Taking Great Photos on your Fly-in Fishing Vacation
If you're interested in the fly-in fishing experience at Oak Lake Lodge, you need to master fish photography before you come. Why? Because we utilize a unique “catch and release” fish management system. This helps us maintain a steady population of the biggest fish in Canada.
Unfortunately, it means you won't be able to take your fish home.
However, one look at our fishing photo wall shows just how exciting a great fishing shot can look. Mastering this art will help you share your monster catch with your friends and family. Follow these tips to take the best fishing shots of your life!
Checking the Camera
Take a few hours to simply play with your camera and its settings. Learn how to set it to “auto focus” so you don't have to fiddle around with that during a battle with a fish.
However, you should also make sure to set your ISO to a reasonable level (about 200-400 should be good for day fishing shots) as well as your aperture (4.5 is perfect). Shutter speed should be around 500-1,000, depending on the light.
Watch for Condensation
When you're out on the lake, you need to make sure that you store your camera in a water-tight container with the lens cap on. If you don't take these precautions, your lens will be filled with condensation. This will make your shot blurry and can even ruin your lens if the water seeps inside.
Set It To Action Shot
You don't have to limit your fish photography to just a single “trophy” shot. Instead, you can use the “action shot” setting to take multiple pictures of its capture and release.
Action shot takes multiple pictures as long as you hold down the shutter, allowing you to get multiple great shots.
Clear the Shot
Before taking any photos, make sure to clear any extraneous items out of the way. These items include such obvious obstacles as a fishing pole, a tackle box, or even a water bottle.
However, you should also make sure other fishermen stand back and avoid getting parts of their body in the shot. This will help ensure a great, focused, and clear shot.
Avoid Centering the Shot
Photography is all about avoiding centering the shot: this creates a static and uninteresting photo. Instead, break up the image into “thirds” and try to position the body of the fisherman along the intersection of the far left thirds. The fish can then be positioned along the right third. This creates a more dynamic and interesting shot.
Properly Hold the Fish
Holding a fish properly requires handling a very slippery and afraid animal that will try to fight out of the hands holding them. Keeping one still for a photo is tricky, but not impossible. Simply have the person stand with their arms in front of them and their hands in a “cupping” position. Now, place the fish in their hands.
This presents the side of their body for the best picture. The person holding the fish needs to squeeze very slightly to keep the fish still. Then, it can be easily released back into the water without suffering from too much air exposure.
However, you can also have the person hold the fish vertically and away from their body by placing their thumb on its bottom lip and the rest of their fingers on the bottom jaw. The fish shouldn't be able to bite or squirm away from such a grip.
Now that you know how to take great fish pictures,you're ready for the full fly in fishing experience at Oak Lake Lodge! We offer luxurious cabins, amazing food, and the most exciting private fishing experience in Canada. Please contact us today to make your reservation. You'll be glad you did!