A typological approach to fly fishing

New Zealand attracts fly fishers from all over the world. They come in search of clear rivers, wild trout and, perhaps, the perfect moment. Yet they are rarely seen. Most of the time they stand alone or in pairs, scattered along countless rivers and streams.

Over the years, I have photographed around 120 of them. Never with a fish.

A fly fisher spends much of the time looking at water. What matters, however, is largely invisible. From the movement of the current, the shape of the river, a rising fish or an insect on the surface, the angler constructs an image of the world beneath. Experience and imagination fill in what cannot be seen.

Photography is not so different.

The photographer, too, looks at what is there and tries to see beyond it. An image begins before the shutter is released — through observation, experience and intuition. Both photographer and angler read signs, anticipate what might happen, choose a position and wait. Neither can force the moment.

Sometimes the fish rises. Sometimes the picture appears.