The Fall season is upon us with all the beautiful autumn colored trees. This might be a good time to get out in the kayak and take some pictures. This month we will cover some helpful hints on taking better pictures from inside or outside your kayak.

If you are like me and enjoy taking photos, the first thing is to have your camera nearby and ready to shoot when something catches your eye. Having your camera ‘ready’ means more than just having it with you. Be sure you know your camera, what the different settings are and how the camera operates. This is especially important if you are out in a kayak. You don’t want to have to stop and figure out how to take a certain shot in a tippy boat. Today’s digital cameras come equipped with various modes programmed in the camera. The Landscape Mode optimizes the camera settings for landscape photos and capturing objects at great distances. On my camera there is a mountain icon for this. The Macro mode is for extreme close ups and there is an icon of a flower to indicate this. There is a sports mode with what looks like a runner for an icon that is used when you are trying to capture something in motion. Knowing how to get to these modes quickly has helped save shots that might have gotten away if I was not familiar with the operation of my camera.

How you hold your camera does make a difference. If possible use two hands so that is comfortable and secure and make sure nothing is covering the lens or flash. Keep the camera as still as possible while taking the shot. I find that using the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen makes for a steadier shot.

Of course you want to keep your camera dry and carrying a hand towel along with a water proof bag will help keep your lens clean of condensation, water drops or water condensation. If you don’t have a dry bag, one suggestion I have heard of is to use a soft-sided 6-pack cooler. Be sure to keep your lens cap in place when not in use.

Shooting into the sun can cause flare-ups, those hexagonal shapes that you will get in an image. To avoid these flare-ups, use a hat or your hand to shade the lens. If there is bright light that is causing shadows in your photo, use the fill flash to brighten up the shot and fill in details that would otherwise be lost. Again this is something you should know how to access on your camera without having to search for it.

Sometimes the best photos are the ones you just walk up or paddle upon. So be on the lookout for good photo opts. Look up, look down and all around you. Take a few wide-angle shots and move in close to capture details. Don’t be afraid to take lots of shots. This will increase your chances of capturing just the right shot. My motto is: “It’s digital. Take the Picture.” What you don’t like you can delete. Photography should be about taking pictures you like and having fun. Here’s hoping you capture some great shots! Happy snapping!