November 2005 Texas Fish & Game Column

Ten Ways to Improve Your Game – Part 1

By Russell A. Graves

Shooting great photos, like being a successful hunter or angler, takes a certain amount of skill as well as luck. Great equipment and sound fundamental techniques help improve your odds of getting memorable images but aren’t necessarily a panacea. Instead, in the photo game, you should be aware of nuances that help you elevate your skills to the next level.

When I first started taking pictures, getting great shots was about 90% luck and 10% skill. Now those numbers are reversed and my chances of getting great images each time I take a picture are almost 100%. Like a well-sighted rifle, the results you get from your camera should be predictable and consistent. Want to build consistency? Follow these tips.

10. Shoot in sweet light

When shooting outdoor photographs relegate most of your photo shoots to the first and last couple of hours of the day. Pro photographers agree that early and late light is preferred if you have a choice as to when you’ll shoot photographs. The low angle of the sun evenly illuminates your subject in golden light as opposed to the harsh flat light of midday. If you must shoot at midday, use a flash.

9. Plan your shots

If you are shooting fishing pictures, make a plan of the kinds of images you want. Then, shoot the plan. I put a considerable amount of time into thinking about images I should take and sometimes even sketch them on paper to pre-visualize what I want. If you’ll plan your shoot, you’ll be surprised at how thorough you’ll document the event.

8. Always be prepared

I think of my camera gear like an American Express card. I never leave home without it. Whether I’m traveling down a dirt road or a state highway, I always have my camera at my side, ready for action. I’ve taken scores of photos (some which have made the cover of magazines) from the cab of my pickup.

7. Shoot lots of images

Shooting pictures is like shooting a basketball. To get better, you’ve got to practice. With photography, practice means taking lots of pictures, evaluating your work, and shooting some more. With digital cameras, photo feedback is instant and photography’s learning curve decreases substantially. So pay attention to your mistakes. Furthermore, learn what you are doing right and maximize your successes. By doing so your work’s quality will increase.

Shooting lots of pictures also ensures you get the photo your after. Suppose you take a shot of your buddy with that big speckled trout and in the only photo you shot, his eyes are closed. You blew it… Had you have taken four or five shots, chances are at least one of them would have been good.

6. Study the craft

Although I guess some people may be naturally talented as photographers, most learn the old fashioned way – they pound away at it until they get good. Now, I’m not saying that you should quit your job and study photography full time. What I am saying is that you should read books, magazines, and internet resources that deal with photography equipment and technique. The more you know about your equipment and photo techniques, the quicker you’ll close the gap on good pictures that happen haphazardly to photos that are consistently good.

These are just the first five tips that I hope will elevate your photo game. Next month, I’ll share the final five. If you’re ready to become a better photographer, follow the tips and your success on becoming a better photographer is virtually guaranteed.