Fly Fishing Photography 101:

How to Capture What You See

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This presentation includes many examples of the different design elements (color, composition, and light) in an easy-to-understand format.

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      It seems fly fishers want to record their biggest and most beautiful fish, the fascinating rivers and lakes and beaches they fish and explore--the very heart of their beloved sport--with a camera. Carol teaches them how to make their photos crisp and vivid, balanced and expressive. She demonstrates and explains the Rule of Thirds, effective use of light, the Magic Hour, UFOs (Unidentified Foreign Objects), how to photograph fish, and many other straightforward concepts anyone can use to improve their photographs. Also, Carol will show various failed photos and explain what caused the problems.

   

   This show is a 50-minute PowerPoint presentation, and takes an in-depth look at how to use color, composition, and light to take your photography to the next level, and to make your photos truly come alive.

    There is also the option to add a Live Photo Critique after this presentation; we take a 10-minute break then dive in and use audience members photographs (submitted at least three days before the show) to further explain how design does or doesn't work. 

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Live Photo Critiques 

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Without a doubt, one of the best ways to understand how to improve your photographs is to participate in a photo critique. This is a process we all learn from, and it is not about good or bad, right or wrong, it is simply looking at what you were trying to capture, and how, through simple steps, you can improve the vision you had for your image. It is easy for all of us, no matter what our level of experience, to get locked-in to a certain way of looking at our images, and what we were trying to capture. A critique opens up a whole new way of seeing, and the results and insights you get can be remarkable and jaw-dropping.

 

     A critique works best when you submit photos you're having trouble with, not the ones that are your best shots. It is, for all of us, the problems we have with a photo that give us the deepest insights into how to take it further, and improve. I have participated in many critiques myself, and though it is daunting, it is the single most effective way I've pushed the limits on getting exceptional shots.

 

     You can submit your best shots, but there may not be much to say or share about them except they are great. There can be some discussion on why they are good, but it is the shots that you just couldn't quite get to work that will give all of us the most insight on how to improve.

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What people from fly fishing clubs are saying:

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“That was one of the most interesting meetings ever. Really enjoyable!"

 

"I do a LOT of cropping, but I think you need to consider the INTENT of the pictures... Sometimes to show the VASTNESS OF THE AREA where the picture was taken, or to MEMORIALIZE THE EVENT by showing the whole scene, or, as in Carol's case, to create the perfect picture for a magazine that focuses in on some aspect of the scene to make a point.  One of the best ever! ”

 

“Yea, unconventional for us… but, I sure did learn a lot.  Makes me much more inspired to edit pictures after taking them.  And composing them in the first place.”

 

“And how white draws the eyes so you have to minimize it….and off-centering the people / subject when composing a shot (or editing after)….and the rule of thirds….and the triangle theory of angles….  I could go on and on.  I learned so much.”

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     You can find out more about Carol and Skip at their website (www.skip-morris-fly-tying.com), their YouTube channel (Skip Morris Fly Fishing), and Carol’s Etsy store, CarolAMorrisFlyFish.