Fishing Photography

I'm not a world class or professional photographer. I'm a fishing guide. So I don't claim expertise in picture taking but I WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE GOT TO GET AWAY FROM GRIP & GRIN PHOTOS.

We all love the hero shot, and I am guiltier than most, but how many more silly 16" rainbow shots do we need? Take the monster shot when that magic moment occurs and put it on your wallpaper or slide show on your desk. Reminding ourselves of the many highlights in fishing is certainly part of the fun. Think about making your next fishing excursion into a photo essay. That's what the pros do, push the button frequently and often!

Scenery Shots: Easy to take while drifting down the river, walking to your secret spot (only to find your former fishing pal walking out with a full stringer), or just wandering alongside the river in your fishing ride. Find situations that catch your eye; neat trees, landscapes, birds, mink, whitefish( sort of scenery?!) I suggest pushing the button as many times as you see anything/something interesting. I really believe that it takes me about 100 exposures to get the cool result. Remember, it digital. Won't cost you nothin'

Fishing Action Shots: I enjoy these as much or more than Grip & Grin. All the cool fun events that happen before and after the catch. Casting, fighting fish, laughing, your buddy pissing in the boat & the guides reaction, other boats floating by and the like. Every fishing portfolio needs plenty of Fly Fishing Action shots. They tell the story behind the big fish of the trip.

Point of View Photos: Try fooling around with different angles, cropping effects, shooting into infinite, unique and quirky perspectives, and staying away from the norm.

Explore your Photo Software: It really is fun to play with your fishing pics and tweak them with your software. This is a facet that I need to do more with but am learning slowly. Go to the extremes and discover how far you can take it.

On-Line Photo Albums: I hate to admit this because I once believed these were cheesy. They are damn cool. If not for yourself, for your grandmother in Vero Beach. Click on the link and see how many different options are available. Order one for your fishing pals, and bring yours to work to piss off your co-workers.

Buy a DSLR: These are outstanding toys/tools. Take your photos to the next level. Digital SLR's are affordable, open your eyes to a whole new world of pics, a plethora of lens options, fabulous filters, and proprietary digital editing software. If you enjoy sitting in the back of the boat, this is your next purchase. I cannot say enough about SLR's, the sky is the limit! Beware of lens envy and buy the best tri-pod you can afford. 

The rule of thumb is take lots of pictures while mixing up your game. This entry is meant to get your brain going while taking fishing photos. Include more than the obvious. Keep the camera out and within reach at all times and you will get the killer shots.  Still take the hero shot, but add the background info, the plot, and even a cliche sunset. I do.