Please understand I’m far from a professional photographer, but I have spent some time with people who make their living doing it. Professional photographers are absolutely amazing in how they see their canvas. I truly appreciate the ones who don’t use anything, but the lighting and the ambiance of the setting they have. Here is what I have learned from them and still learning.

1. Buy the best DSLR camera you can afford. Buy a couple of different lenses. Use the best SD cards possible. Get one SD card for pictures and one for video. Polarized lens makes all the difference in shooting on the water.
2. The camera store you buy from, should offer classes on how to use your camera. If they don’t offer classes, then ask if they offer private lessons. This will put you way ahead of the curve on using your camera and getting the right equipment. If they don’t offer classes look on internet in your area for professional photography and call them to see, if they offer lessons.

   

   

   

   

   
   
3. Take as many pictures as you can, even if they are wrong you can delete them. Look at the pictures on your computer and delete from there. I like to use Light Room to enhance my good pictures. Try different angles, focus on the animal or fish and capture the real prize.
4. When shooting any image, try to position the sun behind or to the side of the photographer. This allows the natural lights on the subject. It will also eliminate shadows in the picture.
5. Always frame the picture with 1/3 of the scenery in the picture, so the ambiance of the moment is shown.
6. If you can get always remember to wear bright colors, it will truly enhance your fishing pictures. Remove sunglasses, hats, and buffs on some of the shots. It will give more depth and detail to your pictures, but most importantly it will capture the expression of the person in the picture.
7. Keep the fish in the water and only pull out when ready. This means get everything ready, while someone is keeping the fish in the water. Try to get a picture with the water dripping off the fish or just coming out of the water. Focus on the fish only. Have the person holding the fish to smile or look at the fish.
8. Take pictures without the fish, just focus on the person fishing, the reel, the rod, or a casting motion, look for creatures along the way to capture. If sight fishing try to get the eat or just the fish swimming along. Place the angler in the edge of photo to add ambiance and give a perspective of what is going on to the audience.

If you are interested in contacting a professional outdoor photographer send me an email at jasoncatchings@aol.com and I will send you some information.

Tight Lines,

Captain Jason Catchings

281-389-4548

www.jasoncatchings.com