Better ways to take pictures of you and your fish

[Adam Grace]

Many people take some pictures of fishermen with their fish that could be improved by following a few photography tips. Although some people are not as concerned about a "good" pictures as others like myself, I truly believe that more people would appreciate their pictures more if they came out looking better because they took the time to set up the shot. Now when I say "set up" I don't mean doing anything over-the-top like using reflectors or taking minutes to pose and compose. I believe that with a few suggestions and tips other fishermen can turn a bland picture into something to frame and better enjoy.

Below I have listed a few hints and examples to help improve some of your fish pictures.

Unfortunately there are those who still hold their fish like they are try to cover it up, try to hold your fish in a way to not cover parts up with your hands or arms, like this:


Notice how my left hand is behind the fish, easily griping the base of the tail with only a couple of fingers.


Here Gregg is cupping or cradling the fish, harder to do with more feisty/squirmy fish, and even larger fish.

Also if your photographer gets closer to you, your fish will also appear the right size, not too small. Just make sure you don't lock your elbows and thrust the fish into the lens to make it look like you are trying to make it looks much larger than it really is.


Note that my elbows are at the sides of my body not locked and straight out in front of me.


In this picture, the fisherman is holding the fish a little too close to the lens, not an extreme case yet a little too close for honest comfort.

Shadowed faces are also a common problem. Next time you are taking a picture of someone with a hat shadowing their face change the flash setting on your camera to use a "fill flash" usually symbolized by a single lightening bolt, without an "A" or anything else next to it. That way the cameras flash will properly expose the fisherman's face.

I usually check my flash settings before handing my fishing buddy/temporary fish photographer my camera to make sure that my face isn't too dark/under exposed.


This picture was taken without the flash, notice the dark, hard to see face.


Here's another with a dark face, that could have been brightened by a flash, although sometimes the flash will not do much good if the subject is this far or further away from the camera.


This picture was taken with a flash, my face is not real bright but it would have been much darker/worse without the flash.

Another suggestion is for a photographer to shoot with the sun to their back to reduce backlit photos and weird shadows.


This picture was backlit, I'm darker than my background, not a "good" picture, I should have turned the flash on, or maybe it was on yet ineffective.


This picture has some weird shadows that could have been avoided if I have changed my position.


This picture shows how bright your subject can be if the sun is to the back of the photographer.

The most important part of taking pictures is to not stress out the fish and keep it out of the water for too long. If you want more pictures give it a "drink" of water a few times between pictures.

Does anyone else have some tips to share or comments on my suggestions?

[Gregg Machel]

I think the pictures of you with the face all dark are the best. In your case the darker the better.
Just kidding, your points are awesome, thanks for posting them!

[Ed Wahl]

I've got one. Let's all remember that trophy photos are for the ego of the catcher, nothing more. As soon as you land the fish the countdown timer should start in your head, if your partner is'nt immediatly available to shoot or you don't have the camera out and set just admire the fish, maybe thank him for his time and let him go. Some species can take more abuse but for trout you really need to be aware of the stress you've already put it through and revive and release quickly. Ed

[sculpin]

I've found that if a fish is wiggling around making it difficult to take a picture, a whack on the head settles them down.


Mark

[Ed Wahl]

Ed

[Darian]

Hey Mark,.... I found that turning a Trout upside down and strokin' their bellies calms 'em down.... Works on me too.

[Finsane]

One of the most important tools for good photography is a rubber, basket style net. The fish can be kept unharmed in the net while the photographer sets up. In most of my pictures the net can be seen somewhere in the photo.

Get in close when taking the picture. Have the fish and fisherman taking up the whole frame. Maybe 6 feet away, give or take.

Take off sunglasses and hats. Usually makes for a better pic.

Have fun with it. It takes practice. Practice on smaller fish so when ya get the big one, ya already know what to do. Study the pics and figure out what ya need to do different.

I like to take a few action/candid shots while the fisherman is fighting the fish. Alot of times these pics are favored by the fisherman or woman that I'm photographing.

Adam, those are some nice pics. props to the photographer.

[SullyTM]

Adam...That HAS to be a photoshop pix of MSP

Actually, Mike has had more than a few nice fish to hand recently...Mine have been on the empty side, but your tips are good to know.

Nice fish!

Later...