According to Scott: December 2006

Since I started writing for GCC I have always encouraged readers to participate by emailing me ideas or topics to discuss. Over the months the list has grown and I recently realized that it has been a while since I have tackled any of the subject matter so- this month I am going to take something from the list. One of the most requested topics is- tips on how to take better fishing pictures.

Well before I get to the tips, let me give you just a little information about cameras. So many people think that you need an expensive SLR (single lens reflex) camera to take good pictures and I am here to tell you, that just is not the case. Many of the images that I have had published over the years have been captured with your run-of-the-mill 4 mega-pixel digital point and shoot cameras.

Since digital imagery has become commonplace, point and shoot cameras have come a long way. In fact, if all a person is interested in is maybe blowing the occasional shot up to an 8X10, a 2 or 3 mega-pixel camera capable of shooting only jpeg images is all that is needed. Now, with that being said- here are a few very simple pointers to help you better preserve you memories from the water.

Pick a Subject

The first tip I offer you is to pick a subject. To do this you must first decide- what is the subject? Is it the fish or the angler? If the fish is the subject, make it the focus of the picture by centering it up and bringing it forward and away from the angler. If your goal is to capture the angler with his catch, all that is necessary is to balance out the image as I have done in the example.

Fill the Frame

Next, it is important to fill the frame. This can be accomplished two ways. Either move closer to the subject or use a zoom. I always opt for the first method. I always try to get as close to the subject as my minimum focus point will allow. By doing this it allows your camera to meter the subject better, making for a better exposure, and it also produces sharper images.

Eliminate Clutter

So many good pictures are ruined because there is just entirely too much going on in the frame. To avoid this- always position the subject in such a manner to avoid capturing clutter such as soda cans and potato chip bags on the console or any other distracting elements.

Use a Flash

Use your flash even during the middle of the day. For many, this is a concept that cannot be grasped. "Why would I use a flash during the middle of the day," they ask. The reason is because when the sun is high it creates the worst kind of shadows- the kind that hides the smiling face of a happy angler. As a rule I use a flash all day long unless I intend on shooting a silhouette. To do this you must override the auto flash setting that most point and shoots have and turn the flash on. Also, most point and shoots have a low strobe output so getting close to the subject is very important for a correct exposure.

Anyway, hope to have given you all something to help you bring back some great memories from your next trip to the coast.

Merry Christmas and the best of tides,
Scott