SUP photography

stand up paddleboard sunset photo opportunity on water
30 November 2020
SUP photography

Time out on the water helps the mind to reconnect with the world and ourselves. There’s no better opportunity for using a camera to capture the moments that inspire us and to reaffirm why we got into this pastime. Even when relaxing, there is a lot to see and appreciate, be that a spectacular sunset on a clear glass-like lake, an unexpected encounter with marine and coastal wildlife, or a candid moment with fellow paddlers.

When it comes to paddleboard photography, there are two broad considerations: the camera you intend to use, and the composition of your shots. How your pictures turn out will largely be a factor of these two elements, but neither will bring better results without a willingness to practise and experiment.

In this overview, we’ll look at some basic things you can do to capture great snaps on a SUP. While we enjoy taking pics out on the water, we don’t claim to be professional photographers. The guide that follows is pitched more at beginners and amateurs. It also does not cover underwater photography.

Using your camera aboard a SUP

Whatever equipment you choose to take out with you, you’ll stand a better chance of returning to shore with a working camera if it’s waterproof. We won’t go into a detailed analysis of equipment specs here — but be aware that just having an all-singing, top-of-the line DSLR isn’t necessarily going to be the best choice for everyone.

Many recent smartphones now come with a versatile selection of lenses for outdoor photography, and a lot of classic point-and-shoot models are fitted with auto exposure and stabilisation technology to compensate for less than ideal conditions. While a good camera helps, the photographer using it is still responsible for unleashing its potential. 

To that end, we would strongly suggest getting to know your equipment before scouting for good locations. Understand how the different modes work, how to turn the flash on and off, and how to attach additional lenses (if you have them).

DSLR camera on tripod at beach photographing waves

While professional cameras are likely to allow detailed adjustment of settings such as aperture, ISO and shutter speed, no-one will think less of you for using the automatic settings — they can make the camera easy to use spontaneously.

In addition, try operating the camera with one hand. This is a skill that will come in handy while trying to remain stable on a board.

Keep your equipment safe

You’ll want to make sure that your camera remains dry. Keep it in a waterproof bag and stow it on board while not in use. Keep a dry microfibre cloth to hand to clean the lens of water droplets and grimy finger marks. In addition, consider attaching a float to the camera. It won’t keep it dry, but if you do drop the camera in the water, it’ll give you a chance at retrieving it.

Be prepared for all situations

This also sounds obvious, but you’ll need to bear in mind your skill as a paddler and the implications this could have for both picture quality and your personal safety. It’s easy to get engrossed in chasing the perfect shot.

Check the weather forecast before setting out. If you’re fairly new to paddleboarding, calm conditions will give you the optimum opportunity to take your time looking for great locations, as well as when it comes to composing the frame for each shot.

Remember you will be in constant motion while out on the water, so if keeping your balance is going to be a concern while also operating a camera, consider crouching low to the board or sitting down at first to give you a low centre of gravity. Having as stable a board as possible may also help: a wider all-round board could be a useful option.

In addition, if you know you’re going to be capturing lots of high-res images, ensure you have plenty of space available on your storage medium (take an extra memory card if you need it) and make sure your battery is fully charged before hitting the water.

Composing your shots while on a paddleboard

Lining up the perfect shot takes a bit of knowledge, awareness and even good old-fashioned luck, but with persistence and a willingness to fail, you will eventually develop the intuition to experiment in new situations, and the confidence to know what you want in more typical circumstances.

Not every idea you have for a photo will turn out to be instant Instagram material — be prepared to take multiple shots each time. You can then select and edit the image that best meets your intended vision.

Adapt to the environment

Natural lighting

The amount of available natural light can have a profound effect. Sunlight directed into the lens can obscure images and blow out colours. An underlit subject will also be difficult to see. A general tip is to keep your back to the sun when taking daytime shots, but make sure you are not casting a shadow over the subject.

Paddleboarder in bright sunlight

Timing

Having said that, don’t be afraid to experiment with taking photos at different times of the day. For example, the colours cast in the sky at sunrise or sunset can add drama and beauty to any waterscape.

Scheduling a shoot for a certain time can bring added bonuses: early morning autumnal mist rolling off a lake; crepuscular wildlife; the earliest sliver of the moon in the sky — nature has a way of rewarding the patient photographer.

Play with perspective

Capturing the beauty and majesty of the landscape may require some adaptation. Experiment with perspective and depth of field to bring elements into focus. Giving the viewer a focal point can be helpful for putting a whole picture into context. For example: a panorama of a watery horizon will be less arresting than a shot which puts the distance into perspective by framing a tiny distant paddler in the centre.

Think about ways you can get the viewer to understand these kinds of relationships in size and distance. Try taking pictures from different heights and angles. If you have access to a wide-angle or telephoto optical zoom lens, this is where the expensive kit can really shine.

A favourite of many paddleboarders is to crouch low and capture the front of their own board in the shot, while focusing on what is in front of them. This also places the photographer within the visual story (It also looks great on your Facebook timeline).

Taking portraits and selfies on your board

Of course, if you really want a starring lead, you can opt to take a selfie (or six). Again, don’t expect to line up the perfect shot with just a single quick exposure, especially on a moving board. Make use of the timer function on your camera to give a few seconds to compose the shot first.

Another popular technique is to attach the camera to your paddle, and use this as a makeshift telescopic selfie stick. Obviously, this may not be possible depending on what you have to hand to make the attachment. It also poses a risk to the camera. However, you can have fun capturing a variety of interesting angles this way.

If you’re taking a photograph of another person, be aware of your own licence for creative freedom. Your subject doesn’t just have to grin and wave: be confident and give them directions if needed. Equally, the solitude of being out on the open water can lend itself to some great candid and direction-less moments, e.g. when someone is simply paddling, looking at the landscape, or becoming lost in their own thoughts.

SUP surfer paddling between waves at sea

Satisfaction with action

Not all paddleboarding will be leisurely, and scenery may not always stay still. If you need to capture rapid movement, try experimenting with fast shutter speeds. If your camera comes equipped with a ‘burst mode’ this can also be a great way to capture a rapid succession of photos of a moving object. You can then select the ‘best’ image from the pack, or even digitally stitch them together to create an animated GIF — again, great for sharing online.

While strictly ‘video’ as opposed to still photography, you can also capture some wonderfully dramatic images by using the digital slow-motion feature of your camera or smartphone. Again, this can lead to finding a singular ‘perfect’ frame that brings out the dynamism of a moment, even when the image is static.

Keep chasing that perfect shot

When it comes to SUP photography there’s a lot you can try, but it comes with the caveat that there isn’t necessarily a perfect way of doing things — the key is to keep trying: practise and experiment. You’ll have some happy accidents and outright failures (we know from experience!) The more you do it, the more satisfied you will be with the results. And when you do feel you’re on the right track, don’t be afraid to share your results!

Looking for tips and insights on making the most of your time with your iSUP? Check out our other blog posts to grab some more practical (and adventurous) ideas.