To capture stunning photographs of the birds on the lake, you have two options. You can lie low along the shoreline, blending into the surroundings, and patiently wait for the birds to approach. Or, you can venture out onto the lake to get closer to them.

For many, photographing birds from the shore works perfectly well. However, if you’re looking to improve your chances of capturing truly captivating shots, a “floating hide” can make a difference. While there are several options available on the market, they tend to be quite expensive, and, for me, not the most practical solution.

The areas where I primarily use my “floating hide” often have extremely soft bottoms or are too deep to stand in. Most commercially available “floating hides” are designed to be used while walking on the bottom, pushing the hide with the camera mounted in front. This setup simply doesn’t work in deep water or on overly soft surfaces.

I decided to create my own unconventional hide using a “belly-boat”, typically used by anglers, as the foundation. On this base, I constructed a hull covered in camouflage fabric. This setup allows me to venture into deeper waters and remain comfortably seated for hours. A pair of waders keeps me dry, while flippers provide easy propulsion.

The comfort of a belly boat is unmatched, offering spacious pockets for gear, snacks, and even a thermos of hot coffee. It’s like relaxing in a gently rocking armchair on water. Best of all, the birds remain undisturbed, never perceiving it as a threat.