Advice for photographers...

The other day nodbear asked me if I'd thought about entering the National Historic Ships Photography Competition. I've posted some of the winners of the competition for the last couple of years but it had never occurred to me to consider entering. My initial response was "Nah, my pics aren't any whwere near that standard", however a few days later curiosity got the better of me and I decided to have a look at the entry criteria. There's all kinds of helpful information and advice on the competition website about subject matter, camera choice, and photography at sea, culminating with advice on "Boat Photography Tips from the late, great Keith Beken". Mr Beken's useful tips include:

Photographers should learn how to sail boats and how to set sails correctly.

They should go racing so that they know where to place themselves to get the best shots of the action.

Very useful advice, though a little beyond my capabilities. But most importantly, according to Mr Beken:

Buy your own photography boat and make it an extenson of the camera and of oneself, and always maintain it properly.

Excuse me? Buy your own photography boat??! I haven't even got my own camera!! I take pics on my mobile phone! XD Think on reflection I'll leave that competition to the pros :} And the kids. The entries for the Young Photographer Categories are always amazing, such as this wonderful picture of HMS Warrior's wheels. Wonder how many of the kids have their own photography boats?!