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Making life better by water
Wildlife photography on a canoe can lead to an exciting adventure. Moving slowly and quietly at water level, you'll have excellent opportunities to get close to canal wildlife.
My name's Richard and I work for the Trust's marketing team. In my spare time I enjoy both paddling and photography. I'm going to share some lessons I've learned over the years, but first let's hear from a pro.
Camera operator, James Stevens takes us on a journey through the serene waters of the Pocklington Canal in East Yorkshire with his camera. James walks us through the different kinds of wildlife you might find while paddling along our canals.
Canals may not have been built with wildlife in mind, but for many species they’ve certainly come to call them home. And that’s why I’m here. I’ve rigged my camera to my canoe so I can try and film as many species as I can.
I’m on the Pocklington Canal in East Yorkshire. Built in the 1800s, it was once a place bustling with boats carrying cargo. However, after years of disrepair, the canal officially closed in 1934. Since then, various groups, such as the Canal & River Trust, have been working to restore and repair different sections — making it a better place for people, but also for wildlife. Many sections have now been designated as a SSSI, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The canal is most noted for its presence of odonata — dragonflies and damselflies. Many different species have been recorded here, including some rarities like the willow emerald, which has only recently found its home here in the UK.
There’s one animal I’d really love to see. I’ve been told that there are kingfishers here, so I’m keeping everything crossed that I come across one.
There are loads of fish in the water. I’m not great with fish at all, but I might drop my GoPro in and see if we can get a good ID.
I’ve always loved being by the water. Growing up behind the house, there was a small brook and, though I mostly saw shopping trolleys, I’d also see grey wagtails and occasionally a kingfisher. Me and my friend would wade into the water looking for small fish like sticklebacks and eels. It’s just a very peaceful place to be.
I’ve not done something like this in a long time, and I’m really enjoying just being mindful — being patient and listening to the sound of the wind in the reeds, the birds calling, and the water on my paddle. It’s just lush.
Look at the whirligig beetles. Look at them go. I want to go to a whirligig rave — it looks like a lot of fun. I wonder what sort of music a whirligig would listen to. Perhaps a bit of drum and bass, electro. I want to go to that gig.
It does smell very ottery here. I’m going to have a look under the bridge to see if I can spot any spraint. Surely… yes. Yeah, there’s loads of it. It’s not fresh, but you can see it’s full of bones and scales. Oh — and the wind is taking me. So away I go.
I’d love to have the time just to sit and wait for an otter to turn up, but sadly I’ve got to get back before it gets too dark.
I’ve just heard a kingfisher calling up ahead. I’m going to be very, very slow and try to get closer. Oh — there it is. Yes.
Pocklington has seen huge changes in its 200-year history, but I’m glad to have seen it as it is now — a wild refuge. In just one day, I’ve seen a great diversity of species, showing just how important waterways like this are to wildlife.
The gentle drift of the boat allows you to observe wildlife on its own terms. Kingfishers skimming the surface, herons standing motionless at the water’s edge, or the subtle ripples that hint at life beneath the surface.
Canoes offer a unique perspective for photography, giving access to remote stretches of rivers and canals that are often unreachable on foot. But shooting from the water comes with its own challenges: balance, light, movement, and the need to work quickly without disrupting the scene.
This guide explores practical photography tips for shooting from a canoe, alongside wildlife-rich paddling routes that offer the best chances for meaningful encounters. Whether you have a professional camera or are using your phone, canoe-based photography invites you to slow down, observe closely, and let the story unfold naturally.
As a photographer myself and a keen paddler of our canals, this is what I recommend for your best chance to get the perfect wildlife photo.
Photos in this feature may not have been taken from a canoe but will have used similar techniques and tips.
Stabilising your camera can be quite tricky while trying to balance yourself on a rocking canoe. Here are some quick tips to help stabilise yourself and your camera.
One body, one lens is recommended so you are ready to go and don't waste time swapping lenses.
Ideal lenses:
Finally, use a dry bag and clip so your camera is always accessible but secure and use a strap to keep your camera/phone safe from falling into the water.
Understanding your camera settings can feel daunting but it if you follow these tips, you'll be sure to snap some amazing photos:
Your behaviour on the water can make or break a shot if you're trying to photograph wildlife.
Safety is paramount when travelling on water. Make sure you follow these steps before heading out on our canals:
Canoes are inherently unstable platforms, making sharp images harder to achieve. Small movements, shifting weight, or reaching for gear can easily affect balance.
Canoes provide limited room for equipment. Managing bags and keeping cameras dry can be difficult while on the water.
Canals are busy, shared environments. Passing boats, anglers’ lines, and towpath activity can create sudden movement, wash, or distractions that interrupt photography.
Focusing on photography can reduce awareness of obstacles such as other boats, locks, bridges, tunnels, and vegetation, increasing the risk of accidents. Make sure you stay aware of your surroundings.
Tree-lined canals and narrow cuttings create deep shadows and high contrast, with light levels changing quickly as the canoe drifts.
Sudden paddle strokes, close approaches, or repeated passes can alter animal behaviour, particularly during nesting seasons.
Wind can push a canoe off course, while rain and cold conditions affect camera handling, safety, and battery performance.
Last Edited: 4 February 2026
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