Sportsman's Library - Outdoor Articles

3 Tips for Better Fishing Photos

By Brian O’Keefe

Almost everyone enjoys taking pictures and showing friends and family the best of a recent angling adventure. There are a couple easy do’s and do not’s that can make a great moment turn into a great photograph. These tips are directed at the new point-and-shoot digital cameras without interchangeable lenses, but folks using standard film cameras also can use these tips.

USE YOUR FLASH. Most cameras now have a built-in flash. Determine if yours is automatic or manual. It’s nice to be able to use a flash, even if your camera does not want to. Why? Because an angler holding the catch in the mid-day sun will often have distracting shadows on his or her face. The flash will even out the shadows, especially those created by a hat. Remember to aim the flash at the area where you want more illumination. Try to keep the flash from blazing with too much intensity on bright-sided fish like salmon, trout and any shiny saltwater fish. Angling the fish slightly away from the camera will bounce any flash off to the side, rather than back at the camera.

BE THE DIRECTOR. For example, let’s say your fishing buddy has just hooked a big steelhead. While he is doing battle, you should: a) Look around and figure out the best angle and decide what you would like in the background; b) Get your camera out and ready for action. In fact, take an action shot to record the moment and ensure that the camera is working properly; c) Direct the angler with a couple quick suggestions like, “Take off your sun glasses”, or “Tilt your hat back a little”, or “Smile, look happy.” These actions take just moments, and the actual shot can be done in a few seconds if the shot is organized ahead of time. If fish are to be released, you’ll want to work even faster, so planning things out a bit will help. Done properly, the fish can be hoisted an inch or two, then click-revive-release.

TRY NEW ANGLES. Most people shoot from eye level. We all see at eye level, so that point of view is a bit boring. Plus, if an angler is holding a fish down near the water, what the camera will see is a small square of rocks, dirt, mud or dirty water. Instead, take the shot from just above water level and the photo will reveal a lake, river or flat. Boat shots are more challenging, but try to move around to get as little clutter in the shot as possible. For scenic shots, or photos that show an angler casting, landing a fish, etc., look for a vantage point well above the subject. Elevated shots show the colors in the water, the twists and turns of a creek, and are just pleasing to the eye.

Get more tips on fishing and photography when Brian O’Keefe conducts seminars at selected 2007 ISE shows. See his great outdoor photos right now, at www.brianokeefephotos.com