[Mark Stoakes]

Thanks for highlighting this survey. Definitely worth responding too – although make sure you set aside the time to do it as it’s pretty comprehensive.  High on my list is a strategy about maintaining water access points.

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

The Province is updating its trails strategy and is currently looking for feedback.

There are no specific questions regarding marine trails, but there is an opportunity to fold in water use as a part of the questionnaire response. I think it is important that everyone who uses land and water trails to considers providing input.

Here is a link to the document and the survey: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/trailsstrategyreview/

The survey will be available until the end of February.

[Former Member]

I got a late start, but got on the water at Deep Cove today.

[Former Member]

Yes, that’s tomorrow. This is super short notice, but winds are forecast light tomorrow (5 kts or less) for Indian Arm. High Tide is 8:21 AM and 5:46 PM, so not favorable going out or back, but currents in Indian Arm aren’t strong anyhow.

If no one available to come along, my alternate is Whytecliff Park to Halkett Bay. Winds north side of Bowen are forecast light, but rise as you move towards the south side facing the open Strait.

[Former Member]

Show of hands folks, those of you who are shooting video with action cameras (GoPro, DJI, etc.)?

I’d be willing to explore video as suggested by Randy. However, video is tricky compared to stills photography. It’s mostly due to the fact that pre-production and post-production are much more fiddly and time-consuming — this is even taking into account all the new gadgets that put broadcast video quality tools into the hands of normal people.

I’ve seen Mike’s videos. Like many of my other video producing friends, he makes this complex process look very easy. There are tips and tricks that can be shared for sure. I think people need to understand up front that video versus stills is like rock-gardening versus a summer day trip on a lake.

All of that said, I have 2x GoPro Hero 3+ (one of which tumbled in the surf on the South Brooks for almost a year). I think creating compelling video is a deeply satisfying challenge and worth all the techy fiddling. Game on for anyone who wants to learn more.

[Former Member]

I think we need to try to match the amazing videos that Mike McHolm seems to be able to assemble effortlessly.

How about we schedule a trip focussed on kayak photography, capture footage from all manner of “platforms” (aka different cameras, positions, and technologies), edit a story from it, AND THEN hold a show-and-tell like you envision?  This way people can see which tools produced which footage and to what end.  Those on the trip can see the gear in action, and of course be the actors.

I can’t say it will be easy or successful on the first go, but we’ll have to give it a try.

[Former Member]

I think we need to try to match the amazing videos that Mike McHolm seems to be able to assemble effortlessly.

How about we schedule a trip focussed on kayak photography, capture footage from all manner of “platforms” (aka different cameras, positions, and technologies), edit a story from it, AND THEN hold a show-and-tell like you envision?  This way people can see which tools produced which footage and to what end.  Those on the trip can see the gear in action, and of course be the actors.

I can’t say it will be easy or successful on the first go, but we’ll have to give it a try.

[Former Member]

Follow-up – First paddle of the year! I paddled from Stewart Farm down to Blackie Spit and Crescent Beach. The wind cleared away the clouds and it turned into a beautiful, though bitter day. I was bundled up well in my dry suit, along with one those chemical powder heat packets tucked under my toque. My fingers and toes stayed toasty, as my body wasn’t having to work so hard keeping my head warm.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="573"] Blackie Spit / Crescent Beach[/caption]

[Former Member]

Well said Randy. People care about what they have experienced. Photos and video help do that for our remaining wild places.

Would really enjoy having you along for the ride. It would be fun to have a show and tell kind of workshop with a station each for Point & Shoot cameras, Mirrorless cameras and lenses, Action cameras, and one for Drones.

[Former Member]

I was sorry to miss Danielle’s presentation.  I believe capturing the beauty of kayaking in photo and/or video is the key to preserving our wilderness.

Photography is a means to share the witnessing of the wild.

In the age of digital and highly-produced YouTube videos, the old photo album is no longer an option.  Luckily, the tools to produce a simple slideshow or even complex video presentation are cheap or free, and for the most part are easy to learn.

Of course, none of that makes it easy to take the pictures in the first place, and moisture is still enemy number one.  Photography and water do not mix well, even with the latest GoPro kit.  The best photos are still taken from the beach (or a drone flying above the mess).  There is no getting away from the instability of a kayak with both hands on a camera and your body twisted whichever way toward the action.  Of course, it can be done, but don’t expect too much, especially when shooting video.

If I am on the Mainland when a photography trip goes out, count me in.  I even have a couple drones.

[Andrea Kovits]

I am very interested in a trip with a focus on photography as well as learning about post-processing photos.

thanks Allan for suggesting this and offering to co-lead.

Cheers,

Andrea

[Former Member]

Thank-you Kevin Hall for bringing in Danielle Turner for the January club meeting. I certainly enjoyed meeting her and listening to her presentation on core photography concepts.

I knew there were a lot of photography enthusiasts in the club. I just didn’t realize there were so many people who were keen to build their knowledge and skills. I’m curious now how many people would sign up for a day trip or overnight trip in April or May where the primary focus was on photography?

I am also curious how many people would sign up for a workshop on post-processing photos and options for posting them. Not everyone needs Photoshop or even Lightroom. There is a huge array of tools available for image manipulation on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. I would be happy to spend an afternoon sharing what I’ve found.

If there is anyone else in the club who would be willing to co-lead a workshop and talk about their process, that would be great too.

[Former Member]

Hey Debra! Glad to have you along. It’s going to be a great year.

No worries about tomorrow. There’s lots of month left.

[Debra Merchant]

I’m not available to paddle tomorrow but I like your goal of paddling every month and I’m going to join you in that resolution!

[Former Member]

One year ago I resolved to paddle in every month of that year. I came very close to keeping my resolution, getting a paddle in 11 of 12 months. Oddly the month I missed was July. Even so, I got a lot of joy out of pursing that goal. My photos and journal entries for 2019 will be putting smiles on my face for years to come.

For 2020, I have recommitted to that goal and I would like to ramp up the momentum by inviting as many of you along as possible to go for it with me.

The forecast for tomorrow is wet. Winds at the entrance of Howe Sound are 10-15 kts. However, winds for Indian Arm are going to be light. Is there anyone interested in paddling from Deep Cove out to Jug Island, Bedwell Bay, or beyond?

I am also open to suggestions. Jericho into False Creek and back is another popular winter paddle.

PS – there are some bragging rights accrued to those who can say they’ve been out before the 1st club meeting of the month 😀

[Author]

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