PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR CATCH
You’ve finally landed that trophy lake trout and want to document the moment with a photograph to go into your fishing album. The following are a few pointers to help assure that memory will be properly recorded in history. Be selective on the fish you remove from the water. Not all fish should be subjected to handling and out of water time; reserve it for your trophy.

Be prepared for that moment by planning ahead. When organizing for the trip to Aylmer Lake Lodge, take the time to assure you’ll have the requisite camera gear to record your memories:

Cameras
• If each angler has a camera, you’ll have a backup should one become inoperable.

• Film: if shooting 35 mm, make sure you’ll have enough film. ASA 200 & 400 (for reduced light conditions) are good choices to provide sharp images in a moving boat. Remember not to check your 35 mm film in your checked luggage, as radiation damage will occur. Carry the film as carry-on and consider using a lead shield film storage bag. Digital photography, with a resolution preferably > 4-megapixel camera, offers an excellent option since you don’t pay for film and only pay for your chosen prints. With digital photography, you can take several photographs of the same subject without it costing you.

Batteries
• Make sure you have spares for the week. If the weather is cold, keep in a warm place, i.e., warm inside pocket. If shooting digital, we can charge your batteries at the Main Lodge.

Polarizing filter
• Since we don’t control the time of day we catch the fish, consider having available a polarizing filter, especially during the mid-day, to cut down the glare and bring out the sparkling blue of the water and deepen the blue sky.

Lens cloth or paper
• Water spray and dust can happen and you don’t want that on your lens interfering with your big fish image.

Padded waterproof storage container
• Protect your photographic gear in transit and on the water. This will help keep the camera warm and protected during inclement weather conditions.

Prior to removing the fish from the water make sure you’re ready to snap that picture:
• Have the cameras out and ready to take the photograph. Take two pictures with two cameras (if you have two) if you’ve got that special fish.

• Position the boat for optimal lighting. Have the sun off-center to sidelight or directly in front of the angler.

• The angler should be positioned in the boat where the picture will be taken. Don’t have the angler attempt to walk over fishing gear and boat seats to be positioned while holding the fish.

Composition
• Eliminate distractions and minimize background clutter: a bright blue sky or water makes a nice uncluttered backdrop. Make sure the sky is free of jet contrails.

Fill the frame
• Emphasize the subjects by filling the frame with a close-up of the fish and angler; making sure the entire fish and angler’s head are fully in the frame. Hold the fish horizontally close to the upper body to include the fish and the proud angler. Hold the camera horizontally for this photograph.

Angle of view
• Shoot the picture at eye level or at a slight upward angle toward the subject. Make sure the photographer’s shadow is out of the picture. The horizon, whether it’s land or water, should be as level as possible.

Angler considerations
• Relax your subject & smile; take off sunglasses; don’t have the baseball cap over the face; don’t include alcoholic containers in picture; check clothing and make sure it’s not in disarray.

Fish considerations
• Show little or no blood; hold fish correctly (see Handling Your Fish); make sure fish is turned broadside.

Use fill-flash
• Even in daylight, as this will get rid of shadows and bring out the angler’s face and the detail of the fish.