Posted by Guy Schmickle on October 13, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I've spent the last few days trying to photograph the fly fisherman on the Animas River near Durango - who are taking advantage of low and cold water conditions (hence no more rafts, kayaks, tubes, etc) to fish its excellent trout waters relatively undisturbed. It's helped my cause that the cottonwoods along the river are peaking in color between Durango and Farmington, NM. Here's a shot from yesterday (10/12) of one such subject. I've really found the "Why the heck are you pointing a camera at me?" look I'm getting from most of the fisherman rather interesting. I feel a bit like the paparazzi!
Posted by Erik Aagaard on October 13, 2009 at 1:10 PM
It's a rough life, eh?
I really like the golden reflections in the water, and the fishing line extending across the image. The only thing that bothers me is that the angler's head is so close to the large rock in the background. If only you could have asked him to move a couple of inches to his left...
Posted by John Mumaw on October 13, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Lovely autumn scene!
The limited DOF is just right for this scene. I do wish that you could emphasize the fishing line a bit more as it leaves the pole. Right now the line I can see is somewhat disassociated from the pole. That's a real minor nit, though.
The cottonwood trees throughout the area are starting to look quite stunning! Makes up for the dismal autumn in the mountains anyway.
Posted by jeff miller on October 13, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I think the image is great, but hope you're getting the fisherman's permission to photograph them. The same rules apply photographing and publishing photographs of people. You need to get them to sign a release to protect yourself from a lawsuit. Just a word to the wise. J
Posted by Guy Schmickle on October 13, 2009 at 1:54 PM
I hear what ya mean about emphasizing the line more, John. I've been trying to shoot these guys when somewhat backlit because it helps to make the line more visible. Unfortunately, the bright colorful backgrounds still manage to wash portions of it out. Can't have it all, I guess!
Jeff, I hear ya! He signed on the dotted line.
Posted by Don Grall on October 13, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Wonderful autumn feel to this! I agree about the line, a darker background for the line would make it happen, possibly a higher position to shoot from?
Depending on how you use the photo, would determine whether a release is necessary. Editorial use for a paper or textbook, or even posting on the net would not be a problem, since the person is outdoors in a public place and can't legally expect to have "privacy" from being photographed......that said, I always try to get a release, cuz you never know what the future has in store. Good job!
Posted by Joe Rogers on October 13, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Fine image, Guy.....by the way, another great river for fly fishing images is the Frying Pan River out of Basalt. I found it by accident two years ago.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Gary Langley on October 13, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Awesome image Guy, not sure if I would rather be the fisherman or photographer here, both I'm sure had a good time, Been waiting for you to post some from the morning at Schwabacher's,
Great photo...it would make for a good advertisement.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on October 13, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions everyone. Joe - thanks for the tip on the Frying Pan River. I'll have to remember that.
Gary...it was great meeting ya out in the Tetons! Our conditions were just too run of the mill that morning at Schwabachers. I actually preferred the shot I got in the late morning on the previous day. Did you get any decent moose shots before you finally headed out?
Discussion
10 repliesI really like the golden reflections in the water, and the fishing line extending across the image. The only thing that bothers me is that the angler's head is so close to the large rock in the background. If only you could have asked him to move a couple of inches to his left...
The limited DOF is just right for this scene. I do wish that you could emphasize the fishing line a bit more as it leaves the pole. Right now the line I can see is somewhat disassociated from the pole. That's a real minor nit, though.
The cottonwood trees throughout the area are starting to look quite stunning! Makes up for the dismal autumn in the mountains anyway.
Jeff, I hear ya! He signed on the dotted line.
Depending on how you use the photo, would determine whether a release is necessary. Editorial use for a paper or textbook, or even posting on the net would not be a problem, since the person is outdoors in a public place and can't legally expect to have "privacy" from being photographed......that said, I always try to get a release, cuz you never know what the future has in store. Good job!
Joe Rogers
Great photo...it would make for a good advertisement.
Gary...it was great meeting ya out in the Tetons! Our conditions were just too run of the mill that morning at Schwabachers. I actually preferred the shot I got in the late morning on the previous day. Did you get any decent moose shots before you finally headed out?