#FrameItFriday (week 35, season 2)
#FrameItFriday (week 35, season 2)
Before I get into this weeks urgent topic I'd like to celebrate this remarkable woman I had the privilege of photographing this past week. (posted with the family's permission)
"Baba" is the matriarch of the family whom I had a photo session with.The family gathered to celebrate Baba's sons 70th birthday. Baba is 101 years old and looks so pretty in her beautiful white sari. Don't you think?
I would be so lucky if I made it to that age.....which brings me to the topic of this week's blog.......water safety and photography. You see, quite a few of you commented on the photo my husband took of me in my kayak with my camera perched precariously over the edge of it. I would LOVE to live to a ripe old age and terrorize you all forever so not to worry I am prepared when I go out on the kayak. Here's the scoop, what you didn't see in this shot: 1) I'm posed 15ft max out from the shore and in possibly 10" of water b)My camera has a tripod mount ring on the lens that I've jammed beneath the lip of the kayak just for this shot and the camera strap is dangling in the seat area and I am sitting on it. Yes, it could still slip out of my hands. iii) the kit of safety gear that is required by law to be onboard is at my feet inside the kayak FOUR) my PFD is also at my feet (I look like the Hulk in it, so I didn't wear it in the shot) I also don't wear it when I'm shooting and paddling...it gets in the way.... 5) I have a 30L dry bag for my gear that also rests on the bottom of the kayak and is used when we get caught in a storm and or the waters get rough. What I'm trying to tell you all is that I do paddle safe, don't break the laws just to get shots and would never, ever drink alcohol and paddle (heck I don't even drink and shoot on dry land, that's a no-no). Only Paul paddles up to random stranger's docks and has a lake bevy. I am cautious, hate waves, got my bronze medallion for swimming years ago.
I did flip my kayak a few years back after a foolish idea for a shot came to my mind below the low level bridge over the Grand River in Paris. I got flipped, the kayak got caught, I was upside down in the water, stuck in the kayak, freaked everyone out (myself included). The dry bag with $15k of camera gear got wedged due to the sheer power of the current into the front of my kayak. I made it out and on to shore safe and sound thanks to my husband and a random bystander. That was a stupid move that almost cost me my life and I will not try that ever again.
So on that note, I will say this: have a safe and enjoyable long weekend. I'll be packing my gear, the husband and the cat up for another week of northern explorations. Stay tuned, stay in touch (like my Facebook page, follow me on Instagram, subscribe to my website) and feel free to share or comment below.
Peace, Love and Kumbaya and HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL KIDS! Heather
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