Kayaking Wigeon Creek

Using pointing as a way to draw your eye into a photo.

Photography is about capturing a moment in time - freezing the present for the future.  A photograph should say something, whether describing something or telling a story about an event.  A single image has the capacity to transport the viewer to the eyes behind the camera. 

Any photograph will do this, of course.  The challenge becomes not just in capturing the image but doing it in such a way as to make it appealing.  The above picture is a case in point.  Wigeon Creek is a favourite destination of many because of the peaceful waters and stunning scenery.  It also offers paddlers opportunities to camp, hike, and photograph many wonderful natural vistas.  The fact that beauty abounds makes it easy to take appealing shots, but it is always nice to do the best you can.

I like the above photo for a couple of reasons.  The kayak in the foreground with the undulating hills behind tells the story.  But, like any good story, it is the way that it is told that makes the difference.  There are the standard things going on which improves a photograph like using the rule of thirds.  The green shoreline cuts across the image at the top third and the bright red pad on deck across the bottom third.  What really sets the image apart though is the use of lines and pointing.

Lines are always present; the trick with them is to use them to your advantage.  They can set something apart, point at something, or be used in framing.  The tapered bow of the kayak acts as a natural arrow, drawing your eye into the image.  The two flanking pumps and the previously mentioned pad, with its long blue webbing, all point towards an important part of the image; the wile reflection of the twin knolls in the distance. 

It is important at this point to mention that this was set up this way on purpose.  I used a 24 mm lens on a full frame camera to get the wide field of view.  An aperture of f/13 was used to promote depth of field, and the focus point was just beyond the tip of the kayak to take advantage of hyper-focal focusing.  I made sure I was there ahead of the others in my party so no waves would be present; the early morning time meant there would be little wind, thus producing the glass-like surface of the water.  Then there was the waiting.

Even though the surface was smooth, the water undulated enough to produce strange reflections like what you may experience in a funhouse with curved mirrors.  I waited until the ethereal moment when the knolls' water apparition was just right.  The point of the kayak goes directly to that place, and the lines further draw your eye to it.  If you notice, the kayak was barely moving (see beside the kayak; the ripples of the boat are hardly present).  I had only a few seconds to get the shot.  Had I missed the moment my comrades would have caught up and the opportunity squandered.

I am always thankful for the opportunity to do two of my favourite things; kayak and photograph.  It was a great way to spend the day.