Taking good fish photos.

Now I may not be a highly skilled photographer but I have a few tips for getting better pictures next time you go fishing. Spending a few extra minutes planning what you want for a picture before you actually catch a fish, will allow you to quickly set up and photograph the fish to permit a quick release if you choose.
Most angler photos tend to be the grab and grin type. Here is me with a fish.

Some common problems is with the hold. Present the fish to the camera, be aware of where your hands are and try to keep your arms and hands behind the fish and if you hold it by the gill flap keep your hold to the side closest to yourself.
This is the biggest smallmouth bass we have ever caught. It weighed 7lbs 12oz and in our excitement we didn't follow some basics and it was released back into Lake Simcoe without getting a good photo. Poor hold and low angle does not show the tremendous size of the fish.

The more body in the photo the less focus on the fish. You don't need to hold them way out but keep the fish up and zoom the camera in to center the fish in the frame and eliminate background, unless that is what your after.

Consider trying some different angles and photos that don't involve a person holding them. Some of my best pictures are just fish. Now that may be because I'm not in the photo but it's a great way to show off your catch. Plus if your fishing a secret spot, you don't need to have any background in the frame. When submitting photos for sponsors or some form of media. These pictures tend to generate the most interest.

Try taking pictures when the fish is still hooked in the water or being released. Play with angles and take lots of pictures. The beauty of the new digital cameras is the high resolution and storage capacity of photos. If I'm fishing with someone else, I generally start taking pictures during the fight and continue until the fish is released.

Have fun and be creative.

Rice Lake Fishing Festival