How to shoot from a boat!

This is a short video that shows how I shoot video from a boat including some sample shots!  I like a flat bottom boat for minimal clearance under it (you can go to REAL shallow water), and also for setting a full size tripod on it, being able to smoothly pan is a big plus.  I also shoot from a canoe but a flat bottom “John” boat works better as it’s less tippy.  Use an electric motor driven off a deep cycle marine battery, this will add minimal vibration to the boat.  Setting the bubble (keeping horizon straight) for the tripod is important and tricky as a slight shift in your body will change the horizontal level in the boat.  You need to put your one arm back on the motor like you are running it, then adjust the bubble of the tripod to keep it level when you are shooting.  If your arm isn’t back like you are steering it, then the level will be off when you DO move your arm back!

Pick a very calm day (no wind or waves) and use an external monitor.

Good luck!