Kayak-based wildlife photography is a ball in the fall!

Whether you're a serious wildlife photographer who's already hooked on the advantages of shooting from a kayak, or a novice just considering the notion, the fall presents some of the best opportunities to capture memorable images while paddling your boat. Strangely, many paddlers think of kayaking as a summer sport. As temperatures cool you can often find yourself all alone, silently gliding through waters that were choked with paddlers just weeks before. It's also amazing how quickly wildlife reclaims their lakes once the tourists are gone. The shorter days of fall also mean that sunrise arrives at a downright civilized hour, making it much easier to be out shooting at that magical first light. Add in the cooler temperatures and lack of biting bugs and you've about run out of excuses to roll over and stay in bed.
           
Autumn also blesses much of the country with spectacular fall leaf colors that can turn an ordinary image into something spectacular. Maple trees reflecting on a glassy calm lake can make the surface appear to be molten gold. If you live in the North, find a loon, beaver, river otter or maybe even a wading moose to break that calm surface. If not, look for wading birds, ducks or maybe even a gator. Shoot low from your boat and you'll have an image worth celebrating.  

The shooting doesn't have to end when the leaves fall. Paddle lake edges and take advantage of the deep views into the forest. Deer, bear and moose are more active. Approach them silently from the water, avoiding the give-away crunching of dry leaves. Of course, be aware of all hunting seasons and take all necessary precautions. It's also a particularly good idea to wear your PFD at this time of year when water temperatures are frigid.

When choosing where to paddle in the fall, don't limit yourself to lakes, rivers and streams. Check out the swamps and other wetlands around your area. You'll be amazed at the "inaccessible" places your kayak can take you and the abundance of wildlife you'll find there. The vegetation and tighter spaces provide a much more interesting photo background than big, open water. Tall, golden grasses and fuzzy cattails are a classic backdrop for images of rising flocks of ducks and geese.

Don't let your boat collect dust after summer. Keep your kayak well watered this fall and watch your wildlife photography opportunities grow!

--John Van Den Brandt