Anglers love to have bragging rights. Taking pictures of their catch has become more popular since cameras have been built into cellphones. Selfie time is a part of the catch and release process.
Back in the day, we had film cameras. Our fish picture albums were full of out of focus, poorly framed, and amateur fish shots. Lefty Kreh, my mentor and great angler, was also an excellent photographer. He said it took 30 snapshots to get one decent picture. With modern cell cameras and enhancement apps, the pictures can be reframed and improved. We also no longer need to pay for expensive photo developing.
Taking pictures of a fish in a net, are not inspiring or meaningful. Its hard to judge the size or… Consider taking a real, attractive, meaningful photo of the fish.
Here are a few ideas to make your Fish Fotos picture perfect.
Photograph the fish when it is still alive, the colors, shape and size will be more correct and attractive. Rinse off any blood and keep the fish wet.
Choose the background carefully. You don’t need the bed of a truck, outhouse, backyard junk, or other non-relevant things in your photo.
Plan ahead. We have all seen thousands of good fish pictures. What made them look good? Copy the ideas so your pictures will improve.
Take off your sunglasses, get rid of the beer can and cigarette. Lift your hat back so we can see your face.
Pay attention to the location of the sun. You want no shadows on your shot.
Keep your hands out of the shot. If you are holding the fish, your hands should be behind the fish.
Keep the fly or lure in the fish’s mouth. This will tell a story.
Have something in the picture to compare the size of the fish.
Consider photographing at different angles or just showing a part of the fish. Get close to the fish. Take the picture from your knees looking up.
If you want to remember where you caught the fish, have a sign or landmark in the shot.
If you want to keep your fishing hot spot a secret, do not show landmarks.
Extending the fish toward the camera or backing away from your catch gives an inaccurate size comparison.
If you are a Catch and Release angler, keep the fish in the water and make the photo session fast. The clock is ticking when you begin the photo session. Don’t stress and kill the fish so you have a picture. Be prepared to take the picture ahead of time. Have a buddy snap the shots.
Take pictures that are Keepers.
Montana Grant
