canoeing. But I've seldom combined the two. I've shot from a canoe on only perhaps a half dozen occasions. What I did learn is that it really helps to have another person along to do the paddling (once a subject is spotted). Trying to paddle myself into perfect postion then put the paddle down and pick the camera up proved to be too much when working with very skittish critters that were about to flush at any moment. Having a friend act as a paddling guide was much better. Of course, if you're working with subjects that are accustomed to humans and allow you to get close without flushing, then it can be done successfully when alone.

I hope to get out with the camera and the canoe a bit more this spring/summer. I was just told of a lake in my county in which a loon nests every summer, so I'm planning to get up there to see if she's around again this year. Sounds like the only way to get near the area is by water, so the canoe will be necessary. Can't wait for this!

[Mike55]

IS is the most important thing for shooting from a canoe. Otherwise, pray for flat water. ;)

[Lightworks Imaging]

Seems to me, the most important thing for my DSLR's when shooting from a canoe, would be checking my insurance policy to see if water damage is covered. Every time I'm in a canoe, or on a trip with other's in canoes, someone/something ends up in the water.

[adam8080]

I'm pretty sure on water damage. I know if it is lost of stolen it is covered. So I'll just drop it to the bottom if worse comes to worse.

[Tom Reichner]

Seems to me, the most important thing for my DSLR's when shooting from a canoe, would be checking my insurance policy to see if water damage is covered. Every time I'm in a canoe, or on a trip with other's in canoes, someone/something ends up in the water.
You can buy a specialized policy called a "floater policy" (kind of an ironic name for the coverage, isn't it?) This type of policy will cover your equipment NO MATTER WHAT!

I asked my insurance company, "What if I leave it on a picnic bench by accident, then come back for it the next day, and it's gone?" They said, "It's completely covered".

"What if I drop it in a lake and cannot recover it?" "Completely covered".

"What if I accidentally leave it on top of my car and drive away, causing it to tumble to the road and get all bashed up?. "Completely covered".

This kind of coverage is kind of costly, but well worth it if you photograph wildlife, or use your gear in other ways that are hazardous. I can afford $25 to $40 a month . . . I can't afford to replace a $7000 lens and a $2000 body.

[Dpsteak]

I spent a summer on a canoe doing field research with loons in Wisconsin and ended up taking a lot of photos. I agree that having someone else paddle is nice, but not necessary. Flat water is a must.

Also, I had a big plastic container that held all my gear and sat in front of me. It protected my camera from splashes and was easy to reach if I needed it. However, I never flipped and don't think it would have offered much protection if it went overboard. Good luck!

[EveryMilesAMemory]

One option is to get some outriggers that will up the stability 100fold.

I've never used them, but know a friend who has them on his canoe for shooting out of and he swears by them. Says it makes the canoe almost impossible to tip.

Would be some added security if you're going by yourself. Only downside would be on narrow rivers.

I goggled Canoe Outrigger (http://www.canoeoutriggers.com/) and this was the first one that came up of hundreds to choose from

[adam8080]

Just a quick update. 10 hour canoe trip with 9 hours of rain. All my camera stuff was in a Pelican 1610 and it was all nice and dry for when I needed it.

http://i41.tinypic.com/izalhf.jpg

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Great shot! What river were you on that offered a 10 hour canoe trip? I might have to check it out

[adam8080]

Sipsey River in Bankhead National Forest. It wasn't 10 hours of straight canoeing, but you could canoe it quite a ways longer.

[EveryMilesAMemory]

For those not familiar with the Sipsey River as I was not, here is what the Alabama Tourism Department (http://www.alabama.travel/things-to-do/alabama-attractions/sipsey_river-canoe_run.html) has to say about it. Thanks for the tip, It's now on my list of Rivers to Paddle

Sipsey River

Bankhead National Forest
Double Springs, AL 35553

This Sipsey River run is extraordinary even in itself, and many wonderful scenic bonuses are in store as you traverse its course. Super-clean water on the route combines with turquoise pools providing perfect cool-down rest stops.
The bonuses are hard to miss and reveal themselves as you paddle. High cliffs rise steeply from the carved canyon into the sky, exhibiting rocky grandeur common in these upper portions of the state. You may succumb to the temptation of exploring the caves, with their mouths opening out among the banks.

As a rule, winter and spring are the best seasons to run the river because these are the times that the water level is at least 300 cfs, the minimum required for a decent float. Paddling the route in the spring will present lush arrays of vegetation, and beautiful wildflowers abound.

If you're looking for an easy Class I run with spectacular scenery, this Sipsey River course is one of the best in Alabama.

[adam8080]

The 10 miles that I canoed on the river there were 10-15 log jams and 3-4 small rapids. I didn't see any caves on the part that I was on. Water ranged from about 5" deep to almost 6' deep after very heavy rains.

[adam8080]

Sipsey River Canoe Trail (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=34.25225,-87.380962&spn=0.109255,0.22316&z=13&msid=101216668958345087276.00046917382d5606c36e9)

Let me know if that link works.

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Link goes to Google maps, but I dont see the Sipsey River in the area that's come up?

Thanks for the info

[adam8080]

Try it now

[CyberDyneSystems]

Taken from a Mocora (sort of an African dug out canoe but a lot more tippy! )

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yozk3c&outx=600&noresize=1

1D MkIII and 100-400mm...

Forget the tripod or monopod unless you are trying to work a big gun.. (500mm-600mm f/4)
Shoot handheld with IS and simply observe the same practices you always do in a canoe.. ie: don;t tip it over!

[adam8080]

I tried for some bird photos with my 70-200 2.8 with a 2x, but it was too dark from the rain clouds :(

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Yeah, it works now. Great info

[snowyowl13]

Check out threads by Booswalia in the bird forum. She shoots from a canoe on a regular basis with great results.

[HYBEagle]

You can buy a specialized policy called a "floater policy" (kind of an ironic name for the coverage, isn't it?) This type of policy will cover your equipment NO MATTER WHAT!

I asked my insurance company, "What if I leave it on a picnic bench by accident, then come back for it the next day, and it's gone?" They said, "It's completely covered".

"What if I drop it in a lake and cannot recover it?" "Completely covered".

"What if I accidentally leave it on top of my car and drive away, causing it to tumble to the road and get all bashed up?. "Completely covered".


How do they find out if you weren't lying ? The way they tell you every situation is "completely covered" sounds like a marketing scheme.

[adam8080]

How do they find out if you weren't lying ? The way they tell you every situation is "completely covered" sounds like a marketing scheme.

About the only thing that isn't covered is fraud.

[jsinon]

How do they find out if you weren't lying ? The way they tell you every situation is "completely covered" sounds like a marketing scheme.


I sent my 24-70 off a bridge, never to be seen again(don't ask). Covered. Took four days from calling to check in hand. I did ask about fraud because the whole experience was so easy it just seemed easy to abuse by the less than honest. The woman basically told me, " as long as it is scheduled(meaning listed on the policy) it's covered." She did go on to say that making a lot of claim's, or repeat claim's for the same item, things might start to lo fishy.

[Booswalia]

I shoot quite often from a canoe. I use my Canon XT with a 300mm f4.0 lens and a 1.4x converter.

Number one on the list of advise would be GO SOLO!
- keep to shallow ponds, if you're looking for birds.
- only go out on days when the wind is less than 15km/hr.
- be careful around rocks and tree fall or they'll grab you and tip you over.
- don't expect a lot of in-flight shots.
- paddle slowly and learn to maneuver really well.
- stick the stern of your canoe in the reeds and sit for a while.
- be patient
- be quiet
- and the obvious... no sudden moves.

As for what to do about expensive equipment... don't bring it if you can't live without it.

It's one of the most enjoyable pass times that I can think of. I'm totally addicted to it.

Took this yesterday...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=715175

[scot079]

Anyone watch Wild Photo Adventures (http://www.wildphotoadventures.com/watch.html)? In the "Lake Marion" episode (IIRC) the host was shooting from a kayak. He had his tripod mounted on the top of the kayak w/ a 500 f/4 on it! Crazy but got me thinking. I bet he checked his policy before doing that:-)

[canonloader]

I tried it once, with my brother. I was up front, had the pelican case and we were on flat, calm water. I took the camera out once, never got off a shot and put it away for the rest of the trip.

The problem was not shooting from the canoe, the problem was, when we would come into a little cove, the ducks would see us right way and they were gone. Even the birds on shore would fly off.

I now have a flat bottomed boat with a motor, and have gone with a friend 3 times now and got better shots that way than anything since I started shooting birds. They seem to be use to fishing boats and unless you get in their face, they ignore you.

[DigiGreenhorn]

I don't canoe much but I kayak and always have my camera with me (still been using my old 35mm film slr - entering the digital age tomorrow after much hesitation).

I usually have the camera in a dry bag and I shoot a lot from the kayak - only if and when the water's calm. When taking pictures of wildlife, I often talk to the animals. Up here, that usually just makes them more curious and intruiged and they stick around longer. Can also backfire - almost had a caribou get into the kayak with me once because it wanted to see what the heck I was. But caribou are very curious.