Photo opportunities around Vero Beach, FL

[Nimi]

Maybe something like this?


View attachment 54943

This would be fun to get through TSA...

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

That’s just adding more weight. Easier solution is use a monopod or tripod.

I agree with you, but it's a toy I would like to try. He's located in Pa, and if close to be I'll travel up to see and try one if permitted.

 

[JoelKlein]

The point is to use the shoulder to help takeoff weight. Like news reporters big video cameras.

 

[Nimi]

The point is to use the shoulder to help takeoff weight. Like news reporters big video cameras.

Easy enough to build a shoulder rig. It will also help you stabilize the camera/lens.

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[JoelKlein]

Getting closer…

 

[TonyB]

Maybe something like Ron‘s Speed Shooter Harness?

https://www.whistlingwingsphotography.com/speed-shooter-harness

It’s very similar to how flags are carried in parades. Mount the camera to a monopod, put the end in the cup and the weight is supported by the harness. TSA probably wouldn’t give it a second look. Ron is in the Sebastian, FL area, very close to Vero Beach so if you get in touch with him, he could probably set you up when you’re down here. I’ve done a couple trips with Ron on Blue Cypress Lake and they were a lot of fun. He really knows and respects the wildlife, and is a great photographer.

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Maybe something like Ron‘s Speed Shooter Harness?

https://www.whistlingwingsphotography.com/speed-shooter-harness

It’s very similar to how flags are carried in parades. Mount the camera to a monopod, put the end in the cup and the weight is supported by the harness. TSA probably wouldn’t give it a second look. Ron is in the Sebastian, FL area, very close to Vero Beach so if you get in touch with him, he could probably set you up when you’re down here. I’ve done a couple trips with Ron on Blue Cypress Lake and they were a lot of fun. He really knows and respects the wildlife, and is a great photographer.

Nice setup, has anyone used this harness and how is it working out?

 

[Rookie Roy]

The morning it is the ranger station/camp ground side. You will see a long pier and likely a bunch of photographers. It is maybe a 20 yard walk from the parking lot. In the afternoon it is the opposite side of the inlet. There is also on the opposite side of the morning spot a small lagoon that at times gets action from Osprey. Often will find Pelicans and other birds back there as well. The wind dictates a lot. I downloaded a free app iWindsurf which will show you the wind and currents of locations. Looking at it right now today would be prime for getting face forward Osprey diving action. If the wind isn't in your face in the morning you will get the backside of the bird.

Hi David, I’m going to in the Sebastian Inlet area next week. I read your informative posts above. I will likely try some osprey photography. I was also wondering if you have tried photographing Sea Turtle Hatchlings at nearby Archie Carr and if you have any advise on specific locations? I am having a difficult time finding specific information (maybe on purpose to prevent disturbance of the nesting and hatching turtles).

 

[DavidT]

Hi David, I’m going to in the Sebastian Inlet area next week. I read your informative posts above. I will likely try some osprey photography. I was also wondering if you have tried photographing Sea Turtle Hatchlings at nearby Archie Carr and if you have any advise on specific locations? I am having a difficult time finding specific information (maybe on purpose to prevent disturbance of the nesting and hatching turtles).

I haven’t but I’d love to! We have them down here in TX and my suggestions are long lenses and nothing white such as clothes etc. the hatchlings can be confused by white and head towards you rather than the water causing their death. I’d reach out to the park rangers for advice.

 

[Whiskeyman]

Viera Wetlands is excellent.

When is the last time you've visited Viera Wetlands? Be advised that the berm roads are currently closed to motorized vehicles. Pedestrian traffic is allowed at the moment, but should be checked on the Viera website before traveling to the wetlands.

Sorry, I just realized you’re already back.

Was going to recommend Orlando Wetlands.

The posting is possibly still relevant for others.

Stick marsh and blue cypress lake. Both about an hour west of Vero beach. Wakodahatchee and Green Cay about 1.5 hours south should cover the majority of your target species

I can't imagine going to Blue Cypress Lake (BCL) without a boat or a guide with a boat. As far as the Stick Marsh, it was under a water drawdown from February - August 2023. My guide for BCL cancelled his trips to the stick marsh after we got a look at it over the berm separating it from the Saint John's River just north of BCL. You'll want to call Trevor Knight at 352-732-1225 or Joel Andreas at 321-624-9468 (FWC or SJRWMD) to check on the status of the Stick Marsh water levels before you go.