It has come to our attention that some anglers take photos which do not do them or their fish justice! Here are some pointers to achieve that perfect shot that you can look back on for years to come!
HOW NOT TO TAKE PICTURES
Cameraman is too far away.
The photo should just be you and the fish and the surrounding foliage. Make effort to ensure no rods, landing nets, rubbish, bivvies or vehicles get in the shot.
Hold the fish with arms at a 90 degree angle, not fully stretched to the floor or out towards the camera. This makes the fish the main emphasis of the photo and gives you a clear picture of the size of it.
Smile or look at the fish to show how chuffed you are with your catch! Also, avoid looking down the lens on night shots as you will look startled.
Not on phones. If you are serious about your fish pictures, get a camera that is at least 10 megapixels, and if you fish by yourself, a tripod for self takes.
HOW TO TAKE PICTURES
Correct framing. Cameraman closer than above. The length of the fish should be across from one side of the picture to the other, with a little bit of space either side.
Find a suitable background like shrubs and trees. It looks good and allows cameras to focus better. If it is a sunny day try to find a shaded spot for your picture so that the background is not 'bleached out' by the sun.
Same fish as above, but now held with elbows at 90 degrees, therefore looking low double and not mid single! The fish should also be straight with its dorsal fin going straight up to the sky, not on an angle.
Squat or crouch on one knee. If you are on both knees your body will swing if the fish kicks, therefore making it less stable and the fish more likely to be stressed.
Hold the fish with your fingers either side of the pectoral and anal fins, and just enough round to gain control of it. The picture should be of the fish, not your hands. Also, if the fish does kick you can just roll it back onto your forearms to calm it down.
Do not just take our word for it. A quick google search will find articles on this. Like these, Take an awesome photo of your catch in ten easy steps The art of good carp care and photography and How to take better catch shots at night.