Behind the Lens: Fish Photography

A fish in hand is a fleeting experience – as light, water, and wildlife all come together as one. Acclaimed fly fishing photographer and filmmaker Ted Logardt shares his tips on how to capture the moment with care, creativity and sensitivity.

Care for the fish. Ideally you frame the fish underwater. If you must lift it, do it quick, let the fish stay close to or even resting on the surface of the water.

Be sure to communicate with the angler where and when to lift it, snap the image and get the fish back in the water.

Zooming or using different focal lengths is not just about getting closer or further away from the subject. A wide angle (14-35mm) will distort the subject more than a mid focal length (40-60mm).

A tele lens (80mm+) will compress the scene. This is why a fish will look bigger on a wide angle when held close to the camera and backgrounds appear more massive on a long lens, since you are “pulling it closer”.

Wide, normal or tele lens is an artistic choice. I really like a wide angle shot of a big fish where you get the diagonal just right. That often creates a pleasing depth in the image.

Using a wide aperture (low number) at around 50mm or more has the potential for dreamy images where your background melts away, especially if the background is some distance away.

When Hollywood strives to make the hero look powerful, a low angle is often the way they go. I love to get low and level with the eye of the fish.

Setting my focus point spot on the eye adds to portraying the fish as the true hero of the composition.

Don’t forget to get close every once in a while. Fish are beautiful creatures with mesmerising details.

Fins, spots, eyes and stripes…you name it. Snap those bad boys as often as you get the chance.

To say a phone is a perfectly good camera in 2025 is kind of stating the obvious; but if you want
to up your fly fishing photography, a dedicated camera will give you a load more creative possibilities.

Enjoy the wild moments!