I obviously don’t know how to take a fly fishing photograph.

As you can see in the example above, it is clear that I haven’t put in the time, energy, or effort required to do  things the right way. The right way, of course, being what is prominently displayed on social media. Thousands of Insta-lebrities can’t be wrong.

I truly desire to get better. I fact, I think we should all be in a constant state of improvement. We should focus on making strides in the little things, like character development or altruism. So we certainly ought to give our utmost attention to what really matters in life: fishing selfies, for example.

I wanted to set out three areas of improvement for my fly fishing photography. I know that I can’t be perfect. But resolutions are the first step to a healthier existence. More likes and follows, at least.

Although you might be able to identify more, here are the three major mistakes I’ve made:

1. I don’t have a look on my face. Sure, I’m smiling as I quickly pull the trout out of the water. I suppose some might consider that a look. But smiling in photographs, especially fly fishing pictures, isn’t the way things are supposed to be done. Had I brought my A-game, I would have relaxed my expression into a stoic apathy that betrayed the joy that comes from catching a fish. Looking at me you probably see “happiness.” I should really concentrate on conveying “too cool,”  “righteous indignation,” or “mug shot.”
2. I am not holding the fish three feet in front of me. Perhaps you saw this picture and thought, “poor guy – look how tiny his hands are!” In reality my hands are normal sized. However when  perspective places them, and the fish that they are holding, near my body they look smaller. Smaller than many hands in fly fishing photographs, at least.  The dead giveaway is my right elbow, tucked against my body. Full extension would have provided the appropriate depth to give the illusion that the rainbow was at least 26″.
3. I didn’t bring my camera crew, sponsors, or editing suite along for the ride. Getting all of these things in line requires a paradigm shift. Going fishing to fish is nice, but going fishing to get specific pictures of fish is what it is all about. An investment in quality camera gear and photography skills is quaint. But to really take things to the next level requires a team trained in capturing and editing images. And let’s not forget: I really need to make sure that brands, whether I have a professional relationship with them not, are prominently displayed. #keepemadvertised

Here I stand. A man with a fly rod, a cell phone, and a social media presence. I owe it to the fly fishing community, the fish, and myself to do better.