HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS OF BOATS, FROM BOATS, AND ON BOATS

One of the basic rules of good photography is to use a tripod whenever possible to assure a razor-sharp image.

But according to Chuck DeLaney, Dean of the world's largest photography school, New York Institute of Photography (NYI), there's one situation where a tripod is NOT advisable. It's when you're shooting from the deck of a boat. Here's why.

Photo Credit: David Harding© - NYI Student

On board a sailboat or motor yacht, you experience a passing parade of images that you would love to capture with your camera. Sunsets. Shorelines. Beach scenes. Other boats. Hardly a moment passes without a new beckoning scene.

But boats roll. And tripods on their decks roll with them. So if you mounted your camera on a tripod, you would end up with blurred images at best. What to do?

According to DeLaney, on a boat a tripod will do a worse job of stabilizing the image than simple hand holding. Here's what NYI advises its students: Stand with your legs comfortably apart, and your knees slightly bent. In this position, your knees can act as shock absorbers, and your handheld picture will be fairly steady.

To cut movement to a minimum, use fast film - ISO 400 or faster - and shoot with the fastest shutter speed you can.

For further tips about how to take great pictures from boats, of boats, and on them, see the complete article on the website from the New York Institute of Photography (NYI).

"Reprinted with permission from the New York Institute of Photography website at http://www.nyip.com

---

Please send contributions to By-The-Sea
(we will scan accompanying photos sent by regular mail)