Flying On The Wind

Windsurfing in a national park? Talk about a strange sight to see. But that is indeed what was happening on this windswept lake in Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

The windsurfer was a highly skilled athlete and was able to skim across the lake with great speed and control. It was a joy to watch and a real treat.

It was a hazy day, but the sidelight coming from the left side of the image did a good job of lighting the sail and separating it from the rest of the scene. I took several shots and tried to time them so that he was not centered in the frame, and the trail of water behind him was well-lit.

When photographing any moving subject, watch the movement with respect to the background in addition to the actual movement itself. With nearly all photography, the background can play a pivotal role. Pay careful attention to all the elements in the frame, take a variety of views, and then choose the ones that work the best.

When traveling in national parks and wilderness areas, I usually try to avoid any sign of civilization in my images, but this was a unique opportunity that I could not pass up.

TECHNICAL DATA

Shutter Speed 1/640 sec.  Aperture f/14.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS set at 98mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.  Handheld.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.'  --William Arthur Ward