ROUGH NOTES: ARCTIC WATER PHOTOGRAPHY WITH CHRIS BURKARD
Cold water surf takes an entirely different mindset. Water photography is an intense activity on its own and once you combine Arctic temperatures your adrenaline goes through the roof. It’s not the most welcoming environment but if you’re willing to freeze a bit here’s some tips to help you last a little longer.
1. Creativity over cost. Water photography doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Many people are deterred by thousand dollar setups. For starters, anyone with an iPhone can easily get a case like Watershot to make your phone waterproof. I use soft plastic Outex cases as well as a Nikon AW1 that’s fully waterproof. Don’t let expense be an inhibitor when creativity is what will really get you far.
2. Prepare. Shooting in the Arctic is all about being prepared for the conditions that might arise. I research the areas I’m traveling to and see what I might be able to expect in terms of weather, locations, and waves. Preparation also comes in terms of being in good shape to withstand long cold sessions. You would hate to miss a shot because you don’t have the stamina to stay out in the water.
3. Wake up or stay up. Unless you’re surfing crystal blue water it’s rare to get a dynamically lit image in the middle of the day. Go that extra mile to be in the water for sunrise or stay out for sunset. I would rather shoot a crappy wave with a beautiful sunrise than a nice wave in boring light.
4. Vaseline and bigger fins. Rub vaseline on your face to help with the burn of the cold water. It’s also important to get bigger fins so that you can wear booties underneath them. I use DaFins and like how they allow me to manoeuvre in the water.
5. Positioning is key. Let the action come to you rather than chase it. It’s easy to chase surfers but in reality you want to be focusing on your camera. Keep in mind that the right position probably isn’t the comfortable one. You might find yourself in the impact zone. I’ve taken my water housing to my face plenty of times.
6. Take care of your trigger finger. Your hands tend to be the first to freeze and you desperately need them to nail the shot. Buy some gloves with dexterity so you can comfortably operate your housing.
7. Attitude it key. Although being cold is a feeling it’s also a mindset. Not complaining and making the most of the situation will get you far. A good attitude can be contagious amongst your crew and is ultimately what it’s all about, enjoying what you’re doing.
1. Creativity over cost. Water photography doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Many people are deterred by thousand dollar setups. For starters, anyone with an iPhone can easily get a case like Watershot to make your phone waterproof. I use soft plastic Outex cases as well as a Nikon AW1 that’s fully waterproof. Don’t let expense be an inhibitor when creativity is what will really get you far.
2. Prepare. Shooting in the Arctic is all about being prepared for the conditions that might arise. I research the areas I’m traveling to and see what I might be able to expect in terms of weather, locations, and waves. Preparation also comes in terms of being in good shape to withstand long cold sessions. You would hate to miss a shot because you don’t have the stamina to stay out in the water.
4. Vaseline and bigger fins. Rub vaseline on your face to help with the burn of the cold water. It’s also important to get bigger fins so that you can wear booties underneath them. I use DaFins and like how they allow me to manoeuvre in the water.
5. Positioning is key. Let the action come to you rather than chase it. It’s easy to chase surfers but in reality you want to be focusing on your camera. Keep in mind that the right position probably isn’t the comfortable one. You might find yourself in the impact zone. I’ve taken my water housing to my face plenty of times.
6. Take care of your trigger finger. Your hands tend to be the first to freeze and you desperately need them to nail the shot. Buy some gloves with dexterity so you can comfortably operate your housing.
7. Attitude it key. Although being cold is a feeling it’s also a mindset. Not complaining and making the most of the situation will get you far. A good attitude can be contagious amongst your crew and is ultimately what it’s all about, enjoying what you’re doing.
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