|
Photography Tours
- These outings are designed to
give amateur and professional photographers alike a unique opportunity to
photograph the wildlife, primarily the birdlife, of the Morro Bay
estuary. The tours are based on a one-photographer, one-guide, one-canoe
format, with the guide serving as the primary paddler, steersman (or
women, as the case might be), and spotter. The guide's local
knowledge and canoe handling skills, combined with the Orchid
Outriggers' stability, comfortable seating position, and dry ride,
provide the photographer with a literal "front row seat" from
which to shoot.
|
Lucky Shot?
Every picture
tells a story, but the story this picture tells is really
behind the photographer, the guide. First the guide has
paddled the canoe several miles to a location in the estuary
rich in bird life. He has then approached a flock of White
Pelicans slowly, in a non-threatening manner, keeping the bow
of the canoe pointed in the direction of the flock. This not
only gives the photographer the optimum position from which to
shoot, but presents the smallest view of the outrigger to the
birds, effectively hiding the guide behind the photographer.
The photographer, in turn, is hiding behind his camera. Birds
of all feathers seem to be very aware of the fact that
binocular vision (two eyes on the front of one's face) spells
predator. Hence one big eye, the camera lens, seems much less
threatening and the birds go about their business, paying
little or no attention to the photographer.
This brings us to the Brown Pelicans flying past behind the
flock. These birds are invisible to the photographer as he
sites the flock through the range finder. He can't see them
coming into his field of vision, and they pass so quickly it's
hard to catch them in the frame. Enter the guide, who is
quietly and calmly telling the photographer when to click the
shutter in order to catch the traffic in the picture. Lucky
shot . . . not really.
|
These paddles are, to a degree, subservient to the daily tidal
rhythms. Tours are generally scheduled to take advantage of a rising
tide. This gives access to a wider variety of photographic
opportunities and maximum time on the estuary.
Described as a
half-day trip, actual time on the water varies, usually between
four and six hours. Several factors come into play here, but
typically the stamina of the "shooter's" trigger finger, number of
image cards packed, and the number of images one is willing to sort
through on the computer are the primary determining factors. An
average outing follows a course of typically six to eight miles in
length, providing a truly unique combination of both variety and
density of species, differing habitats, and stunning backdrops.
In effect a hunting expedition, these tours give the photographer
a truly unique vantage point from which to shoot an amazing
diversity of birdlife in a spectacular setting. It is our policy to
photograph but not disturb this birdlife. This responsibility is
shouldered by the guide. His or her skill in this area allows the
photographer to take more than typical bird pictures, it gives the
photographer the opportunity to photograph bird behavior.
In many cases the action comes to the canoe. The best example of
this is the Brown Pelican fly-bys, which routinely come close enough
to allow us to hear the wing beats as the birds pass overhead.
It is not our
policy or desire to flush birds into flight for photographic
purposes. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is
the possibility of a flushed bird catching the eye of one of our
marauding Peregrine Falcons. It's a spectacular sight, but
Peregrines are perfectly capable of flushing their own game. The
decision of how close to approach the birdlife and wildlife in the
estuary is totally that of the guide. Our policy of respect and
minimum intrusion, in addition to abiding by the law, are the
overriding factors. There are situations on some days with various
species that dictate a very respectful distance be maintained
between photographer and subject.
This being said, many species are unruffled with the canoes
presence and go about their daily activities paying little or no
attention to the photographer. While cruising the shoreline of the
sandspit or the channels of the marsh, it is not unusual to see
large flocks of shore birds land very close, sometimes within 15 to
20 feet of the canoe. Brown Pelicans have impacted (seems the best
word to describe a Pelican's plunge) within five feet of the canoe
and come away with a meal.
On many occasions our efforts to maintain a respectful distance
from the wildlife is thwarted by the wildlife itself. Once a curious young Harbor Seal
made a 100-yard dash to the outrigger, only to become so enamored
with the photographer it appeared for a moment that the seal was
going to climb onto his lap! (It's hard to get a good shot when your
telephoto lens has a minimum focal distance of six feet and your
subject is only six inches away.)
It is our hope at
Orchid Outrigger
that our intrusions into the habitats of the estuary will be more
than offset by an increase in awareness made possible by this unique
photography opportunity.
|
On a weather related note: The wildlife on the
estuary goes about its business regardless of the weather.
There are days that, from a paddling perspective, seem less
than perfect; i.e., overcast or foggy. Ironically, these days
seem to provide remarkable opportunities for bird photography.
Indeed, some of the most spectacular shots taken from the
Orchid Outrigger were taken on days that, for weather reasons,
seemed unpromising. These days also provide the photographer
with very unique backdrops for his or her subjects. We have
never had a disappointing day on the estuary from a
photographic point of view. If and when that situation ever
comes up, or if an outing has to be cancelled because of
unsuitable weather, paying guest photographers will be
offered a refund or rescheduled outing at their pleasure. |
Out of the Fog
Photos |
Before we close, there are some intangible aspects of these paddles
that should be mentioned.
Putting the photographic rewards of the trip
aside, you will find these tours to not only be memorable, but sheer
fun. In most cases, the inherent stability and dry ride provided by
the Orchid Outriggers' design heritage quickly overcomes any fears or
reservations one might have about being out on the water. The moods
of the estuary and the truly spectacular vistas at every point of
the compass will compel even the most focused photographer to put
his or her camera aside and just drink it all in. The tranquility
one finds in the middle of the bay, drifting along the shore of the
sandspit or exploring the channels of the salt marsh, is truly grand. We at
Orchid Outriggers find it to be highly addictive.
Group Estuary Paddles
In addition to the
Orchid Outrigger photography
paddles, we also offer guided group paddles.
Birder's Paddle - This tour gives the birder
a unique view of the estuary's bird life. The paddle follows no set
routine and varies on a daily basis. The object is to give the
birder the best opportunity to observe the widest variety of
birdlife on any given day.
Click here to read
about and see photos of Birds of Prey Over
the Estuary.
Estuary Paddle - With an emphasis on the
ecosystem and habitat as a whole, this tour shows the many other
facets of the Morro Bay estuary. While birds are an integral part of
this habitat, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions are frequently
seen. The wildlife of the sandspit - coyotes, deer, and mountain
lions - are seen in fleeting glimpses.
The topography of the surrounding area can be viewed
from stunning perspectives. The pattern of the local watershed
becomes clear and the history and future of the bay present
themselves in a very tangible manner. The sandspit's unique
environment, largely unchanged in tens of thousands of years, has
several plant species found nowhere else in the world.
From a seismic view, the sandspit also shows the
effects of the Paso Robles quake of 2003, with a large displacement
easily visible from the canoe. These tours follow a similar route
day by day and give the paddler a very informative overview of the
estuary as a whole.
Estuary Paddles are based on a multi-canoe format, custom tailored
to your party's needs. We have the ability at this time to launch as
many as six outriggers. With two guides, this arrangement provides
seating for ten adult guests. Each outrigger can also be provided
with a "jump" seat. This removable seat will comfortably accommodate
a child, depending on size, up to about age ten or twelve. Our
youngest paddler to date, aged 18 months, finds this jump seat much
to his liking. It's a suburb vantage point for his curious young
mind, with mother close at hand to cater to his whims. It is our
policy at Orchid Outrigger that children who fit comfortably into
the jump seat, accompanied by supervising adults, ride free.
The
number of guides varies according to the number of boats in the
water and the guests' ability level. For a large group, two guides
provide a higher level of individual attention during the
orientation and also allow the tour to split into two small groups,
an advantage for bird watching.
Orchid Outriggers provides a large selection of paddle styles and
sizes along with comfortable, fitted flotation vests (from infant to
XL adult). Comfort and ease of paddling are the primary goals and
this cannot be achieved with a one-size-fits all approach.
As
each paddle is dependent on the daily tidal rhythm and customized to
your group's needs, they are best pre-booked. Tours are preceded by
an orientation to familiarize guests with the craft, water safety,
and paddling and steering techniques. The canoes are then launched
and the orientation continues as guests are coached in paddling and
steering. The tour then begins typically with a paddle across the
bay to the sandspit. By the time the sandspit is reached, most
groups have the skill set necessary to motivate and maneuver the
canoes pretty well in hand.
Orchid Outriggers and its guides are licensed by the California
Department of Fish and Game to provide guide services for bird
watching, photography, and scenic tours.
If
you would like to book any one of our tours, please contact us with
your group's particulars and the date or dates desired. We will
respond with a price quote and times based on that day's tidal
situation.
Planning on a winter visit? Check out these photos.
Answers to frequently asked questions, including how to dress
properly for a tour.
Testimonials from some of our happy
paddlers.
Contact us for prices and
to make reservations for your tour.
|
