Take Better Photos of Your Catch

troutLet’s be honest, some people really love to take pictures of the fish they catch. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course; looking back on great memories from our time on the water is a big part of the sport. For those who are a little more serious about their fishing—guides and homemade tackle makers, for example—the pictures you take might need to be a little more professional than simple shots from a smartphone or disposable camera. Keep reading for tips on how to take pictures of your fish that would make Ansel Adams jealous.

For a great shot, think about what you want it to look like beforehand. Make sure the angler in the shot is smiling and looking at the camera, not their fish. Also, centered subjects are for yearbook photos; posing the subject off center makes for a more dramatic effect. If you’re using waders, have the angler pose in the water to create an exciting shot.

Obviously, the fish is the subject of your photo. To make for a more appealing photo, make sure the fish is healthy, and that it’s wet and has good color. Try to focus on the eye of the fish, as this will allow for a good focal point for the shot. It’s also good to include the lure and your tackle in the picture (some people keep their lure in the fish’s mouth.) Also, don’t grip the fish by the mouth or use a gripping device. Instead, cradle the fish by the belly to keep it safe and provide a more aesthetic pose. Finally, try to pose the fish just above the water if you can; this makes for a good shot.

With a DSLR camera, you can take many pictures in a short amount of time, which means you can take several photos of each particular shot. Furthermore, you can instantly see your photos and adjust as needed. Also, with a DSLR, you can do cool things such as minimize the background focus to sharpen the focus on the angler and the fish.

Like I said, not everyone needs to concern themselves with taking amazing photos of their fish, but it’s in the best interest of those anglers who rely on their fishing to put food on the table to bring some professionalism to their photos. The tips outlined today will help you get started on this task and make your fishing memories that much more exciting to look back on.