Lure Photography - Opinions Needed

[Kid Catch]

Hey guys, 

First time posting in this section of the forum but was hoping some of you might share some thoughts on a photograph I've recently made. 

As a full time photographer, making the decision to focus 100% of my efforts on fishing-related photo & video was one I made with a little apprehension. Luckily however, I've been blessed to have found enough work to keep me busy. Prior to making the switch to fishing-photo only, I shot mostly commercial/advertising stuff. As a result, it's become a lot harder to call what I do "photography" as it's in fact "digital art". Referring to myself as a "photographer" isn't a fair, or accurate title, it's just... easier than explaining the specifics of my workflow I guess.  

In any case, my hope is to depict the world of fishing with the same visual integrity seen in other sports. I'm fond of the way other sports are represented, and there are in fact some incredible images floating around in fishing. My personal opinion however, is that fishing isn't (always) getting it's fair shake on the visual end of the spectrum. I'd really love to play some kind of roll in changing that. Perhaps that's pathetically naive, but I'm going to try.

The image shown below is my latest and was made as a personal project in a print/web ad style, not as a product or catalog photo. 

I'd like to know what you think of it. What did I do wrong? - (outside of opting to leave line off the splitring as I found it to be very distracting when I tried). What could I improve? And would you like to see more of this style of work featured in and throughout the fishing world? I've attached a "before/after" of the image for reference. After the lure was extracted from it's background it was added to a composite with 36 other photos to create the finished scene. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

Before/After:

[J Francho]

Looks great!  You will want to have that split ring attached to line.  It may seem distracting, but it looks awkward without.

[Tim Kelly]

Agreed. Great pic, but I would want to see line attached and the hooks swept backwards if you're going to make it look like it's a shot of the lure in action.  Put an attachment wire in the blind side of the lure, then you can alter the angle of the lure to make the hooks hang at an appropriate angle, then attach the line and get it to a good angle, cut it out and you're good to go. Look forward to seeing more of your stuff. I used to do a lot of still life ads in the days of film. There were even people who's profession it was to do the retouching on the transparencies. How times change. Respect to you for making a living at it. I'm a plumber these days!

[Nathan Burton]

46 minutes ago, Tim Kelly said:

Agreed. Great pic, but I would want to see line attached and the hooks swept backwards if you're going to make it look like it's a shot of the lure in action.  Put an attachment wire in the blind side of the lure, then you can alter the angle of the lure to make the hooks hang at an appropriate angle, then attach the line and get it to a good angle, cut it out and you're good to go. Look forward to seeing more of your stuff. I used to do a lot of still life ads in the days of film. There were even people who's profession it was to do the retouching on the transparencies. How times change. Respect to you for making a living at it. I'm a plumber these days!

Plus one for the above mentioned recommendations. With that being said, that's some awesome work!

[Scott F]

I'm not entirely sure why you are asking for opinions here. As a commercial photographer I'm sure you are aware that the only opinion that counts is the one from the art director who will buy your stuff.  We can all say that it looks great, and it does, but if the buyer doesn't like it, or it's not what he's looking for, that's all that matters.

[J Francho]

I've done some commercial photography in the past - it helps to get feedback.  Sometimes your client isn't 100% sure of what they want.  He may also be building a portfolio.

[Bass Turd]

I was a graphic designer in my previous life and that photo is visually stunning. I agree that if it's an action shot you are after the bait (lure) should tell that story as well. Line tied as if it were being fished in the water and the hooks swept back. Look for videos on YouTube of crank baits under water and you will get a good idea. The hooks might even be blurred to show the action. Great great start!

[Tracker22]

Add some subliminal messages into it.

 

[Torn Thumb]

I bought 5 of those crank baits after seeing this pic. You mean there wasn't some subliminal message?

[Bassun]

So, I know you are not looking for "Oh, that looks awesome!" and moving on -- So, I will try to be constructively critical.

First, the line...It really has to be there.  It's just way to bizarre to have the lure with no line.  Option B - give the lure it's own life and remove the line tie completely.  Shop out the tie and split ring and just leave the body and lip.  I don't like that idea personally, but it would potentially be less "off".

Same for the comments on the hooks.  They need to be in action as well - or you could try removing them again going for a "living lure" look - but again I think it would look kind of funny.

The other thing which feels off is the lighting.  I know with the abstract angles it kind of make it odd, but it "feels" like there should be more light on the rear, at more of a "left hand" angle so to speak.

Having said all of that, the quality is superb, and I think you have a great eye for astethics -- a few minor tweaks and I think you have a fantastic shot.   Good luck!

[primetime]

I would maybe think it would be good to Highlight those Triple Grips since many crankbaits in the price range of a GYB crankbait come with much cheaper hooks, and KVD triple Grips could be the most popular treble hooks on the market for crankbaits since they are shorter shank and you can use a bigger hook than a regular crank. Those Treble hooks are expensive, I have purchased GYB hardbaits when on sale just for that reason, plus the packaging is awesome looking. Triple Grips = hooking and holding power, plus less snags around weeds if that makes sense. Very few companies use those as stock hooks on a lure in the $5-$8 price range...

Dynamite Photo's. They look great..I know GYB loves to push the "Holographic Flash" and the lures do look nice in the water, they do have added flash compared to many others...

Good Luck.