RUSS

"A family that fishes together stays together"

One thing I learnt from Andy (thanks mate!) is the use of the flash, even in daylight to bring out the colours of a fish!

Yeah Russ, I agree, a great idea Tim.

Colin

Using a fill flash is always a good tip Colin.

With digital cameras pretty much everywhere these days it is easy to take a heap of photos from different angles and then go through them at home. It doesnt cost anything as no developing and you can then see how holding the fish on a different angle or taking the photo from a lower position can change the whole effect of the pic. 

** Rockingham Offshore Fishing Club **

With the flash, just make sure if you have a highly reflective flash that the fish isnt angled like a mirror to wash it out. Also, raise the head a little if you're holding it vertically to stop head shadows if you arent using a flash.

Sometimes it can be good to try with and without a flash, as Tim said theres no development cost for digitals so snap away. For action shots, or where I might get blur, I use a multishot (havent tried it on fish though). Some cameras even have bracketing (either aperature, shutter speed or focus).

Some cameras have the ability to save a custom setup, so if you play around with it and find something you like its quite quick to set it to 'fishing' and get good shots. 

Andy Mac seems to know what hes doing, so hopefully he can add some pointers.

I have one trick that I want to use, but I have to wait til I catch a fish and have something other than a disposable camera to use.

--------------

Always interested in someone to go fishing with

Sorry about the bad pun in the title LOL

1) Capture or release - if the species is a release one, be mindful of that before you take it out of its environment.

2) Know you camera - you don't want to be reading the manual out there - you want to be fishing and get the best shot.

3) The sun - done incorrectly, it can be you enemy - done right, and it can be a tool for a great shot. If you are forced to take a shot into the sun, make it a soluette, puting it behind the subject, then use a fill flash.

4) Shadows - if the sun is behind you, be midfull of where shadows are, this can really spoil a good photo.

5) Software - remember that there is a raft of very good software out there!

Colin

Another one that comes to mind is the old rod out of the anglers head trick.

Try and position the subject away from rods in holders etc or frame the pic so that rods, bait boards etc can be cropped out without spoiling the pic.

** Rockingham Offshore Fishing Club **

Not many will agree with me, but  another one is, try NOT to make the fish look bigger by stretching out your arms, as all the viewer will remember is

"Oh that one wasn't that big, he only had his arms stretched out".

Be happy with what ever you caught - at least you caught something. 

1985 Boston Whaler Outrage 18 Johnson 140hp 4stroke

Good to get a landmark into it, so people don't think you're bullshi1ting them, just like that recent North Mole photo has the lighthouse off to the side =)

fill the frame
avoid busy backgrounds
sun on your back
early morning and late afternoon is the best light for a photograph.
If your using an SLR, depth of field and apateur are very important, you can also capture some great effects by ajusting your shutters exposure time. But lets keep things simple fo the time being

Down here, if you find a great spot, especially close in ( I have a snapper spot) - don't give the spot away, as you say Brad with apeture, look at depth of field, 'phase' out the background if you have to.   

Colin

Oh Yes, he was always on the OTHER side of the lens

And RIGHTLY so!

Colin

Thanks  Andy  with any hope i will get my camera back this week and will be able to try again using your tips

Might have a play with it on other things first to get it right  would love to be able to show off my fish to family looking like the ones you took *grin*

RUSS

"A family that fishes together stays together"

SAFETY first – clear deck of hooks, knives, gaffs, blood/slime and kill fish (if a keeper).

Check that horizon is level.

Use a polarising filter (rotate it; if you rotate the camera too).

One colour on shirt…a fluoro or bright shirt can highlight the fish more. Pack a clean ‘photo’ shirt for ‘that’ pic.

Wipe blood off the subject – you and fish.

Sunnies off.

Fill the frame.

If catch and release, have the camera gear ready and a clean rag handy so the photographer can wipe down hands quickly before handling the camera.  This saves time for the fish out of the water.

As said……Take lots of shots (have an empty memory card if fishing with Ryan). 

Cheers Pete

Im not a good photographer but I found you always get a better pic if you keep your horizon level.

A pic with an angled horrizon always looks a little funny.

cheers
Neander

I find that if I see a picture I like the look of, I will borrow (ok steal) that idea. Some of the guys on this site have supplied some fantastic pics, so there are plenty of examples to have a look at.

(Colin 1 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)

The best tip i got from a pro is to push your face a little towards the camera. Not lift or drop, but push. Sounds stupid but makes a huge difference. Why? it gets rid of the double chin. Those with a digital camera try it,it works a treat.

I have noticed that some people with the best intentions use tissues to clean lens . Many brands of tissue are laced with some form of softing agent so its genital on ones nose ,unfortunately it leaves smears on the lens.

Simple rules to follow

For the ideal fishing picture there are several things to keep in mind. First it is a recording of a catch you are proud of and you may not get a chance to retake the picture. Commit a few extra moments to make it a great fishing picture.

(1)White balance the camera

(2)Take the picture straight away for the color of the fish is at its best when alive.

(3)If there is blood on fish wipe it clean.

(4)Get plenty of light on the subject.

(5)Feature the fish first, then the angler. Hold the fish so your hands and arms don't block the view of the fish. The best fishing photos feature the fish

(6)By adding related items to the picture,it will add interest and perspective to your fishing picture

Refence the fish pictures in the Monthly comp there's been some rippers .

lol

any good tips to taking under water pics please

iwas looking at a cover for the video camera but they want $800 so i think i will try an underwater camera 

RUSS

"A family that fishes together stays together"

Hey guys

Looking at buying a 30wLRS but a bit unsure on wat line to put on it braid or mono.Want to use it for BB and trolling .

 Cheers Carlos

 I have had a bit of fun over the last year getting used to a 7d and this is what I aim for. 

1, Flash- almost always used, most cameras you can turn your flash down a few notches to stop the images blowing out.

2, Get yourself a polarising filter. The colours that they add to your images are amazing.

3, Get the clutter out of the background. NO rods, poles, nets...

4, Make sure that what is in the photo is what people want to see. No one want to see the corner of your esky or the hacked up bloody bait board. 

5, Always have the fishes eye in focus. IT IS A MUST!!!

Paul 

 All great comments, waiting for someone to mention how to stablize the boat?

You're a patient man to wait 5 years already, Tom! ha ha. 

Definitely a blast from the past this thread.

Started over 8 years ago. Dont see many of the commenters around anymore