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I just bought my 1st professional camera. The reason why? After canoeing and kayaking for over 25 years, I realized I was in the right place at the right time to take some wonderful photographs. You have been an inspiration to me, ty Mark.

@tomhughes5123

3 жыл бұрын

yep been there its become a lifestyle 😁😁

I am most excited when a new Mark Smith Video notification shows up!

I really enjoyed your video (and all the others). I have used the Native Ultimate 14.5 to get to mangrove island in Sarasota and Hillsboro bays and photograph birds. It is important to avoid disturbing them as they are usually nesting. I have modified a motor mount to hold a stakeout stick to help keep me in place and avoid drifting in while photographing.

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

Great idea!

As a pathetic kayaker with about 3 hrs experience, I did a 3 day river trip with my 7D and 400mm F5.6 L years ago. I can vouch for the waterproof bag I put the camera in. Don’t know if I would ever trust myself with a big lens rig though! Brave man!

I use a 12 ft native, foot peddle fishing kayak for 5 years now on the Columbia river and surrounding lakes, PNW. No need for hand paddles, hands free for quicker shots. I do carry them for emergencies.

Great to see you getting out in a kayak, I have found I can get some of the best eye level perspective shots in the kayak and birds often don't spook as you coast up to them. We have had the same fun with the gators while kayaking in Okefenokee, morning shots of them from water level can be pretty amazing.

The most important gear for any personal watercraft is a U.S. Coast Guard approved and properly fitted personal flotation device that is put on before you enter the kayak. Two years ago while photographing birds on a local lake/reservoir, I was involved in the search and rescue of a kayaker who fell out of his kayak and drowned. The most tragic aspect of this event is that his personal flotation device had been placed under mesh at the front of his kayak: he was not wearing his PFD! He would have been alive today if he had simply taken a few moments to put on his PFD before entering the kayak. Another very important safety tip is to pay attention to the weather and changing wind patterns.

Yes Master Mark! Thanks for showing us that this can be done! Looking forward to more.

Great to see you out in the Wilds Mark ..Facinating Video

I just came back from a two day trip, I tested my new Ultimate FX12 for the first time. I love it!

Thanks for this video Mark. My wife and I have been talking about getting Kayaks and this video gave me some ideas. There are Osprey at a lake near where I live here and I think a Kayak would be a great way to get shots of them from a different perspective. 🙂

I have been doing bird photography from a kayak for years. I second everything Mark said. One thing I would add, however, is that there is always a certain amount of spray from the paddles. To protect the camera, I drape a towel over it while the boat is in motion. Also, I carry an extra insurance rider for all my camera gear. That way, should the worst happen and the boat goes over (never has) I know I can save myself, and not worry about the camera gear.

Great video! - A kayak is worth several hundred mm's of lens in my opinion. I'm using a Native Slayer 14.5 for Ohio River in Indiana and love it. One tip - Pelican's im2306 watertight case will fit Nikon DSLR w/grip and 200-500, Sony A7 , 100-400. 200-600. Some need hood reversed but it fits great and I use the case as a console in the kayak.

I have been wondering in the last few days about your on the water setup! Perfect timing!

Nice, we currently have and use sea Kayaks as we had them before photography, they're a challenge trying to stuff the camera in and out of the opening. The open top kayak/canoe looks much nicer to photograph from, possibly more stage too!

The most important feature is the built-in cup holder.

Awesome as always Mark, a new way of shooting eye level shots, yeh!! TFS

Always look forward to your videos Mark. Love to kayak and take photos. I thought you would be in Colorado this time of year 😊. Looking forward to the next video.

Hi Mark, Even before I came across this video I had decided that the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12 was the optimal hybrid kayak for wildlife photography. Thanks for reinforcing my decision Jesse

I just purchased an inflatable kayak for this very reason! Great video as usual 😎

Interesting video Mark. That looks like a great way to get around & be able to photograph birds............... Be well & stay safe.......... 📷📷👍👍

Another great video Mark! I loved kayaking and taking photos back home (MD) but too afraid now that I am in FL.. the gators scare me.

Nice adventure, greetings from Italy

Great vid! loved it, keep it up!

Finally man ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,just waiting for you video ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,love it, dont stop making them ..

So yeah, I would never try this in croc/gator infested waters, but more power to you man. Thanks for the video and stay safe out there!

Thanks, Mark but I'm amazed at how high the water level is? Of course, I'm used to the Myakka River.

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

We have had daily rains for weeks. Water is very high!

I’m looking to get an Old Town Top Water 120 fishing kayak. I figure if you can stand on one of those, they are pretty stable.

Hi Mark, I hope you're keeping well during this nasty covid-19 situation. Kayaking is excellent because there's no need to worry about social distancing and you've got the place to yourself! Your video reminds me of the days l lived along a river, not unlike the one you paddled today. (Ontario, Can.) However my kayak was considerably smaller than yours. None the less, I too am very comfortable in kayaks and canoes, so no worries there. I decided I had to get my camera and get some shots of the wildlife because I just knew I'd get great shots from the angle from a kayak. But people were telling me not to take my D500. "Too dangerous. I'll ruin my camera"... etc etc. But I just had to follow my gut. I had the best time, and got the best shots. As I floated along so quietly, I was able to get up nice and close and not disturb them. I even managed to watch a couple of snapping turtles slugging it out in the water! What a battle! Yikes! I look forward to your next adventure! Coral

Great stuff Mark👍

nice video. I have an Old Town that is very similar to yours. I use it quite a bit.

This is the 1st thing i thought ..this guy is courageous...alligators !!!! You are a brave man!

@Kevin-sg5xc

4 жыл бұрын

I would be wayyyy more concerned about $15,000 worth of equipment going for a swim lol

@Noriuslephotographe

4 жыл бұрын

Kevin Laurendi a camera yoou can Buy a life not !?

@Kevin-sg5xc

4 жыл бұрын

@@Noriuslephotographe I know i was just being funny. Most of us will never own a $13,000 lens and to see him take it in an unstable kayak gave me a laugh

SORRY 4 CAPS, I JUST BOUGHT A KAYAK FOR ME TO DO A LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY, I'M NEW TO PHOTOGRAPHY AND KAYAKING LOL . I REALLY WISH I SAW YOUR VIDEO BEFORE I BOUGHT MY KAYAK. I LIKE THE WAY YOUR KAYAK IS SET UP. ANYWAY GOOD LUCK AND SAFE SAILING, I LIVE NEAR BLUE SPRING PARK IN ORANGE CITY, MAYBE WE WILL RUN INTO ONE ANOTHER. TAKE CARE.

@MarkSmithphotography

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

MARK-- A very different video from you! But really enjoyed it! Randy B. Thanks MARK!

Pretty sure I saw you and another kayaker out at the stick marsh one day I was bike riding with my camera. Kayak give you a nice low angle for photos.

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

That was most likely me! Great place for a kayak!

This looks like an ideal situation for the newer, smaller/lighter Fresnel Nikkors.

Awesome video

more question on kayak. Most fisherman uses sit-on design rather than sit-in my guess since sit-on is more stable. Does sit-on unit potentially splashes water to the camera?

Hey Mark. I am an armature enthusiast candid lifestyle photographer (with tiny fuji XT-20) wanting to get into bird photography for first time. I recently came across your channel and absolutely love it. I find the big gear associated with birding intimidating. I have been researching beginner birding gear with priority on compactness. Interested in your thoughts of the Sony a6400 or a6600 with the 70-350 for someone like myself just trying to get into birding photography.

You need a pfd! At least have it in the boat. I have a row boat I use and don't bring g the tripod. I find it too cumbersome to use.

Have you ever had an Alligator attack you in the Kayak and how do you deal with it ?

Now I want a boat 🙂 I'd want to get my gear insured first, which I should probably do regardless. And a waterproof bag(?) Alligators would be a no-go for me though... monster soup! 😆 Thanks Mark!

Hi Mark, I am looking forward to your review on the Canon R6/R5 on wildlife tracking and autofocus.

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

360Reddot me too!

Thanks for the video. I can't believe nobody is commenting on the potential for the camera to end up in the water. The whole time I'm watching that's all I could think about.

@guermeisterdoodlebug7980

4 жыл бұрын

Bruce O'Donnell I do much of this in Florida, Okefenokee, and occasionally Abacos with Nikons and supertelephoto. Good kayaks (mine is a Hobie) are quite stable. I’ve never come close to flipping, even with moderate powerboat wakes being cast my way, but understand I could be surprised some day.

Brave man 🐊

I wondered what your thought were for the best focus mode shooting wildlife on the water eg Aligators? Do you prefer single point or tracking or some other? I have been out whale watching off Vancouver island a few times and always used single point or 9 point.

Any recommendations on a waterproof camera case?

I LOVE SHAGGY :)

Can you do a wild life photography review on the canon R5

Nice one I have a canoe I photograph from sometimes too.. that’s a natty little one I’ll see if I can get one in the UK ..... JP

@tomhughes5123

3 жыл бұрын

you can . but Marks is a hybrid hull part kayak but canoe style .. there are a few try stockport canoes bournmouth canoez

I'm waiting nikon announcement about the new z8/z9 or even the z7s, but would you guy pick up a d850 or a z7s / z8 for bird/portrait/street, dont shoot video at all. Currently own a d7500 and i've been thinking of waiting for black friday deal to buy a new toy.

I started watching your newer videos of Osprey catching fish (glad I'm not a fish), and now seeing this from a few years ago of you casually kayaking in alligator infested waters I know you're the real deal lol

Welcome wildlife photography Rajasthan

I've shoot from my tippy eddyline kayak and sometimes I'm worried that if I tipped over there goes my rig :)

@tomhughes5123

3 жыл бұрын

no its good get a floating dry bag ..100% safe

why not pedal kayak so your hands are free? May have limited space to put 600mm lens camera on front?

my paddle drips everywhere so i use a split paddle now and use it one sided ... no wet camera gear

Bought the same Kayak in February,Ducks are very curious,Dont get spooked for Pics

Sir please update video regularly plzzz

Any experiences with the alligators while in ur kayak?

Mark This is not related to your vlog, but do you have any photos of Red-throated Loons? Please let me know. Thankyou.

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

No

if you wanted to lean over the side a little and take photos low to the water would that kayak flip?

@MarkSmithphotography

Жыл бұрын

Nah

@knightryderbelow

Жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography 🤣 thanks Mark.

@MarkSmithphotography

Жыл бұрын

@@knightryderbelow seriously. It’s very stable. It has a double hull, almost like a catamaran.

👍👍

I'd feel very uncomfortable in a Kayak with the gators around, you also said it was mating season. I guess I've watched too many gator reality-shows like Swamp People.

I am also a avid Paddler and love shooting wildlife photography in my boat..way easier to get close shots.. nice boat by the way! Also if you wear a life jacket I find it helps steady my Camera on my chest..

I expected some cool photos :)

Cool video Mark, I hate to think what would happen if you came across an alligator , I know you are a proficient paddler but alligators are huge they could easily capsize you, just sayin. Take care buddy.

Hey Mark, is that your Covid hair cut?

@MarkSmithphotography

4 жыл бұрын

Yep

Isn't that a canoe and not a kayak?

I am a huge fan of your videos Mark and your bird photography is remarkable. That said watching this particular video on using a kayak as a platform for wildlife photography left me feeling a little uneasy. While I don't doubt that your comments on wildlife's reaction to kayaks is accurate in relation to Florida wildlife I have not found that to be the case here along the much less populated Maine Coast. Having founded one of the first sea kayaking tour companies on the East Coast in the late 1970s and having paddled thousands of miles while guiding trips and while using a sea kayak to study Coastal Maine's bald eagles, I've found wildlife here can often be very sensitive to the presence of kayaks. I wrote an article in the 1990s for Sea Kayaker Magazine entitled "Small Boat Impact" that focused upon the negative impact sea kayakers were having upon Maine's harbor seal population. I have also given talks on the subject to sea kayaking groups. Making a case for caution in using kayaks to approach wildlife can be a difficult task. I mean kayaks are quiet, unobtrusive, and pollution free! Better yet they are generally being paddled by folks who love wildlife and certainly mean no harm. What more could a seal, bald eagle, or great blue heron ask for, right? But as is sometimes the case the very things that "seem" to portend a harmonious relationship turn out to be what causes the problem. It helps to adopt a seal's eye, or bird's eye view when assessing the potential impact of approaching wildlife in a kayak. Kayaks are low to the water and thus hard to see. They move through the water quietly and with a minimum of fuss and therefore suggest a "stalking" mode. Depending upon the distance between the animal and the kayak at times the only thing really visible is the periodic flash of the paddle blades. All of these things spell "Predator!" to animals who survive by constantly monitoring their environment for just such activity signatures. Case in point while conducting field research for my article I on countless occasions would watch a lobsterboat roar past a seal ledge with nary a sign of alarm within the colony. Minutes later a kayak, a rowboat, or a rowing shell would pass by and every seal.on the ledge would go crashing into the water. None of this is to say that kayaks should not be used for wildlife photography or observation, but rather that they be used with caution. All things said we humans have populated much of the territory that once belonged solely to wildlife. We need to be respectful while traveling within those areas to which wildlife has fled from the encroachment of man.

It makes me feel nervous to see your gear so close and vulnerables to the water

Risky risky if the water is somehow coming closer to the camera...rip gear XD but what would be mans life without risks

Alligators?!?!?! Those scare me

That's not a Kayak, and it's closer to a boat than a canoe?

Those legs need some work. Who's shooting the video of you in the water, Torin?

✳️👍✳️👍✳️👍