How to Film Rockpools and Water

Everyone loves to visit the seaside, including Nigel Marven! Will it provide you with a subject for your Eden Shorts film?

How to Film Rockpools and Water

Just like many holiday-makers in the UK, Nigel Marven took a trip down to a beach for the day. Wembury Beach in South Devon has a great rocky coast that traps all kinds of sea life when the tide recedes.

Don't get caught out by the tide! Get hold of a tide timetable so that you can work out when the best time to arrive is, giving you plenty of time to film and then pack up before the sea cuts you off. You may also want to pick spots that are monitored by lifeguards.

It's best to arrive an hour-and-a-half before low tide and follow it out

A polarising filter helps to cut out reflections so that you can see into the water. They are great ways to make sure that you don't miss out on the under-surface action.

Rockpools are a great place to find subjects to film, but keep an eye on the tide!

Rockpools are a great place to find subjects to film, but keep an eye on the tide!

However, if you can get your hands on one, using a camera capable of filming underwater will give you a fantastic new perspective for your wildlife film. These kind of cameras are quite common nowadays, but be careful if you try and make your own waterproof housing, you don't want to ruin your expensive new camera!

Using a tank could help get those much-needed close-ups of any skittish subjects. Be sure to use water from where you catch it to ensure the temperature and mineral concentrations are right, and you should also be sure to put your animals back where you find them.

What hints and tips do you have to share? Stick them in the comments below.