With every client I take fishing, I always look forward to taking a memorable photograph of fish and angler so they will have the memory to share and can cherish the moment forever.
Today's world of catch and release fishing has coined yet another acronym, CPR. No not the one where you beat on someone's chest, hold their nose and blow air in their mouth, although it is sort of related. This CPR stands for Catch-Photo-Release. For this whole scenario to work, you obviously have to catch a fish first. Before it is released, most anglers like to have a memory of their trophy in the form of a photograph. Finally the angler gently resuscitates the fish and lets it swim on to freedom to fight another day.
I learned from pure experience what makes pictures work and those that consistently failed. To be sure you get a good photo before the release; here are some tips from a professional writer and photographer.
The following suggestions mighthelp you become a better photographer.
* Think of yourself behind the cameraas simply taking an instant slice of history and the action occurring. In other words, candid shots of anglers fighting a fish, landing andreleasing itduring afish-fight are far more interesting.
*Particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, ask people to remove their hats or use the camera's fill-flash to avoid a shadowing effect that makes faces too dark.
*Before pressing the shutter to take a picture, let your eyes wander in the viewfinder to see if unnecessary and distracting objects (such as a soda can) shouldbe removed or the angle changed to eliminate them.
*Speaking of angles, change the angles often to give a more interesting perspective. Instead of shooting from your eye level all the time, stoop down or stand on something to give a unique look to a typical scene. In the same vein, shoot vertically at times and not alwayshorizontally.
*Instead of white tee shirts, ask your fishing buddies towear something more colorful. This makes the anglers and fish stand out better against the typical whiteness of a deck,gunnels, andthe bodies of most fish, too.
*Tell the captain thatyou'd like to snap a couple of pictures just asthe fish are released. In this way, he'llpausea momentto give you that chance.
I hope these ideas will improve your times on the water. There is nothing better than fighting a trophy fish on the flats in shallow water, taking a memorable photo and then releasing to allow the fish to fight another day.
Thanks for these great suggestions, Doug Kelly.
Capt. Gary Burch
www.allcatchcharters.com
727 458-6335