Taking cracking photos
Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:26 pm
There is nothing better than catching a good fish. There is nothing better than recording the fact for yourself or for later publishing online or in a magazine. The “trophy shot” can be a super shot but there’s some things to be considered in order to get that perfect shot:
Firstly, forget about the superstitions regarding having a camera in you bag or tacklebox. Carry your camera on all occasions
We’ll assume that people are using a compact digital camera.
Mobile phone cameras are really not up to taking good pictures.
A 3 million megapixel camera is more than adequate.
Select the highest resolution available.
Always take the picture in the context of where it is caught. Boat caught fish should be taken on board. Shore caught fish should be pictured on the shoreline. Pictures taken in the pub or backyard do not work!
If you are worried that your secret mark will be revealed then it is often better to get above the subject and take the picture into the boat with the sea behind. From the shore, select an angle that does not include landmarks.
If you can’t take a picture of the live fish then be careful how the fish is stored. Pictures of a fish bent and discoloured from a fishbox or bag do not work!
In this respect, ideally the fish should be pictured when alive/fresh.
Watch for lighting. Have the sun behind the person taking the picture. If it is dark or gloomy then use the flash. Even in good light conditions it is often advisable to use a flash anyway, it can show off the fish to great effect. You will have to set the camera to “forced flash”. Experiment with your flash, you may have a “fill in” flash setting that will make many pictures look brilliant. On my little Sony camera that I use for all pictures the fill in is the “SL” setting.
Watch your focus. On my camera (normally on an “auto” setting) it is best to half press the button first, the camera will focus properly and then when the button is pressed you’ll get a good result.
Take a few shots at a time. You’d be surprised how sick you’ll be if you notice that you have chopped the head off your subject when you check out the pics at home!
Finally, don’t be afraid to fill the screen with the fish. In most cases you want the fish to be the main object of the photo.
If putting the picture on-line then it is best to size down the picture. (a simple way to do this is to use your email programme).
Happy snapping.
I’m no expert on photos so feel free to add any other helpful hints.
Firstly, forget about the superstitions regarding having a camera in you bag or tacklebox. Carry your camera on all occasions
We’ll assume that people are using a compact digital camera.
Mobile phone cameras are really not up to taking good pictures.
A 3 million megapixel camera is more than adequate.
Select the highest resolution available.
Always take the picture in the context of where it is caught. Boat caught fish should be taken on board. Shore caught fish should be pictured on the shoreline. Pictures taken in the pub or backyard do not work!
If you are worried that your secret mark will be revealed then it is often better to get above the subject and take the picture into the boat with the sea behind. From the shore, select an angle that does not include landmarks.
If you can’t take a picture of the live fish then be careful how the fish is stored. Pictures of a fish bent and discoloured from a fishbox or bag do not work!
In this respect, ideally the fish should be pictured when alive/fresh.
Watch for lighting. Have the sun behind the person taking the picture. If it is dark or gloomy then use the flash. Even in good light conditions it is often advisable to use a flash anyway, it can show off the fish to great effect. You will have to set the camera to “forced flash”. Experiment with your flash, you may have a “fill in” flash setting that will make many pictures look brilliant. On my little Sony camera that I use for all pictures the fill in is the “SL” setting.
Watch your focus. On my camera (normally on an “auto” setting) it is best to half press the button first, the camera will focus properly and then when the button is pressed you’ll get a good result.
Take a few shots at a time. You’d be surprised how sick you’ll be if you notice that you have chopped the head off your subject when you check out the pics at home!
Finally, don’t be afraid to fill the screen with the fish. In most cases you want the fish to be the main object of the photo.
If putting the picture on-line then it is best to size down the picture. (a simple way to do this is to use your email programme).
Happy snapping.
I’m no expert on photos so feel free to add any other helpful hints.