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Top tips for taking paddling photos
Photographing your paddling adventures is a great way to document your trips and capture special and unique moments on the water ., but it can be challenging . You are up against the elements and the movement of the water , all while trying to keep your balance . Yet with a bit of practice , you will be taking stunning paddling photos in no time ! www . britishcanoeing . org . uk
SKYSPACES
As we all know the British weather can vary . This can make for some dramatic skyscapes . Look out for sunlight reflecting on the water and peeking through the clouds . Dawn and dusk offer some of the best light and are also the best times to capture dreamy skyscapes .
Top tip : The position of the horizon line is important for taking great skyscape photos . To help accentuate the sky , try giving it more space in the frame . Rather than placing the horizon exactly in the centre of the photo , position it in the top two thirds of the frame . If you are using your phone , tap on the sky so you do not overexpose it .
PERSPECTIVE
You are in a unique position from your craft to get up close to features on the water . Try taking a macro photo of aquatic plants , or if it is a calm day , the water will be like a mirror . See if you can capture the reflection of your surroundings on the surface .
Top tip : Try holding your phone as close to the surface of the water as you can . This requires a bit of balance but it is worth it .
FEATURE YOUR CRAFT
Placing your board or boat in the shot can help tell the story of your trip . If you are paddling with a pal , include them in the frame too . It will help showcase the fantastic views you can get while paddling and put the scenery into perspective .
Top tip : Look for an interesting feature to frame your boat . This could be a mountain , valley or a bridge . Give the subject room to move in the shot so they are not in the dead centre , this will help create movement and help set the scene .
SLOW IT DOWN
Being on the water is one of the best ways to spot and photograph wildlife , but patience is key . Slow down the pace of your paddle , take a moment to connect with the environment around you and get your camera ready . You will begin to notice wildlife all around you .
USE A WATERPROOF CASE
Using a waterproof case is essential when taking your phone on the water . Practise taking photos beforehand to get a feel for the case , ensure the settings are correct and most importantly , check it is all sealed correctly . Keeping your phone dry is not only important for taking fantastic photos , but it will help keep you safe while out on the water .
If you have taken a brilliant paddling pic , we want to see it !
If you have taken a brilliant photo on the water , why not enter our Instagram Photography Competition ! To take part , all you need to do is use the hashtag # GoPaddling on your Instagram photos . We will choose our favourite photo each month and share it online . Find out more here www . instagram . com / gopaddling
PLUS , photo of the month winners will automatically be entered into our seasonal prize draw to win Gill Marine paddling goodies .