Fraser River Sturgeon
Brighter coloured jackets would add more interest to the photo (won't help you catch fish). Fortunately it was a sunny day so the greens are bright. You can just see their eyes under the ball cap brims but it would have made a better photo with caps off.
by Perry Mack
There are a lot of great 'How to' books on digital photography out there, I especially like books from Tom Ang including his 'How to Photograph Absolutely Everything'. Rather than repeat what you can read anywhere I'll list a few pointers specific to the challenges we see in many photographs - often from submissions to The Sport Fishing Guide.
Off with the Ball Caps and Sunglasses
On sunny days we often wear ball caps and sun glasses. A photo should show that we're having a good time - and that means smiling faces. Ball caps and many other hats throw a shadow over your subjects face. Sunglasses have a similar effect. Have you ever heard the expression 'laughing eyes'? Have you ever seen a 'fake smile'? Eyes communicate happiness and are a key ingredient to a compelling photograph.
Turn Your Camera Sideways
Portrait orientation images help with the magazine layout and these photos are selected for the cover shots. Since so few photographers do this you have a better chance of getting a photo published if you are a photographer who does.
Colourful Clothing On Cloudy Days
It comes as no surprise to anyone that the sun doesn't always shine. Flat light and grey days make to tough to shoot a great photograph. However, if your subjects are wearing bright coloured jackets it makes the picture come alive.
Don't Crop Too Close
Composing a great photograph often includes cropping the original image. Images that go to the edge of a page are called 'bleeds', because part of the image extends beyond the page layout and is cut off to prevent a white edge. If you leave your images uncropped, or not as tightly cropped, the graphic designer has more opportunities to use your photo effectively.
No Blood
There's going to be some blood when you're out fishing but it makes a photograph less appealing, so give your trophy a rinse before you hold it up!