Before I begin this is not an article about the ins and outs of camera settings and which aperture and shutter you need to get that perfect shot (if anyone knows please tell me) This is an article from the point of view of a kayaker getting that all important new profile pic, or nomination for paddling face of the year.
There are a few things I have to impart on this subject.
1. Know where the camera is. Pick a line that is close to the camera (make it easy for them to get a good shot of you) This links to point 2. Sometimes this is the worst, most horrible line on the river but if the camera person is on that side of the river or in the eddy you have to try and stay close to them, because if you nail the line it will look awesome. However most paddling photographers will have just come down the same rapid so they will know what line you are taking and should position themselves usefully. Unless you have prior knowledge they have an awesome zoom. (These are dangerous, see point 4) these typically are bank based team members.
2. Line of sight. If you can’t see the camera it can’t see you. This links heavily with point 1 but includes things like rocks, trees and other paddlers being between you and the lens. Make sure the camera person is ready for you and people are out of the way, if natural obstacles are in the way or the amount of capture time is limited you need to make sure you are ready for it and know when you need to look your best, anything after the camera stops is only pub talk and hearsay.
3. Paddle position – this advice goes against all coaching advice. Your paddle must not be in front of your face! It may be the best picture but it could be anyone behind that paddle so you can’t take any credit.
Ways to achieve this
a) Don’t paddle, keep it out the way. This solves one problem but may create other issues depending on the situation and ability.
b) Keep your paddle low. Again keeps it out of view but makes your paddling look lazy.
c) Paddle high in the water but watch out where your arm is crossing your body not face. Making it look like the stroke means everything, think boof stroke at the top of a waterfall.
4. Facial expression – the best picture, nice scenery, good paddle position etc can be ruined if your face tells a different story and suddenly the whole focus is on how silly your face is.
There are two trains of thought about where to focus, look straight at the camera with the ‘yeah i got this face’ or focus on the paddling trying to look natural like this is an everyday occurrence. If you go for the looking at camera, pulling funny faces is now acceptable as they are intentional.
If you are going for the ‘natural look’ this takes a lot more effort as you need to run the rapid, not look at the camera and be aware that your concentration face is not stupid, make you look like you need the toilet or screwed up so tight people are unsure where your face is. Eyes shut and mouth wide open screaming in fear, way before being close to a rapid, is another classic error.
In conclusion knowing if and where cameras are is vital. Avoid things being in front of your face and try to make your face look either normal or intentionally funny.
DISCLAIMER -if any of the above advice will put you or others in harms way or potential injury it is better to go home safe with a bad photo or no photo and the memory of a good trip.
Mike's Travel Adventures 