A Beginner’s Guide to On-the-Water Photography

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Powell, you’re probably going to take some photos of your vacation to preserve the memories that you make. Sometimes taking photos on the water is not the easiest thing to do if you’re not a professional photographer. But that doesn’t mean you have anything to worry about. Here are five tips to help you take pictures while you’re on the water of Lake Powell.

1. Know How to Work Your Equipment

If you’re going to use a professional camera as opposed to the camera on your cell phone, be sure you know your equipment before taking it out on the lake. Take the time to learn how to properly use your camera and any other equipment that comes with it. Get comfortable using it in different settings and lighting before your trip to Lake Powell. Once you’ve learned how to use your equipment, you’ll be able to take amazing photos while on Lake Powell.

2. Keep Your Camera Safe

Everyone knows that technology and water don’t mix. If you’re taking your camera out on a boat at Lake Powell, make sure you have a way to protect it. Invest in a high-quality waterproof camera bag or case to keep your camera safe while you’re not using it.

3. Pay Attention to Details

While you may be a beginner at taking photos on the water, it doesn’t mean you can’t apply some professional tips to your photography. One pro tip is to pay close attention to details when you’re shooting your pictures. Zoom in and get some close-up photos of the scenery. This can help give you some unique and amazing photos that you may not have otherwise taken.

4. Think About Your Position and Perspective

When you’re taking photos on the water, don’t stay seated in the same spot on your boat the whole time. While you may be able to get some amazing photos, there won’t be any variation to your position or perspective. What you may not know is that your position and perspective can play a huge role in spicing up the photography you’re taking. Consider getting down on your knees or even your stomach to take photos. You can climb up higher or get eye-level with what you’re photographing for some unique shots.

5. Consider Using Polarizing Filters

Whether you’re having issues with glares or it’s just a dull day with not much color to it, you can easily fix these issues by using polarizing filters when taking photographs. These filters work by filtering sunlight to remove glares from the image. They can also change the intensity of colors, giving you several different options for your photography on Lake Powell.

While these aren’t the only tips for taking photos on the water, they are a great place to start. But it doesn’t end there. You can sign up for photography workshops with us on Lake Powell. No matter your experience with photography, you’ll get some truly amazing and breathtaking photographs! Sign up for our photography excursions here or contact us for more information about our services.

Is It Legal to Eat Fish from Lake Powell?

According to the National Park Service, you may legally filet the fish you catch at Lake Powell at any time. Fishers are also allowed to have fish filets with them at Lake Powell. You just need to follow possession limits and avoid fishing in prohibited areas.

Are Lake Powell Fish Safe to Eat?

Fish are generally a healthy part of a diet, but some factors can make it dangerous for people to consume them. If a type of fish is unsafe to eat, local or Environmental Protection Agency officials create a fish consumption advisory.

The good news is that many of the fish that call Lake Powell home are completely safe to eat! The striped bass in the southern part of the lake is the only fish in Lake Powell with a consumption advisory for high levels of mercury.

Delicious Lake Powell Catches

Now that you know it’s safe to eat fish from Lake Powell, you probably want an insider’s guide at which ones taste the best. Fortunately, our team at Lake Powell Guide Services has the experience to provide you with a guide to the tastiest catches.

Walleye

Walleyes taste similar to chicken and are most commonly caught early in the year. Most visitors of Lake Powell say that the walleye is the best-tasting fish they catch while on a Lake Powell fishing trip.

Crappie

Many visitors of Lake Powell consider the crappie the second best-tasting fish after the walleye. This fish has a mild flavor that isn’t too fishy. Try sauteing or frying these fish for a tasty meal.

Smallmouth Bass

If you’re going to be fishing in April, September, or October, and are looking for something that doesn’t have much of a fishy taste, you can’t go wrong with the smallmouth bass. This delicious fish is especially excellent when fried in a batter.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is more fishy tasting than the smallmouth bass, but they can be found year-round and are delicious when smoked.

Striped Bass

The striped bass has a very strong fishy taste. While they’re usually safe to eat, don’t eat striped bass from the southern part of Lake Powell. If you catch striped bass in other areas of the lake, they are safe to eat but remember to remove any red meat before cooking.

Bluegill

Bluegills are extremely delicious fish, but the only downside is that they are relatively small. If you’re able to catch several to cook, you’ll love a bluegill dinner.

Channel Catfish

The channel catfish doesn’t have a strong fishy taste to it and is often a white fish. The classic way to cook a channel catfish is to fry it, but you can cook it on the grill or bake it. Serve with french fries, mac and cheese, or rice for a delicious meal.

If you have a trip to Lake Powell coming up, most of the fish you catch while on the lake are legally edible and safe to eat as well. If you’re still unsure of which fish are safe to eat, schedule a fishing charter with us on Lake Powell. Our guides are extremely experienced and can let you know which fish are safe to eat and even filet them right there on the boat during your fishing charter. Contact us today for more information on Lake Powell’s edible fish or use our website to schedule a guided fishing trip for your visit!