Filming on Water

Safety.

It is the first word here as it should be first before putting any camera or crew in a boat. Depending on your project – movie, commercial, motion or stills – the list of things required is similar yet different if you want to pull off a great safe production while floating on water.

Here are a few tips about filming and photography on and around WATER:

Walk through a safety check list with the boat owner(s) / operator(s) from ample life-jackets to current paperwork. Licensing to State and local registration.
Know local waters. From water depths to tide tables to rocks in lakes and trees in rivers.
If shooting on a beach, keep an eye on erosion. I scouted a beach that was a viable option. Three days before the shoot, it disappeared with a high tide.
The smaller the boat the tighter your personal space will be. You might be standing in one place for hours.
Choose extra wide shooting platforms as your camera boat, like a pontoon or even a barge. In markets where they shoot a lot on water, there are camera boats with great rigs.
Even if you’re shooting one boat, you’ll need at least one additional. Think about boat to boat photography and a place for the client, crew, extra gear, and / or back-to-shore runs. It could be kayaks for everybody or a houseboat.
If your boats are big, confirm bridge clearances and canal access – before you rent them.
The best case scenario is to have a marine savvy crew. Crew near water own boats. Grips carry wet suits and aren’t afraid to jump in – literally.
Have things to keep you and the gear DRY like plastic bags, tarps, rain gear, and boxes THAT FLOAT.
Boats should have protection from sun and weather, especially if you’re on water all day.
Have fun. And be SAFE – I can’t say it enough.