In the water

I have been to Arkansas twice now to photograph and will return,for sure,but both times I have spent much time wading creeks whose beds are slippery and cold. In fact, this fall I went down once nearly dousing my camera and hurting myself. Do any of your experienced guys that shoot this area suggest any special waterproof boots,waders,etc that are good for hiking.I certainly have learned that your have to be very careful to say the least.
Thanks much,
Joe Rogers

The best thing is probably a felt soled shoe or sandle. But it's not what you'd wear hiking. You'd want to carry it for the crossings. Fishing and paddling retailers often have them.

I wouldn't go into a creek bed without a hiking staff, in case you don't have one. There's a good reason that most self-respecting animals have four legs, and three are better than two.

I don't know about anyone else, but I can't imagine carrying waders on a hike. Real shooters get their feet wet, but it is allowed to change into sandals or other footwear before you do. Crocs or croc knock-offs are particularly light and may even offer better traction on slick surfaces than your normal hiking footwear.

But those who are serious about traction on algae-covered rocks use felt soled boots or strap-on sandals that can be worn over other footwear (something like this: http://www.troutlet.com/Compleat-Angler-Wading-Sandal-Wader-Boots-P371.aspx).

These I don't have personal experience with, but be aware that they are outlawed in some states or streams because they can possibly promote the spread of destructive aquatic species.

Ditto to what Dominic said. Here's a link you might find of interest.

BTW, if anyone happened to find a pair of NRS felt shoes on the cemetery trail to Twin Falls, they're probably mine, and I would appreciate it if you would email me.

You can check these out also Joe.
NEOS Villager Ultralight Overshoes

I haven't tried using felt soled shoes/boots out shooting in creeks yet, but they are a must when trout fishing. At some point, I plan to carry something with felt on the bottom to change into when it's time to wade creeks.

Joe, like Randy said, I usually just use my Teva's unless it is bitterly cold. I also second Randy on the hiking pole or stick, it has saved my butt several times! I also own a pair of the Neos overshoes that Brad mentioned. They are light and work if you are in water that is not too deep. Here is one more option and they are on sale!

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2316&deptid=1169

Cabela's has a new boot out I just saw through a friend.

The are breathable which is a big asset.

The collapse to about knee high but will unsnapped and rise to above mid-thigh.

Felt soles are almost a necessity for stream walking. These, if not on this boot, could probably be applied by a shoesmith.

the fisch

Guys, thanks all for the links and suggestions. This is just the direction I needed . I do have treking poles. Of course, I left them in the car the day I fell. One of the lessons I learned that day was dont get so excited you go off half cocked at a location. Never walk with your camera mounted on a tripod along the creek bed. Pack it and use treking poles to get there, then mount up. Stream beds are really, really slick! Randy, I guess 30 years in the portrait business qualifys me as a real shooter, but,
at landscape and natue work Im a relative neophyte and trying to learn before I get my neck broke. Again, thanks to all for the help.
Joe Rogers

Another thing to consider is camera protection. I was impressed by Gale Rainwater packing his camera in the waterproof bag each time he moved any great distance. It's the water tight bag used for kayakers. I have one and used it for the first time last week when I launched my new swamp boat into the swamp. I didn't trust my repairs to the boat and wanted to take some images while testing for leaks. This not what I have or what Gale is using, but it gives you the idea. http://www.rei.com/product/784147

I didn't mean to imply that you weren't, Joe. It was just a poor attempt at humor, which I'm pretty bad at and should know by now not to even try. I already knew you got your feet wet, anyhow; so you qualify as a real shooter in my book. But probably Ansel Adams had the better notion about that: to him a good photographer was someone who knew where to stand, and we're all just trying to find a few good places to stand.

Speaking of hiking staffs, a couple of weeks ago I stumbled in a creek and dropped my stick into a swift current that carried it away, and I felt like Tom Hanks watching Wilson disappear into the ocean. I've had that stick with me on every hike since I got it for Christmas in 1996, and it's funny how you can get sentimental over a piece of wood. I looked for it downstream for about half an hour without any luck.

I guess the moral is that a lanyard on your stick or pole isn't a bad idea.

Randy, I could tell you were kidding with me....I certainly took no offense.......Im a pretty easy going soul who likes to kid myself..
Joe Rogers