Self Takes - How To Get The Best Out Of Your Self Takes
When fishing there is always the chance of catching fish and it's only natural to have a photo. However what do you do when you have the lake to yourself? This blog should give you an insight to self takes and how to get the best out of your self takes!
What Equipment Do I Need?
For equipment it's fairly simple. You need a camera and a tripod to take self takes. This isn't an essential item but picking up a remote for your camera will make the self takes a lot easier. Alternatively you can use the timer setting on your camera and catch some lovely shots!
How do I make sure I can get the Best Photos I can?
Here is what I've been putting into practice with my self takes.
Once the fish is in the net, I look for somewhere to have the photo taken. The big factor in this is I want something with a solid background with as little sun as possible. The solid background not only looks great in a photo, but it makes it easier for the camera to focus on the fish instead of your rod / bivvy in the background. Ensuring there is little sunlight helps the camera pick up the fish better, if the sun is shining on some parts of the fish it shows in the photo!
Set the camera and tripod up and position it on flat ground. After this take a photo of yourself behind the mat as if you're holding a fish. Make sure you're happy with the lighting of the shot and ensure everything is in focus. Make sure you've got a big enough background to ensure you capture the fish as well. There is nothing worse than having photos where the tail is out of shot.
Once you're happy with the photos, keep the camera where it is and get the fish on the mat. Unhook and weigh before getting your shots! Once you have done this, take a photo with the timer setting or the remote. With the timer, set it to 10seconds as this gives you time to lift the fish up.
Having a camera remote makes self takes far easier. you can have a timer on the camera and press the remote with your hand. This still makes it easier than having to reach over to the camera button!
Rest the fish in a retainer whilst you quickly check the photos before slipping the fish back. Hopefully you'll get some lovely shots!
Further Tips
Be sure to play around with the flash settings on your camera, this can get you the best night shots. I've taken some photos before which look fine on camera, but on the computer they are over exposed. It's always worth taking a photo or two with some different settings.
If you don't have a camera, you can use your phone with a phone holder!
Use auto focus instead of manual focus for self takes.
Take time to make sure the tripod is at the right level, the iso is set right and the flash isn't too powerful.
If you are fishing near / next to someone, most of the other anglers are more than happy to get behind a lens!