Category Archives: How to

Kayak photography video

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Galen Leeds Photography

I spend a lot of time kayaking, exploring, and photographing the natural world. Motorless boats, cameras, and nature all go so well together- gliding silently along, with only the murmur of the paddle to interrupt the songs of the myriad … Continue reading →

Posted in How to, kayak photography, nature photography, video, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , | 32 Comments

Camera settings for kayak photography

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Galen Leeds Photography

Have you ever thought to yourself “What settings should I use on my camera while I am kayaking?” This is especially important to consider with wildlife kayak photography outings, but wonder no longer, help is on the way, in the … Continue reading →

Posted in bobcats, How To, How to, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The secret to seeing (and photographing) seals when kayaking

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

New The biggest secret to seeing seals close up while kayaking shouldn’t be a secret at all… It’s simply to remember to look behind yourself. It is illegal to approach a seal too closely (federal marine mammal act), but it … Continue reading →

Posted in How to, kayak photography, marine life, nature photography, Photo Essay, seals, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Languid Sea Lion

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

New On an afternoon like this, in a year not so far ago, I was kayaking the waters of Tomales Bay, when I came across this Stellar Sea Lion, floating in a dream. I stopped paddling, and began to drift … Continue reading →

Posted in California, How to, kayak photography, marine life, nature photography, photography, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Anatomy of a photo #65: Hermit Thrush portrait

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Often times when I head out on kayak photography excursions I will put the kayak in the water while it is still dark, or just getting light. This way I can capture not just the changing light of the day … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, birds, How to, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a photo #52: Marsh hawk hunting the wetlands

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This picture is a bit older, it’s from the early days of the Giacomini Wetlands, when they had only just recently breached the levies for the last time, returning the pastureland back to the tidal flats that it had once … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, birds, How to, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Anatomy of a photo #35: Elephant Seal and Scientists

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Wide angle lenses exaggerate the distance between between two objects, while long lenses and telephoto lenses can actually compress the appearance of the physical distances between objects. Notice the size of the elephant seals head, relative to the size of … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, documentary, elephant seals, How To, How to, marine life, photography, portraits, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #28: Great Blue Heron, boats and mist Part II

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

When photographing wildlife, the situation is constantly changing. The “wild” in wildlife is not there by accident. These animals and birds are not trained, they act and react according to their own needs and instincts. There is no studio, no … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, birds, California, documentary, How To, How To, How to, landscapes, Location, road side, SLR, underwater, video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Anatomy of a Photo #26: The Sea Lion Snarls

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This is another image, showing the rewards of kayak photography. I must say though, this was one of the few times I have been nervous while kayaking near wildlife. It wasn’t the teeth so much, as the proximity of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How to, kayak photography, marine life, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Camera settings while kayaking

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Have you ever thought to yourself “What settings should I use on my camera while I am kayaking?” This is especially important to consider with wildlife kayak photography outings, but wonder no longer, help is on the way, in the … Continue reading →

Posted in How to, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Does the kayak choose the camera, or the camera the kayak?

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

It’s an interesting conundrum- should the kayak choose the camera, or the camera the kayak? Some kayaks will be suitable for almost any camera, provided the right conditions, while some cameras will work great in any kayak, but again, provided … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, How to, kayak photography, mammals, marine life, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Kayaking with your digital SLR: How to protect it

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

For general tips on kayak photography, regardless of your camera, visit Simple Tips for Kayaking with your Camera For tips on how to protect your digital SLR, keep reading. There are some of you out there that won’t be satisfied … Continue reading →

Posted in How to, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, safety, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments