Shooting in the Wet
Brace yourself in the front of the raft for an action shot backward at your fellow rafters. Don’t try this in white water unless you have a waterproof camera or protective housing. To get this shot, photographer Michael Melford used a 16mm fish-eye lens and a fast shutter speed to freeze the flying droplets.
By using a fill flash to brighten the shade under broad-brimmed hats, you can record the expressions on your companions’ faces. A slow shutter speed enhances the sense of motion. Or sit in the back of the raft to capture both raft and river with a wide-angle lens. This perspective makes the action seem more immediate and gives the viewer a sense of participation.
À la Forrest Gump, photography can be like a box of chocolates. When you experiment and try different techniques, you never know what you’re going to get. For this shot Michael Melford leaned over the side of the raft, held the camera (in a waterproof housing) half in the water, and aimed toward the other raft before tripping the shutter. A 16mm fish-eye lens and auto focus ensured a sharp image. Be sure not to get yourself in the image! Many of Melford’s images were made using this type of experimentation.

 
 
Photo Tips

 
 
 
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