Picture taking and handling of cats

[Stonewall]

Ever notice that some cats look huge in one picture and much smaller in the next? It's not trick photography, but more of a method that produces great looking pictures. Naturally you want to clean the litter from your cat such as leaves and grass, but also keep him wet with a towel or cloth. Dont scrub him as that can remove the slim coat, just a light washing and rinsing if neccessary. Next position the fish and subject. Back lighting and front lighting works the best as side lighting can leave shadows and poor picture quality.

The arm cradle is the best for a number of reason, first it is less stressful on the fish and provides a pretty good side view. The photographer should position the camera at the same level or slightly lower ***ing attention to the rotational angle of the cat,,,as you want a balanced side view.

The verticle hold picture is by far the most dangerous to the fish as large fish can "break" their neck. To do this picture, first insure your fish is still not "green" and thrashing a lot. For some reason with a hand on both the upper and lower lips seems to help prevent the thrashing....dont try to force the mouth wide open, just enough for both hands is all that is needed. Dont snatch and jerk the fish up to this position as you also increase the chances of dislocating the spine from the skull..slow and easy is the key and quickly return the fish to floor of you boat.

The gill plate hold is almost a total no no as the neck breaking increases expodentially. Thrashing will allmost certain occur as the sensitive gills are exposed to air and creates pain, plus you risk damage to the gills. Both hands on the lower Jaw is one that you will commonly see with the back of the fish as your subject. Again the fish is more likely to thrash around with this hold.

Another great shot is the "Robby Katfish's" hold while kneeling and supporting the guts with a knee. Keep your catch out of the water for as little time as possible while filming that catch of a lifetime will insure that trophy cats will still be there for tommorrow. One final note, keep your cat lying on its belly, not on its side or back as this is very stressfull on the heart.

Original post by WVBowhunter

[WVBowhunter]

time to bring this to the forefront again

[beastmaster704]

good post very informative !

[BLUETICK1]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful

[bigcatsc]

GREAT post Stonewall!! A great pic can make a mediocre fish look super, while a bad photo can ruin a trophy memory. All of the above mentioned is important, fish angle, lighting, etc. I also suggest to take three or four pics, quickly. That way, you are more than likely assured of at least one great shot. When photographing blues, especially in the heat, do it quickly. They are not tolerant to being out of the water long when hot. Flatties on the other hand, you can take more time with. They're tough as nails, and live well out of the water for a good long time. As mentioned, it IS important to keep the fish wet and shiny for pics. That's why you get it done QUICKLY! To me, the camera takes just as much skill as the fish catchin'. You can catch the nicest fish in the world, but if ya can't photograph them properly, it ruins the moment. Practice at home, BEFORE you get on the water, to experiment with your camera angles, lighting and settings. That's the great thing about digital cameras. You can cull all the bad shots and keep right on getting it!! No added expense of having to develop film, with half bad shots, and then having to buy more film.

Bill in SC

[Bill_Monteith]

Very good info...Thanks.

I too love a good pic,Its almost as much fun as catching one.

[jerry9497]

I mostly fish alone. so I had to play around a little to be able to put the camera down with the right angle. I have a table so thats what I use. Next I had to learn how to set the camera to "time delay" in the dark. now picture taking is pretty easy however I still have to take several pictures, seems like the cat allways kicks just as camera flashes. I need to make a bloopers video. the online tounement is a real challenge

[Bill_Monteith]

Originally Posted by jerry9497

I mostly fish alone. so I had to play around a little to be able to put the camera down with the right angle. I have a table so thats what I use. Next I had to learn how to set the camera to "time delay" in the dark. now picture taking is pretty easy however I still have to take several pictures, seems like the cat allways kicks just as camera flashes. I need to make a bloopers video. the online tounement is a real challenge

You might try what I do.
I set the camara down in a safe place(my window inside)and shoot a short video while moving fish around for different angles.
Then edit out pics from video.

Good Luck with both

Bill Monteith\

www.youtube,com/skunkxx Lake Wateree Blues

[logjam]

This is GOOD STUFF. THANKS

[oran]

I usually do the "cradle" method, and when the picture is taken, I have the person put the lips and the tip of the tail,just barely out the frame. This way the fish takes up the picture. You can make a 20 lber. look like a 50 this way.

[CMJ]

It can be hard when you're by yourself, I set the timer on the camera and get the best I can. I try to be careful judging peoples fish in pictures because sometimes like someone said a 20 pounder can look like a 50 and vice-versa. You can look at stuff in the boat to give you an idea, also the size of a fishes tail compared to the holders hand and such. If you know how big the guy is holding the fish, that helps too. The picture of the fish in my avatar is a 56 lb 14 oz blue. It don't look that big to me when I look at it sometimes, but it was. The picture don't do it justice. If ya'll are wondering, I'm about 6'2 and weigh around 230.....lol

[Vince]

Good info and handling techniques, thanks