Tips for the Fisherman on Fish Photographs... How to take a better photo of your trophy
Every angler has Fishing and Fish Photos, ... but are they really trophy photographs that displays your fish well or are they bound for that box of snapshots in the closet?
This article is for the sportsman that wants to take better photos of their catches. It makes no difference whether you practice catch and release or you decided to make a meal out of your fish, you still want to have a good photo of your trophy to remember the moment.
There have been some recent changes in the laws concerning the removal of some species of fish from the water.
Sturgeon is an example of a fish that it is illegal to remove from the water unless the fish is to be harvested. The large protected fish can be subjected to substantial internal injury if they are removed from the support that water provides.
In most cases if the angler wants a really good picture - it requires someone to enter the water and control or cradle the fish while photos are being taken. Usually, if the person that is holding the sturgeon is behind and holding the tail this allows a good pose without stressing the fish. Make sure the head remains in the water to allow it to 'breath'.
Under no circumstances should you drag large sturgeon up onto the beach with most of it’s body out of the water. I know everyone have seen this type of photo but please do not subject these treasures to that type of mishandling.
There are other fish that are also protected by law from removal from the water. Washington, Idaho and Oregon have specific rules dealing with endangered species and how they are to be handled. Read and know the laws.
On to the picture taking. If you are not removing the fish from the water cradle its upper body in one hand keeping your fingers out of the gills - with your other hand grip the tail and then position the fish at a angle. This position gives the photographer the side to focus and photograph. The fish never leaves the water but you can take a great picture of it
Always take a couple of different photos from slightly different angles. Each one will display differently, watch for any sharp reflections that may spoil your picture.
If the angler is removing the fish from the water for photographs have things planned before removing it. Consider light, shadows and any distracting items in the background.
When you decide everything is ready for the picture lift, pose and snap. Take a couple of quick shots and then return the fish to the water. Hold your breath starting the moment you lift that fish...it should never be held out of the water longer than you can hold your breath...less is even better.
It is the fisherman's responsibility to make sure the fish is revived and strong enough to swim proberly before releasing. Do not put you fingers under the gill plates or in the gills…do not squeeze the body and always have wet hands when you handle any live fish. .
If you are harvesting your catch you should position it much the same. Cradle the fish’s body just behind the head and with your other hand grasp the tail and position the fish in front of you. A little extension of the arms will make the fish look somewhat larger but use this ‘trick’ sparingly or you will look like your hands are very oversized. No one is fooled when this little tactic is over used.
Make sure you clean up any blood that might be showing on the body. The fish will photograph best if it is wet and right after being caught. Time will cause the skin to mottle and the colors will fade.
The fishing photos you take will be trophy pictures that don’t fit into the category of dead fish snapshots.
My suggestion is if you have several large fish that have been harvested pick the best one for pictures…forget the meat picture of dead hanging fish.
It takes a little thought and preparation but in the end you can frame these pictures and hang them on your wall for all to see.
Two good examples of handling fish for photos. The sturgeon is not subjected to any lifting and is nicely supported by the water. The Bass is being supported and displayed well.
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