Talk to me about kayaks for Photography

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GF and I are getting pretty serious

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Down the road it'd be cool to invest in a kayak or two to take our skills out to the water rather than being stuck just on the shoreline of these lakes and forests we've been going to.

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Get one with a pedal drive if you plan on covering longer distances. Much easier than paddling and keeps you hands free to operate your camera

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Have you considered a canoe?

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What would be the benefits of a canoe vs kayak? Are canoes more stable? It does look like I’d have more room in a canoe and I can just use dry bags bungied to the seats well enough.

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Well neither are stable enough to bang in if that’s what you’re asking, and if that’s not what you’re asking, then why aren’t you asking that

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I could explain why this isnt true but I don't want the thread to be NSFW

Canoe definitely more stable.If you go with a kayak practice getting in and out of it without turning it over.Ask me how I know.

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What would be the benefits of a canoe vs kayak? Are canoes more stable?

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Much higher view point. And although still limited they're way easier to move around in. Partially because you are not locked in place. Think stretching legs and having the ability to sit and/or kneel and turn around in. They carry way more of what counts. And are much more stable for taking picture; however the old adage of if you want it, tie-it-in still goes. Plus you can step in and out a will. Weight can be a problem for some; however by ditching the whitewater you can find way less weighty options than found in plastic canoes. Oh, and did I say they are much easier to take pictures from?

Why from a boat?

The original question. Because like you theorized the views are so much better. Think hiking and seeing both sides of your location at the same time. Instead of being locked into what's around. When looking out to one side or the other you're rather encapsulated. It's sort of a macro view created by the trees, the bushes, rocks, or whatever whatever is around you. You have to look across to the other side for those bigger views of what's not immediately around you. Unless going perhaps for elevation. In a canoe or kayak you get both sides at once. And if wanting the intimacy of what's around, you simply go to a side, pick a side any side. They'll also allow you to cover way more territory. In a way more quiet manner. And in a legal method of not trespassing, or seeking access from two dozen people, or being regulated to a National/State/Local Park. While having a cooler, all the camera gear you could ever want, and still having the ability (or option) to pull over for short hike, or dip, along the way. Plus the wildlife you'll see once learning how to go quiet is unequaled.

As for pedals on a boat?

They are for sit on top kayaks (fishing things), that weight way too much, cumbersome (no agility - de'nada - none), and way too hard to transport. They're main redeeming value is in having both hand free to fish, uncompromised stability, and a live well. Plus pedals are simply not found on boats meant for covering ground. They are normally seen on deep and mainly no current expanses of water. Their main design and function is for plodding along versus the normal goal of efficiency. Something that's normally sought after in people powered watercraft. Look at their symmetry (at water line) while imagining utter drudgery as opposed to elegance and grace. I'd highly suggest trying both out if you decide (or have slightest notion) to go this route.

(edit2: reword/make-nice the pedal portion)