Kayak Photography: Capturing Stunning Shots from the Water

Imagine paddling through crystal-clear waters as the sun rises, golden light reflecting off the surface. You grab your camera, frame the shot, and snap—an image that perfectly captures the serenity and adventure of kayaking. But achieving that perfect kayak shot takes more than just luck!

Whether you’re photographing wildlife, landscapes, or action shots of fellow paddlers, mastering kayak photography requires the right gear, settings, and techniques. This guide will help you capture stunning shots from your kayak—without risking your camera to the depths!

Essential Gear for Kayak Photography

Photography on the water presents unique challenges. Protecting your gear while ensuring high-quality images requires the right setup.

1. Waterproof Camera or Housing

• A waterproof action camera (like a GoPro) is ideal for capturing dynamic angles and videos.

• For higher-quality shots, a mirrorless or DSLR camera inside a waterproof housing is essential.

• Tip: If using a DSLR, look for an underwater housing with dome ports to prevent water distortion.

2. Dry Bags & Floating Straps

• A waterproof dry bag protects your camera from splashes.

• Use a floating wrist strap in case your camera accidentally goes overboard.

3. Stabilisation Equipment

• A kayak mount or suction cup mount provides stability for action shots.

• A mini tripod or gorillapod helps with steady shots on deck.

4. Polarising Filter

• A polarising filter reduces glare from the water and enhances colour contrast, making sky and water shots pop.

5. Extra Batteries & Memory Cards

• Cold temperatures and long trips drain batteries fast. Always carry extras.

• High-speed memory cards (UHS-II) ensure smooth capture of high-resolution images.

Best Camera Settings for Kayak Photography

Choosing the right camera settings ensures sharp, well-lit, and perfectly exposed images.

1. Use a Fast Shutter Speed

• Action shots: 1/1000s or faster (to freeze movement)

• Scenic shots: 1/250s - 1/500s (to maintain detail)

2. Aperture (f/stop) Adjustments

• Landscapes: Use f/8 - f/16 for deep depth of field.

• Portraits or wildlife: Use f/2.8 - f/5.6 to create a blurred background.

3. ISO Settings

• Bright daylight: Keep ISO low (ISO 100-200) to reduce noise.

• Low-light sunrise/sunset: Use ISO 400-800 but avoid going too high to prevent graininess.

4. Shooting in RAW

• RAW files retain more detail and allow better editing flexibility compared to JPEGs.

Composition Tips for Capturing Stunning Kayak Photos

Great kayak photography isn’t just about camera settings—it’s about how you frame the shot.

1. Utilise the Rule of Thirds

• Place subjects (horizon, paddler, or wildlife) at the intersections of the frame rather than in the centre.

2. Capture Reflections & Leading Lines

• Use the water’s reflection to add symmetry.

• Leading lines (shorelines, paddle, or kayak bow) guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

3. Get Low & Close to the Water

• Lower angles make the scene more immersive and dramatic.

• A GoPro mounted on the kayak can capture dynamic close-up angles.

4. Experiment with Wide-Angle & Telephoto Lenses

• Wide-angle lenses capture more of the environment.

• Telephoto lenses (70-300mm) are great for photographing wildlife from a distance.

Best Kayaks for Photography – Hands-Free Pedal Kayaks

For the ultimate kayak photography experience, a pedal-powered kayak is the way to go. With your hands free to handle your camera, you can capture steady, well-framed shots without juggling a paddle.

Recommended Pedal Kayak Models:

• Pedal Pro Fish 2.5m – Compact and lightweight, perfect for older paddlers or those who need a highly manoeuvrable kayak.

• Pedal Pro Fish 3.4m – A great all-rounder with a stable platform for photography and enough storage for gear.

• Pedal Pro Fish 3.6m – Designed for open waters, offering extra stability and room for accessories like a tripod. It also has enough buoyancy to stand up for photography if desired.

• Pedal Pro Fish 3.9m – The best choice for long photography trips, with superior tracking and storage capacity. For larger paddlers (over 90kg), this model provides the most stability and is ideal for standing shots.

• Pedal Pro Fish Modular 2.9m & 4.2m – The modular design allows you to switch between solo and tandem configurations, making it ideal for birdwatching or photography with a partner.

Best Kayaking Locations for Wildlife Photography by State

New South Wales

1. Jervis Bay – With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including dolphins and stingrays, Jervis Bay is a paradise for wildlife photographers looking to capture marine creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Myall Lakes National Park – A haven for birdwatchers, this vast lake system offers the perfect opportunity to photograph waterbirds such as black swans, pelicans, and sea eagles gliding overhead.

3. Sydney Harbour – While known for its urban setting, the harbour provides striking contrasts between cityscapes and nature, allowing photographers to capture both serene sunrise reflections and the occasional pod of dolphins.

4. Kangaroo Valley – This stunning inland waterway is perfect for capturing misty morning landscapes, towering rock formations, and the occasional wombat or wallaby along the shoreline.

5. Batemans Bay – Offering a mix of coastal and estuary environments, this location is a fantastic spot for photographing pelicans, sea eagles, and even seals lounging on nearby rocks.

Queensland

1. Noosa Everglades – Known as the ‘River of Mirrors,’ the still, reflective waters make for breathtaking landscape photography, while the surrounding wetlands provide ample opportunities to capture rare bird species.

2. Hinchinbrook Island – This untouched paradise boasts mangroves, towering mountains, and seagrass meadows where dugongs and turtles roam, making it a dream location for marine photographers.

3. Daintree River – Home to saltwater crocodiles, vibrant rainforest foliage, and exotic birdlife, the Daintree River offers a mix of thrilling wildlife encounters and serene, dense jungle backdrops.

4. Moreton Bay – With its diverse marine life, including dugongs, dolphins, and migratory shorebirds, Moreton Bay offers endless possibilities for nature photography from your kayak.

5. Lake Barrine – A tranquil crater lake in the Atherton Tablelands, surrounded by lush rainforest, this spot is ideal for capturing reflections and spotting platypuses at dawn.

Victoria

1. Gippsland Lakes – This vast lake system is teeming with birdlife, and its calm waters make for excellent reflection shots during sunrise and sunset.

2. Yarra River – Paddle through Melbourne’s iconic river to capture unique city-meets-nature compositions, especially during golden hour.

3. Phillip Island – Home to the famous penguin parade, Phillip Island is a fantastic place to photograph little penguins and other coastal wildlife in action.

4. Murray River – As Australia’s longest river, the Murray offers incredible houseboat reflections, abundant birdlife, and rich red cliffs as dramatic backdrops.

5. Wilsons Promontory – A mix of coastal kayaking and peaceful inlets, this location is perfect for photographing seals, dolphins, and dramatic granite landscapes.

Western Australia

1. Shark Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shark Bay is home to dugongs, turtles, and dolphins, with its shallow turquoise waters providing perfect conditions for marine photography.

2. Swan River – This picturesque river flows through Perth, offering photographers the chance to capture stunning reflections of the city skyline alongside natural landscapes.

3. Lake Argyle – A massive freshwater lake surrounded by rugged red cliffs, this location is perfect for photographing dramatic scenery and abundant birdlife.

4. Ningaloo Reef – Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, this is one of the best places in Australia to photograph marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks.

5. Blackwood River – Winding through dense forest, this peaceful river provides stunning contrasts between dark waters and bright greenery, ideal for reflective compositions.

South Australia

1. Coorong National Park – A paradise for birdwatchers, the Coorong’s wetlands are home to pelicans, swans, and migratory species that make for incredible photography subjects.

2. Port Lincoln – A fantastic location for capturing seals and sea lions up close, with its pristine waters and rocky outcrops.

3. River Murray – The winding river offers spectacular limestone cliffs, serene reflections, and birdwatching opportunities year-round.

4. Lake Alexandrina – A vast freshwater lake with expansive horizons, making it an excellent place for wide-angle landscape shots and wildlife encounters.

5. Kangaroo Island – This diverse island is home to dolphins, echidnas, and koalas, providing countless wildlife photography opportunities.

Tasmania

1. Gordon River – Famous for its stunning reflections and misty rainforest scenery, this is one of the best places in Tasmania for moody, atmospheric shots.

2. Freycinet National Park – With its vibrant blue waters, white sand beaches, and towering granite peaks, Freycinet offers a dramatic setting for coastal photography.

3. Tamar River – Winding through vineyards and rolling countryside, this river is an excellent location for serene waterscapes and abundant birdlife.

4. Bruny Island – A hotspot for photographing penguins, seals, and dolphins in their natural habitats.

5. Lake St Clair – Surrounded by alpine wilderness, this glacial lake provides breathtaking reflections and is a great place to capture Tasmania’s remote beauty.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Paddle a Photography Adventure!

Kayak photography is about capturing the experience—from sunrise reflections to wildlife encounters and serene water landscapes. With the right gear, settings, and creative techniques, you can turn every paddling trip into a photography adventure.

Next time you hit the water, bring your camera and experiment with new angles, compositions, and settings. You never know—you might just capture your best shot yet!

The famous Canberra Balloon Spectacular at Lake Burley Griffin, ACT