Catch The Sun

It’s fair to say, for as long as we’ve had paddleboarding we’ve also had digital photography. We’re now at a stage where we’re spoilt for choice with incredible optics on our phones, gimbals, affordable drones and DSLRs but a good photo won’t take itself. The adventure of photography is discovering new locations, perspectives, times of day even, and capturing that moment. Photography can add another element to your paddling sessions, giving direction and purpose to your search, and your session continues long after you get off the water as you work through your images looking for the pot of gold. We spoke to Allen Meyer to get some insight to setting up a great shoot…

- Allen Meyer

“This summer we were constantly chasing new locations to paddle, using maps on my phone to find random bodies of waters in the mountains or additional fingers of lakes.”

FIND THE LIGHT

This is the main factor in turning an average image into a truly beautiful shot. Committing to waking up extra early so that you can catch some early morning glow and glassy waters will make a big change to the imagery you can create while out paddling, not to mention, this likely means you’ll have the lake to yourself.

Don’t be afraid to stay out late either – If you can stay on the water until the sun passes below the horizon, you’re likely to get some incredible colours. Always keep track of the water conditions and have your PFD and leash on hand especially if you are searching for those super remote spots.

BRING YOUR CAMERA OUT ONTO THE WATER

Settings: Nikon D810 // F-stop f/9 // Exposure 1/200 sec // Focal length 14mm

If you are in a situation like you see here, where the water is perfect glass and there’s no risk of tipping, be brave and bring your camera along for the journey. When I go out, I use the Red Original Deck Bag to carry several lenses, my camera, sometimes even my drone. This allows you to get up close and personal with your subject, or hop off at a different shore from where you started to capture a new angle.

I am a commercial photographer and videographer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My goal has always been to capture imagery that inspires people to get outside and experience nature in a healthy way, for both the individual and the landscape they visit.

GRAB THE LONGER LENS

Settings: Nikon D810 // F-stop f/3.2 // Exposure 1/1000 sec // Focal length 75mm