Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing Photography
Fly fishing is compared to hunting by many anglers: it’s a graceful, unconventional, tricky way to fish. It takes practice to be successful, not only near the river but on land as well. One can say unequivocally: time spent on preparation, will be more than compensated by adrenaline and off-scale positive emotions from every fish, brought to the shore. Of course, it is difficult to take a picture that conveys all the beauty of the moment. But by practicing you can make such a shot that you will be proud to share on all social networks, and the best editing apps for Instagram will make it even better! At Skylum’s blog, you’ll find all the information you need. Today we’re going to share a few tips to help you get that perfect shot.
Go fishing as often as possible
Very often it happens that the best shot is not something that was thought out and planned, but one that was taken completely by accident, just by catching the right moment. So, the more often you fish, the more chances you have to capture the right moment and make a great shot. In addition, you will gain experience, you will know the best places to photograph, the best angles, and the most appropriate time, for example, during sunset. Then you’ll be ready and you won’t miss the opportunity to get the perfect photo.
Get good photographic equipment
If you’re aiming for a professional level of photography, your equipment needs to be appropriate. Of course, you should be guided by your abilities, but do not purchase outright cheap gear. Especially you should pay attention to the lenses. Try to choose a model that allows you to make high-quality pictures even in low-light conditions. This way you can easily achieve the desired result and spend less time on post-processing.
Use the manual mode
Remember that the result of your shooting depends not so much on the quality of your equipment, but on your professional skills. A true pro should know the ins and outs of using his/her equipment. By working in manual mode you have complete control over the process of shooting and it will help you develop your style. There are several ways to learn how to work in manual mode:
- Constant practice. This is one of the best options. If you practice something diligently over a long time, it won’t take long to get results. But there is a downside, you may make the same mistakes simply because you don’t know how to fix them. Then the following advice will work for you.
- Watch the video tutorials. Seriously, nowadays it’s just a perfect way to learn something new. You can find videos devoted to working with your type of gear and you’ll learn all the cool tricks that will help you with your work.
- Tips from a professional. It’s great if you have the opportunity to talk to a person who is a master of his craft and can teach you. Unfortunately, not every aspiring photographer has someone to turn to. But don’t feel bad, the first and second tips will work great for you.
Work on the composition of the frame
When taking pictures of fly fishing always keep composition in mind. Do you feel like a good catch and big fish will always look good in the frame? Absolutely not! The smallest fish photographed with good composition will look much more spectacular than a huge fish snapped somehow. Take a few shots, and change the angle. Find leading lines in your shots and try to create depth perception. Work on composition, as it is one of the most important components of an image.
Capture the entire fishing process
Why do we go fishing? Is it just for the catch? No, of course, first and foremost for the process. Great views, relaxing by the water, and the company of friends all make for a great atmosphere. Capture these wonderful moments so you can enjoy them again later. Even if it’s the day you have a nibble, the process can also look exciting. Plus, here’s another great opportunity to get more practice.
Don’t be afraid of risky situations
When photographing fly fishing you have to understand that you can’t do without risks. At the very least, there is water around and the camera can get splashed. Of course, you should be careful and not rush towards the adventure thoughtlessly. But bad weather or water droplets on your equipment is something you will definitely have to deal with. If you’re worried about the safety of your camera, get a three-point slinger. It will keep your equipment securely in place and allow you to quickly retrieve it if needed.
Be careful when handling the fish
Take this very seriously, especially if your method of fishing is catch-and-release. Try not to injure it and photograph it as quickly as possible so that the fish returns to its natural habitat as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
We hope that our tips will help you fully enjoy the process of fly fishing and you will get some amazing shots! Share your successes on the profile of your favorite social network. Use the best editing apps for Instagram to make your pictures real masterpieces! Read Skylum’s blog to learn how to do it. We wish you good luck!
