Yeah, I wish!

Honestly, though, it's one of my ultimate goals to get one of my photos published in STS. I refuse to wear a STS hat, so I have to take the alternative approach.

Maybe people like FP can help me here. He seems to take a good shot. Without playing a fish to near death, how does one haul a fish half out of water, expect it to just lay there, and get that Perfect Shot with the fish next to the fish rod for perspective?

Here's my latest attempt at one of those "live fish, just caught, calmly sitting out of water and awaiting a photo" photos. Um....needless to say, I failed.

Unfortunately for me, they say you are your own worst critic!

Parker....that's a hilarious "key" you have on your photo there. I've seen some of your photos and think you do a very good job.
For me, in order to get the "Perfect Photo" to have enlarged or whatever, I take 3 photos. Then I use the best of the 3 for the enlargement. If the fish is going to be released, I keep a close watch on the fish and only place its' head out of the water right before the camera clicks for the shot. As you know, you can line up all your scenary, place the angler, etc. without removing the fishes head from the water until the camera is ready to shoot.
They make great Christmas presents for fishing buddies.
Again though, funny shot above.
x

parker,

Keep trying.....all it takes is lots of film.

A couple things:

Use slow film and compensate with flash when necessary.

Many mags prefer pics taken on slide film.

Think numbers. The more pics you click, the better the chance that one of them will be "the" photo. It's not always the one you think will be good that turns out being good.

There's no glory in being behind the camera.....being in front of the camera is more glamorous!

film? What's that?

Here's a good pic of a buck steelie I caught in the Snoqualmie.

Parker, I take alot of pictures but usually only one of each fish that we catch. I try to do a minimal amount of handleing of the fish. Snap and letem' go.. I really enjoy takeing a picture and then let them swim away. Gots lots of dead fish pictures too, but I like the releasers better. I have several thousand pictures and like to play with them. Thank you BOB for letting us do just that. Just try to get the lighting behind me and always use the flash.
After each trip I then send the pictures via email, to my clients, that have email, and they always seem to enjoy them when they get home.

Now, I also enjoy your captions on the pictures you send in. How do I get a function on my PC that will do that? And why are you always in the picture?jk...I never get in one. Betcha I could find a way to spend more time on my pictures. I can see it now, massive backlashes, limbs landed, rocks landed, broken rods and me sleeping, or clients sleeping while we should be paying more attention.
Having fun is whats it's all about and hope nobody gets tired of seeing a few.fp

Hey Parker, I'm confused. I thought that was you on page 31 of the Dec/Jan STS? That guy looks a hell of lot like you IMO if it isn't you. Your twin brother perhaps?

Hey Jacob F,Nice pink worm!!!! I gotta get a fish on one soon. I just keep trying, it'l work sometime.

Wow, it does kind of look like a worm doesn't it? It's actually a pink fur jig.

Parker,
That fish just didnt whant to cooperate.

Could'nt start my recon yesterday as we had a blow out on the way to the river and it ruined out trip. Dont think it mattered anyways as we didnt start our day till about noon and I heard that the Bogie was a complete madhouse. Fifty boats from the dimmel drift to the tall timbers hole.

In about 4 hours I will be doing a little Nate recon on a less crowded drift on a river to the north. We will be floating Bear Creek so im expecting a few less boats than the hatchery run on the Bogie.

Weather willing we will have round 2 of Parker and Rich G on the OP late next week. Dont expect me to let you catch all the fish like last time though.

If we are lucky we will have a few more nates in the mix by the time you come back.

fp, that water running off of that fish in your shot is key. You can't hold it out of the water for long and still get that effect.

Unless, of course, you like to dip 'em again right before you take the shot.

Krome - Heck no that ain't me!!! My twin? Guess I don't see the similarities there. Look at that picture again. Notice that both he and the fish have that same glazed-eyes look. Too funny!

F/P - I usually try to get the person I'm fishing with to take a photo when I get a fishy. Some turn out OK, some don't. I've got a lot of "misses". Oh well.

Parker,

First things first. It isn't for me to tell you how to run your life, but as ultimate goals go, I sure hope better for you. While STS is many rungs up the journalistic ladder from F&H News, it remains pretty much a "kiss & tell" fishing rag. You might aim higher and consider a quality publication.

As for photos, consider a short course in photography if you're serious. Key points that editors look for (or so I'm told):
1) Pictures of people are more interesting than those without. A photo of someone playing a fish that cannot be seen (action shot) appeals more than one of a live or dead fish laying on the gravel bar. Of course, if the photo includes the angler and the fish (jumping) then that's one of the best.
2) Divide the frame into thirds, either vertically or horizontally. For some reason, the human eye is attracted to that.
3) Don't avoid diagonal lines in the photo either. That can break up the frame as well as horizontal or vertical lines. (A diagonal rod in an arc as a fish is played can work well for this shot.)

There are lots of techniques to turn "snapshots" into "photos." BTW, I don't follow my own advice often either. I'm usually fishing solo and have more shots of fish laying at my feet in shallow water than I ever want to look at again.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Bogie Pair

The power of 3!! The triangle is considered the strongest shape in the universe and many elements of design, art and anything visual revolves around 3's and triangles.

All I can say is skunked. Three guys in the boat and two bites all day. Oh yeah, I think I got frost bite in my toes too. We even went to the Bogie after Bear Creek and still nothin not even a bite.

You cannot get a good picture of a steelhead you are going to release with the fish NOT being harmed no matter how hard you try! More of the proponents to C&R are advocating taking a picture of the pretty little fish. Either after it has been netted, pulled up on the beach or completely wore out on the end of the line!
We all know that to properly turn a fish loose we need to land it as quickly as possible..... handle it none or very little and get it swimming free as sson as possible.....right? Take a picture of it in the water or leave the camera at home.

I totally disagree Buddyduc!!! Maybe taking pics is bad news if your trying to strike a pose for a minute or two with a fish. I do agree that you should land fish ASAP! When landed keep the fish in the water until you're ready, hold the steelie up, take pic, let mr steelie go! A good rule of thumb is hold your own breath while handling the fish, if u need air so does he!

bduc,

Sorry, but that's a load of crap. Standing around with a fish in your hands while your buddy digs for the camera, adjusts the focus and light meter, has you change poses, etc. is bad for a fish. Leaving the fish in the water while the camera is being readied, and then a quick lift and snap a couple frames is not a big deal. The photo lasts a lifetime, and the fish suffers no harm if you do it right. This whole idea that any handling of a fish will lead to its death sounds like some PETA bull$hit line to me. That doesn't mean you should drag a fish you intend to release into the sand, across the rocks, drop it in the boat and let it flail around, or play it until it bellies up. But making it sound like if you take a photo of a fish you release is sentencing them to death is a little flaky if you ask me.

Just out of curiosity, what do you think of statewide mandatory release of wild steelhead?

Salmo G:


Whoa S.F., did they decline to publish your picture or what? Remember that 2 STS columnists are active members here, Bill Herzog and myself. Bill reads more, I post more. That was a slap in our faces, and many others as well. What you've incorrectly portrayed STS as would be like me saying your NMFS is a devious gutless rag doll that's told when, where, and how high to jump by NW Indians and money hungry Wash. D.C. bureaucrats intent on taking funds away from fish restoration to make the rich even richer. Only that portrayal is more accurate than yours. ...

What magazine that focus's mostly on NW salmon and steelhead fishing is a better magazine than STS? ... It remains very popular among serious NW and mid-west fishers. ... And consider the paint joke explaination before putting that all on STS.

RT

Edit: Now in keeping with upcoming efforts to improve the demeanor of the BB, my post here is a good example of a bit of an over-reation. But instead if editing it down, I'll leave it up as an example to improve upon. (Hope Salmo will too next time.)

[ 12-23-2001: Message edited by: RT ]

BK -
I to have used the analogy of keeping fish out of water no longer than I can hold my breath as a guideline for years. However in recently thinking about the validity of that rule I feel it needs to be updated. "Hold the fish out of water no longer than you can hold your breath after running a 6 minute mile" - then would be truly comparable to the fish's situation.

It should be clear to all that restraining a fish for additonal time needed for a picture does increase the stress under which the fish is placed. I certainly under stand the desire for a picture of an exception fish (first fish, true trophy, etc) but do we need pictures of every 10 pound nate caught and released.

For you shutter-bugs why not "focus" on action shots. To me a picture of partner playing a fish with a big-*** grin on his mug, an action shot of fish being released, snow-capped mountains in the background with angler with bend rod in the foreground all do more to capture the day on the river than another "hero shot". Those are the memories that what goes it my mental data bank.

Successful catch and release means doing all that the angler can do to reduce his/her impact on the fish. That may mean foregoing pictures or even intentionally shaking or breaking the fish off instead of bring it completely to hand.

Tight lines

Smalma

Smalma,

Don't forget......you're not a fish. So it really doesn't make too much sense to talk about you holding your breath like you're a fish.

I take photos because I like photos. Simple as that. If that get you all wound up, then it's your blood pressure rising, not mine. How can you seriously worry about a quick photo after you just removed the steel hook you drove through the jaw of this fish?

Salmo G.,

I'm dying to hear your recommendations for magazines in which parker can aspire to have his photos published. WTF kind of thing to say was that?

Man, it's getting too close to Christmas to be having conversations like this.

Regarding RT's post about me.

Aha. The ole' bulletin board double standard. It seems permissible to bash agencies, tribes, and anyone associated with them with no backlash, but express a negative opinion about - not the person, but - a publication that a BB moderator is associated with and there's hell to pay! Since Loomis rods advertizes on this site, I guess it's a good thing I don't have a negative opinion that I might express.

I stand by my opinion, but I do apologize to any BB readers who were offended by my remarks.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Easy folks. My post was light hearted and not meant to stir up the hornets nets. I appreciate all the comments so far!

My camera must have not been in the AujoMagic mode, as todays photos were [Bleeeeep!]! Not worth posting, but just to show that I too can take a really bad photo every now and then!

A real nice 12-13lb brat hen taken on Sunday Morning. Guess what we're having for Christmas dinner!



The "dead fish on the beach" photo. These fish were chrome chrome, yet the photo doesn't do them justice.



I think my camera was not in the correct mode! Horrible!



Thanks again drift boat! Had a great time today.

[ 12-23-2001: Message edited by: parker ]

parker,

Those aren't awful.....just need the flash to overcome the brighter light behind you. The bright trees in the sun behind you are causing the fish and you to be underexposed. Use the flash and it will brighten the fish and fill in the shadows on your face.

Nice fish, though.

[ 12-23-2001: Message edited by: fp ]

smalma, Just trying to make you happy. We do some of these too, but did we kill it or let it go?fp
PS.3 generations of the Jobst family in this one.

[ 12-23-2001: Message edited by: fp ]

[ 12-23-2001: Message edited by: fp ]

fp -
I like it, especially the grin on gramps! In the long run it is less important whether the fish was released or kept than 3 generations were on the river together!!!

Smalma

Nice fish Parker! Good background scenery too. I agree with what Dan said about filling in foreground (your face and fish) with the cam flash when bright background is present, or back lit by the sun, it's important for brightening up the chromers.

And Salmo? Hell to pay?? What "Hell"? I just took exception to your bash of STS, and rightfully so. Especially in light of you mentioning in your e-mail to me that you haven't even looked at an STS magazine for years! How does that work? ... As for the double standard, I don't ever recall bashing you or any named individual (as you post accused above) within the NMFS or Col. Tribal Comm. when I rightfully criticized the wrongs those entities have brought upon the sportfishers; that have paid for fish that we are being denied our Treaty and Federal Court ordered even split of. Just like you didn't name Bill or I in your take of STS. So I fail to see a "double standard" at all! Your critcism of STS (of old - what is was years ago) is your rightful opinion; as is rightful defense of that publication. Mine and other member's criticism of NMFS/Col.T.Comm. was more obvious fact than opinion - without naming you or other individuals. NO double standard! ... Not an angry reply here - just want to set this straight. Peace. - RT

You must give Salmo g. credit for questioning and going against the grain and not being afraid to do so. STS has pretty much become THE publication for steelhead fishing here in the PNW and in the Great Lakes and for him to let it be known that he does not believe STS is that great of a publication took some guts.

It seems that many on this board are the first one to bash or curse easy targets like Indians, sledders, etc. but they take offense when someone questions the norm or someone does not agree with their beliefs.

[ 12-24-2001: Message edited by: RPetzold ]

Hey,

No more pictures in the threads. Too many of them slows my computer down. I need more RAM and a better graphic card. Should I trade in my 80186?

Parker,
Do you always have to show off?

As far as the magazine thing, always look at the big picture. Free market economy. Supply and demand, etc. Also free to express your opinions, but then again they say "Your right to extend your fist stops where my nose begins".

Not to stir things up but what does NMFS stand for? Northwest? Management? Fishery? Did I get any right?

Salmo...you might know something about fish,but you don't know crap about about STS

and the first rule.....don't ever question or insult....RT
He is the new temporary Deputy you know....

As many photos as Dan S. has had published in numerous N.W. mags......I'm still waiting for you to get a little credit.......Thats Ok Danny,you can take a pic of my fish ........Os

Hey UFW - kinda hard not to be posting bad photos when this thread is about the mistakes made on Grip N Grins that will exclude photos from making STS.

Oh, and that's not *even* close to showing off.... Besides, I personally like grip n grins and wish more people would post photos!

Finally to all, if you don't like me, my post contents, or my photos, don't click on the thread. They are not going to be changing any time soon. It's just that easy. In the meantime, I have a digital camera and plan to use it, dangnabbit!

Parker - Team Showoff

[ 12-24-2001: Message edited by: parker ]

Parker,

Keep those pictures coming !!!! I think they are
great!!!!! One note of interest...if the fish's
eye is pointing down, it's still alive and if it
is pointing straight ahead it's dead.

Cigar

Gee, thanks Os!

"Danno the Staff Photographer" at your service. :p

Great Pic's Parker. Keep em coming.If I had a digital Camera I would be posting pics on a regular basis also. Like you said if people don't like your threads then they don't have to open them. Happy Holidays everyone. Firedog

First of all I am the one who took the s#%$y pic with his camera. I do not know the first thing about computers let alone a good camera. Parker your eyes would have been open more if you were not a sleep at the wheel when the fish hit.

Look like good pictures to me Parker. Which camera did you use?

Relax guys. My comment about not having pictures in the posts was a joke. 80186, you get it ... very old and slow computer, you get it.


Parker,

I thought this thread was about geting your whacked fish in STS. I am sure you release the natives

As far as being a show off .... well, that was not a joke.

[ 12-25-2001: Message edited by: UltimateFeashKacher ]

Hey UltimateFeashKacher I'm sure you know what NMFS stands for, but just in case your serious about not being in the know, it stands for National Marine Fisheries Service.

Hey Parker, my bad about that pic in STS-you're right that guy looks nothing like you. Besides that he's got a Blazer's hat on. Now why would YOU wear a Blazer's hat? You probably aint even into basketball.

BTW Parker, I know of a good magazine that you could get some pictures published in. FISHING AND HUNTING NEWS!!

STS RULES!!!
ONE EXCELLENT MAG!!!
ENOUGH SAID!!!

Parker,
Keep up the good work, they're great pics! I enjoy seeing pictures personally, and I would post more of them if I'd just quit being so lazy, and if I could catch something other than a stupid 2 salt 6-8 pounder...
Keith

KB - I wasn't going to tell anyone, but I've had more then my fair share of photos published in the Fishin' & Huntin' News - Eastern WA edition.

I don't like to talk about the skeletons in my closet!

Parker,
How do you edit your photos? Is it with a power point program?

I use Adobe Photoshop. Not an intuitive application by any means, but it is the industry standard for photo editors. If it can't be done in Photoshop, it probably just can't be done!

Uh oh, I sense *THE* photo about to show up. Why yes, here it comes.....



Ahhhh. That feels better now!

For a free and effective Photoshop-like program check out The Gimp at www.gimp.org.

Krome Brite,

Thanks. I did not know what it stands for. I got tired of fishing politics/policies long ago and have been avoiding it. I know it is not a good idea. Every vote counts, etc. I may do some research trying to figure out RT's comments.

UFC, use the search feature here on such as NMFS, Columbia Tribal Commission, and Columbia Springer Allocation to find out more about mine and other's comments on those issues. ...

Hey Parker, do you think we can get *THE* picture on the cover?