Photographing Dogs on Surfboards

[tecboy]

So this weekend, I will photograph dog surfers. I'm planning to use monolight. Would I be concern about my gear getting damaged from sand and water? Will a little splash on the front element of a lens is okay or put on a protective filter is better?

 

[smoke665]

Nah just make sure you dip your rag in a little beach sand first, because seawater is a little difficult to get off.

 

[Derrel]

Keep ALL saltwater AWAY from lenses and cameras and flash units...sea water is exceptionally BAD for electronics, as well as for many mechanical devices. Be prepared when you go.

 

[tirediron]

I would invest in a waterproof housing.

 

[tecboy]

The waterproof housing is crazy expensive. I recently bought a telephone lens. I probably stand a far away from the shore. Can wait to try it out.

 

[snowbear]

The waterproof housing is crazy expensive. I recently bought a telephone lens. I probably stand a far away from the shore. Can wait to try it out.

Is the waterproof housing more expensive that a replacement camera and lens?

 

[zombiesniper]

I just shot some surfers (daylight though). I didn't have any protective pieces and was up to my knees in the water. Where I was this was my acceptable risk level and I was 90% sure nothing was going to get wet and even if I fell the water was shallow enough I could keep the camera and lens out of the water.

Use common sense. Don't put yourself in a situation where you're likely to get your gear wet. Nothing is fool proof but try to keep the chances down.
If you think there is a decent chance of getting the front element of the lens wet (spray etc.) then yes use a filter.

Good luck and hope to see some cool shots.

 

[waday]

I WANT TO SEE DOGS ON SURFBOARDS!

 

[tecboy]

The waterproof housing is crazy expensive. I recently bought a telephone lens. I probably stand a far away from the shore. Can wait to try it out.

Is the waterproof housing more expensive that a replacement camera and lens?

Hmmmm.... there is no housing for telephoto lens.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I'd go with a long enough telephoto lens to not have to get so close to the water.

But I'm wondering more about dogs surfing, how do dogs balance on a surfboard??

 

[waday]

But I'm wondering more about dogs surfing, how do dogs balance on a surfboard??

I imagine the same way as how they balance on a skateboard.

 

[Gary A.]

I've been shooting at the beach for decades with no waterproof housing. Just don't drop the equipment onto the sand or into the water and you should be fine. That a dry towel for the odd splash. Shooting from a pier is high and dry. Be careful not to change lenses when the wind is strong enough to whip up the sand and spray the water.

 

[tecboy]

Dogs are very talented surfers! Just kidding. Dogs have very low center of gravity. They are easy to balance on the surfboards.


How to teach your dog to surf

 

[mrca]

First, I don't expect the dogs go too far out. Then back up from the water with a long lens, crop image if necessary. I have a 400 mm with a 1.7 tc and it is 680mm. With 46 megapixels I can crop the hell out of it. No need to go in the water. You may have difficulty communicating but it beats communicating with your camera manufacturer repair group.

 

[waday]

@tecboy, how did it go?