Watch Your Photo Background A little forethought can help create a memorable fishing photo like this one of Barbara Jo Potts the day she landed the new Lake Winnsoboro record bass - a 10.75 lb beauty. In all the excitement of catching a big fish, it's easy to snap one picture after another without realizing your background isn't "pleasing to the eye." Waiting until you're home to take those big fish photos isn’t the best idea either. With a neighbor trying to focus the camera while you hold up a dead, slime-dripping bass in front of the refrigerator as the dog jumps into the picture like pop corn --- you won't exactly get a professional looking photo. There are better choices. The best background for fishing pictures is - of course - anything related to fishing - #1 is open water - the lake / river, etc. Other choices would be the boat or standing beside a marina sign - but beware of the cluttered background when too many signs are present. "No parking, One-Way, Delivery Lane, Slow, Speed Limit 15, etc. can ruin an otherwise beautiful photo. Road signs, utility poles, and trashcans all distract from your subject. Have the person hold the fish - using two hands - one to support belly if the fish is over about 3 pounds (otherwise it can injure the fish's jaws making eating impossible after release.) Before you click the shutter - as you look through the viewfinder, ask yourself "If I put a frame around what I am looking at right now - would it be a good picture? Move the camera left, right - see which angle makes the best shot. Can you see the lake in background? Or even the boat? A little forethought will make for some great photography. A reminder: Use a flash if it's a sunny day and the sun is overhead - between about 10 AM and 5 PM. An overhead sun will cast a shadow under the angler's hat brim and black out their eyes and forehead. A flash will omit the shadow and give you a more professional looking photograph. Remember: What matters most isn't the size or number of fish you catch - it's the memories you make. Don't forget the camera!