The most exciting part of fishing is that anglers never know what they are going to catch. From the second the line jerks until the fish is being hoisted into the fisherman’s arms, there is an anticipation that builds. Every time a fish is on the line, the person reeling it in is imagining that they have hooked the catch of a lifetime. And maybe they have.
Whether the fish that emerges is worthy of the cover of Field and Stream or it’s better suited to be used as bait, it's important to capture a picture of it. Having pictures of even the smallest of fish is a great way to remember a wonderful day on the water, enhance the telling of fish tales, and compare catches throughout the years. Having photographs of times spent fishing will be a gift, especially as the years pass.
Though it may seem easy, catching frame-worthy fish photos can be extremely difficult. Photographers will have to battle wiggly fish, glaring water, and much more to get a great fishing picture. All those photos won't turn out blurry and low-quality if a few simple rules for taking photographs of fish are followed. With a bit of practice, snapping a photo of the day’s catch can be just as rewarding as reeling it in.
Switch Up the Angle
Everyone is familiar with the typical fisherman pose. In the typical shot, the fish is held with both hands, the subject is in the middle of the frame, and the fish is at their chest. While this can be a great, classic shot, simply switching the angle this shot is taken at can result in a completely different picture.
Instead of having everything in the center of the frame, try taking the photo with the water, foliage, or horizon in the center with the subject off to the side. This simple change can add interest to the photo, set it apart from other pictures, and, since the surroundings are featured prominently, it can help fisherman remember where they were when the picture was taken.
Another way that the angle of a photo can be used is to take a photo of the subject from an angle other than straight on. When taking pictures of smaller fish, try to take the photo from water level and get close to the fish. This makes the fish look bigger, adds drama to the photo, and showcases the beautiful water and scenery. Pictures can also be taken from above, either by holding the camera overhead or utilizing special camera equipment. This gives a better view of the surroundings and gives pictures a more professional feel. Playing around with camera angles is one of the easiest ways to add drama and interest to fishing photography.Find the Focal Point
In traditional pictures, the focal point is the fish itself. With the fish at the center and everything else in the background, pictures tend to get a bit boring and repetitive. There are many ways to make fish the focal point without having the same old picture time after time. To really make the fish pop, blurring the background and having the fish be the only crisp object in the photo works wonders. This can be done on inexpensive cameras and even smartphones. Pictures can also be edited later to get the blurred background effect using simple editing tools.
Another interesting way to capture photos of fish is to use a small portion of their body to focus the photo. This works particularly well for fish that may not be trophy fish but still have interesting characteristics. A colorful mark on the fish, a large fin, and even the fish’s eye can be artistically captured to create a stunning photograph.
When finding the focal point, the focus doesn’t always have to be on the fish. By focusing on the rod and reel, the lure used to catch the fish, or any other object and leaving the fish in the background, or omitting the fish altogether, anglers can create a beautiful shot. There are no hard and fast rules for finding a focal point when photographing fish. Rather, it is important to concentrate on making the shot as unique and striking as possible.Get Familiar with the Camera
Whether using a phone, a point-and-shoot, or a professional camera, the only way to get a great shot is to know how to operate it. Before heading out on the water, it is important to read the manual or handbook that came with the camera, troubleshoot any issues that arise, and, perhaps, watch and read a few tutorials on the specific camera type. By being able to use all the functions of the camera, the choices for capturing fishing shots are nearly endless.
Some things to focus on when learning about a camera are the modes available, lighting and flash settings, and the shutter speed. While there are many more things to worry about as shots get more advanced, these three functions of the camera are essential to be familiar with.
Even less complicated point-and-shoot cameras have many features that can make the shot perfect. It’s not necessary to spend thousands, or even hundreds, of dollars on a camera to take terrific fishing photographs. By being familiar with whichever camera is being used, and knowing which modes, lighting, and shutter speed should be used for each shot, every photograph can be a true masterpiece.
Always Be Prepared
There is nothing worse than seeing something that would make the perfect picture but not having a camera to capture it. To avoid missing out on the perfect shot, it is important to make sure that the camera is accessible and ready to take some great pictures.
Having a secure way to hold the camera close to the body, like a lanyard or wrist cord, is the best way to access the camera easily. When having the camera hanging from the body and exposed to the elements isn’t possible, a fanny pack or camera bag that can be comfortably worn are essential. This will keep the camera close at hand so that even action shots should be easy to capture.
Once the camera is close and secure, it is important to make sure there will be enough battery power and storage space available for the fishing trip. Having extra batteries and making sure the camera is fully charged before heading out can mean the difference between capturing the whole day or just part of it. With storage, it is important to have a storage card with a lot of memory to hold many pictures throughout the day. When a camera runs out of storage, photographers must look back and delete shots to try and make room. This is time-consuming and can result in losing great pictures. Therefore, it is important to have plenty of storage space and, for longer trips, have an extra memory card on hand.
Another part of being prepared is to be mentally prepared to take the picture. By always paying attention to the surroundings and what others are doing, the chance of missing a great shot decreases greatly. Rather than rushing for the camera and hurriedly taking unplanned pictures, photographers should pay close attention to what is going on and anticipate each shot. This will give them time to ready the camera, find the right angle, and capture the moment perfectly.
Capture Every Great Catch
Following these simple tips and tricks listed to improve fishing photography will result in visually stunning and artistic photographs. When photographers play with the angles and focal points of each shot, are familiar with their camera, and are always prepared, the pictures taken will be admired by all.
By bringing a camera along, and knowing just what to do with it, every fishing trip can live forever through the beautiful memories and photographs. Having pictures of these exciting adventures can be priceless as the years pass and the photos allow the trip to be relived again and again. Photographs are also a great way to keep track of trophy catches throughout the years. The fishing memories captured on film will never fade.
