Fish Pics

[baysidejim]

Hi all.  I fish from my kayak occasionally and do boat lettering (among many other things in my sign shop).  Thought this might be a good place to ask for help.  I have a customer that wants a graphic of an albacore doing a "U turn" on the back of his boat.  Any websites you know of to get a rough outline or ideas?

Thanks,

Jim

[Spike]

That's a big request.  I don't know if I've ever seen a photo that's even close.    My girl say's it's "A Kodak moment".  If anyone has it, it would be the photog Bill Boyce.
 
I'd suggest you look at the work of Guy Harvey and the late Chuck Byron.  Both artists  have lots of tuna action in their work including turning fish. 

Also, PM Trout.  He mentioned a graphic friend who may be a good resource.
What kind of boat?

[baysidejim]

Thanks Spike.  I bought a used Scupper Pro from you a few years ago.  It was a grey "extra plastic boat".  Great kayak, I'd like to find another one to take to my place south of San Felipe.   (sold it to my brother & he took it to Utah). 

The image doesn't have to be an actual photo, maybe a drawing.  I'm getting some ideas from GH work.  The boat's an older 25' Welcraft Coastal.  There's a lot of this stuff guys order on-line but I try to give the customers GREAT custom work.  Thanks for the great site. 

[Toad Patrol]

Jim, how's your cartooning skills? The jump from a photo of an Albie to a good drawing can be a bit of a challenge. The BigHammer lures company had a good illustrator do their ads, with pissed off, muscular fish that conveyed attitude. Guy Harvey and other fish artists try for an authentic representation, but I would think for your purpose a simplified and exagerated caricature is more apprpriate.
The Albacore's main distinction is the large pectoral fins that look like wings, so don't diminish that aspect of your design, maybe give him a sneer or dark glasses, or something the skipper does, like smoke a cigar or a captains hat?? I did a great drawing of a jumping Calico wearing a crown for a "King Calico"tournament I put on years ago. I recall spending days getting it right. Good luck!
-Scott

[Iceman]

Try www.istockphoto.com