Parker,

First things first. It isn't for me to tell you how to run your life, but as ultimate goals go, I sure hope better for you. While STS is many rungs up the journalistic ladder from F&H News, it remains pretty much a "kiss & tell" fishing rag. You might aim higher and consider a quality publication.

As for photos, consider a short course in photography if you're serious. Key points that editors look for (or so I'm told):
1) Pictures of people are more interesting than those without. A photo of someone playing a fish that cannot be seen (action shot) appeals more than one of a live or dead fish laying on the gravel bar. Of course, if the photo includes the angler and the fish (jumping) then that's one of the best.
2) Divide the frame into thirds, either vertically or horizontally. For some reason, the human eye is attracted to that.
3) Don't avoid diagonal lines in the photo either. That can break up the frame as well as horizontal or vertical lines. (A diagonal rod in an arc as a fish is played can work well for this shot.)

There are lots of techniques to turn "snapshots" into "photos." BTW, I don't follow my own advice often either. I'm usually fishing solo and have more shots of fish laying at my feet in shallow water than I ever want to look at again.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.