I think there are some good things that can come from the Condello Fish Photography Technique. However, firstly in my humble, personal opinion Bruce did not invent the basis of this technique. Bruce�s picture technique is used by good photographers in many professional angling publications. Pay attention to great and impressive fish / angler pics in the magazines. You will see a similarity or continuity of method. Although Bruce does have the method practiced and perfected, so it is very easy for his photographer to get a good picture of the fish and angler. It was named Bruce's technique here because Bruce commonly used it in the early history of the forum, it was popular, effective and the name became common usage with the "regular" members.
1. Displaying or holding the "subject" fish out in front of the angler and squarely in front of the camera to produce a well posed photo of angle and subject is just good basic photography method. Good photography is both model (subject) and photographer. I did have a photography class as an undergraduate in college - grade earned: A.
2. Showing the fish squarely and directly in front of the camera lets a picture be produced that clearly shows the features of the individual fish. This allows for one to see distinct body features, any common abnormalities, and allows for easy identification especially if there are any questions about the identity or general body condition of the fish. Example the photo of the spotted sucker that CJ aptly was able to identify from a good quality photo.
3. In the Condello technique Bruce suggests to hide the hands. But it is very difficult to hide all fingers when holding the fish using the Condello method � at least the way Bruce normally does it. If one wants to get a good idea of the real size of the fish look for a finger holding the fish in a picture. Then use some simple math proportion ratio to verify a length in the picture. Example; width of normal middle finger nail in pic 6mm, width of nail in life 13mm, length of fish in pic 155mm. 13mm x 155mm = 2015/6mm=335mm. Then 335mm/25.4mm = 13.1�. Very close to what Bruce said the Richmond BG was.
4. Condello Method gives novices and everyone a clear picture of the fish to learn the specific features of individual fish.
5. A good clear, undistorted close picture can provide a taxidermist an accurate natural coloration and pattern for preparing a truly quality mount.
IMO and for me, when one is distorting a fish photo I can usually spot the fake; usually by using the method in item 3 above.
In general, you too can get good pictures of your fish if you use some of the techniques shared with us by Bruce. Thanks Bruce for the advice. Now, if I could figure how to get a good quick self portrait when I am alone and catch that dandy fish that I quickly want to release with minimal stress.
