Marsha, I made a short 12 minute video of photography from a kayak which includes most of what I have learned on the subject, and many examples of the photos I have managed to take from a kayak. I am pretty sure you will find it helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYpQuDjYag&t=52s
Enjoy. If the link doesn't work search YouTube for Photoguy73 kayak.

I have taken my pretty good stuff out in kayaks for many years (Nikon D7200 and Nikon 80-400) with never even a close call. You will get fabulous opportunities for water birds of all kinds, and sometimes land animals as well. I do take the camera in a dry bag for loading, unloading, and general transport. I cover the camera with a small towel when it is not actually up to my face. When paddling it is inevitable that you will get some water dripping into your kayak from the paddle. That's where the towel comes in handy. I shoot in salt water and have never had a problem by keeping the camera in my lap and covered with the towel.

However, not all kayaks are created equal. Getting in and out is the most risky part. I keep my dry bag on the ground until I am safely in, and set it out on the ground , or dock, before getting out. The wider the kayak the more stable it is. I rented a narrow sea kayak in Alaska while on a cruise, and that one was extremely tippy. I did not feel secure in that one at all. But I did get amazing shots of seals and eagles.

All that fabulous camera gear won't help you a bit if you don't have it with you. Dry bag, towel, and a stable kayak, you are ready to go get some fabulous pictures.

Dang, that is an impressive setup. But guaranteed to get way too much unwanted attention in public.

Just curious what programs you found no longer worked? That is the main reason I am hesitant to upgrade.

I expect that all of my hard drives full of photos will be relegated to the dumpster soon after my death, as they should be. In case my daughter has a moment of curiosity about my photos, I have prepared a thumb drive of my Best of the Best photos for her to keep, and she already has it. I have also done a number of photo books, which she may find harder to dispose of. The life, experiences, and photos we hold so dear mean very little to others, including our offspring, I believe. Enjoy your life as best you can as those that come after us will be enjoying theirs and probably won't have the time to view thousands of your old photos, unless you are an Ansel Adams. Sad, but true.

[quote=10MPlayer]Land surveyors are slowly beginning to make use of true drones in the US. (flight paths are programmed pre-flight and the drone returns to base automatically when it's finished with its work) They've been using them for surveying in Europe for several years now because they lack the government regulations we have. Here, you need a pilot's license to fly a drone commercially. That's very limiting and very expensive.


Actually, to fly a drone commercially in the United States all you need is a FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Certificate. The exam for the license consists of 60 questions covering such things as rules and regulations, airspace limitations, etc. They charge $150 to take the exam. If you don't have an aviation background and don't feel like reading books covering the applicable subjects there are several providers who offer courses that prepare you for the exam at costs ranging from $150 to $300. That is a lot less than the cost of obtaining any other pilot license.

We call Pine Island home, a little southwest of Arcadia. We love it. Be sure to rent a canoe in Arcadia for trips down the Peace River. It is a spectacular place for photography. You may also wish to take along a shovel and sifting screen to dig for shark's teeth and other fossils which abound in the river.

You are very close to Venice which boasts the Venice Rookery. It is one of the premiere birding locations not only on the Gulf Coast but nationwide. Egrets, Herons, and other birds are currently building their nests and will soon be mating and raising their babies there, within reach of a 400-600mm lens.

Be sure to drive the back roads around Arcadia for great scenes of Old Florida, complete with live oaks festooned with Spanish Moss and other air plants.

Enjoy!

You may be aware that the FAA requires a Part 107 Certification if your drone work is to be used in any commercial manner. The cost for the test is $150. If you do not have a current aviation background it is easier to take a course for another $150 that will bring you up to date on the current airspace and regulations that the test covers. I used this outfit: https://remotepilot101.com/ and was very happy. They currently charge $149 for their course.

I understand that because of the intense competition in real estate that some will report you to the FAA if you attempt to sell drone work without the Part 107 license. But some like to live on the wild side.

As far as which one to get, DJI has the lion's share of the market, and their best drone for photography is the Phantom 4 Pro, without a doubt. As has been described above. It has the largest sensor, a mechanical shutter, and takes amazing photos, speaking from experience. As far as making money with it, I haven't had a great deal of success, but you may do better.

Swede, that was a very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

I am sorry to hear of the problems listed above. I have had trouble getting the new Luminar 2018 to show up as a plug-in with Photoshop CC, though it does run as a stand alone application on my Mac. Their customer service is terribly backed up, apparently. However, I think it is worth the trouble as I find it to be a fantastic program. I am in awe of its capabilities.

I have a little twist on the tire pressure sensors. The light on my Toyota Highlander came on during a recent trip. I filled up all the tires to the rated pressure, even though they didn't seem particularly low. The light did not go out even after a number of miles. Rechecked the pressure. All good. Had to get another issue fixed at the dealer so I asked them to look into it. Guess what! The spare was low. Never even thought of it. Out of sight, out of mind. The dealer said that fools lots of people. I really felt dumb, and I hate that!

Navy pilots have balls. He (or she) has what it takes to fly jets from aircraft carriers into battle. Some of those that could not, or would not, will feel compelled to criticize. There will always be lions in the world, and jackals to nip at their heels. IMHO.

The French managed to find quite a few pretty female technicians, but no female astronauts? Entertaining.