Fishing is an exciting and thrilling sport that attracts millions of people around the world. Whether you’re a professional angler or a hobbyist, capturing the moment of catching a fish can be an excellent way to preserve the memory of your fishing trip. However, you may have heard; no one wants to see your dead fish pictures (especially on your dating app profile). But when done right, a good fish picture can truly impress viewers and add to your bragging rights. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to take GREAT fish pics that will lure viewers into your fish story.
The first thing to consider when taking a fish pic is lighting. Good lighting is essential for any photo, and fish pics are no exception. Try to take pictures during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm (this is often times when the bite is hot anyway). But catching fish during the middle of the day when the sun is high and harsh is common too. In these cases be conscious of shadows on the anglers face and their fish (hats, fishing poles, T-tops and other things can cast distracting shadows on what should be the pictures focal point; the fish and angler’s face)
The angle of your photo is another crucial aspect to consider. Avoid taking photos from above the angler and their fish. Instead, try to capture the image from the side or from a slightly lower angle to showcase the size and beauty of the fish.
The background of your photo can make or break the image. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the beauty of the fish and the angler.
Try to choose a clean, simple background that will not detract from the focal point of the photo. Also, try to incorporate some of the natural surroundings, such as the water or the sky, to add depth and interest to the image.
When it comes to holding the fish for the picture, it’s essential to handle the fish with care (we’re not cavemen anymore, we’re sportsmen and women). Avoid holding the fish by the gills or the eyes, as this can cause damage to the fish. Instead, cradle the fish gently and support it with both hands (be careful not to cover/block the fish with your hands/fingers or extend the fish too far away from your body). Also, avoid squeezing the fish too tightly as this can cause harm or death to the fish. Remember, the fish is the star of the photo, and it’s important to treat it with respect and care… even if you plan to eat it.
Displaying dead fish on the bow or in a cooler may be a common practice, but it’s not as impressive or attractive as a single fish in a high quality, well thought out photo.
In conclusion, taking quality artistic photos of anglers and their fish is an opportunity to capture and enhance the moment. So remember; with proper lighting, angles, backgrounds, and fish handling techniques, you can capture stunning images that will preserve the memory of your fishing trip for years to come.
I’ve provided two example pictures of the same fish and same location (the fish was caught by Chuck, not me, in a Flagler Sportfishing Club Tournament). The “Bad” example shows a cluttered/busy background, my hands covering a lot of the fish, elbows extended, and no smile just as a few examples. The “Better” example (and it’s still not great) is closer up, has a cleaner background, fingers tucked, bent elbows, and a smile.
The best photo would’ve been from the boat or shoreline while the fish was alive with the water as the background.
Hope this helps and I look forward to seeing some better fish pictures in the future.
Captain Adam Morley