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<\/a>The adage \u2018a picture is worth a thousand words\u2019 is quite fitting when considering the pinnacle moment of a hunt when we kneel down beside a fallen game animal.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a>The adage \u2018a picture is worth a thousand words\u2019 is quite fitting when considering the pinnacle moment of a hunt when we kneel down beside a fallen game animal.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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But few bowhunters are formally trained photographers. To many, the whole \u201cphotography thing\u201d can be downright daunting. F-stops, apertures, light metering, a myriad of lenses, and a host of other variables can paralyze the average bowhunter like a bad case of target panic. Rest assured, taking quality field photos by yourself is easier than you might think. Herein I will suggest 10 tips that will enable you to capture your hunting successes with all the confidence of a well executed bow shot.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Getting Started<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Properly presenting a harvested animal in a photo does take a bit of effort but with some planning and the right equipment, anyone can take excellent photos suitable to share with fellow hunters and non-hunters alike.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Unfortunately, many hunters wait until a harvested animal is at rest in the bed of a pickup before taking pictures. These photos lack both respect for the animal and the emotion of the hunt. So the first step is a commitment to packing a camera with you each and every time you go afield. We all know that shot opportunities can be bestowed upon us when we least expect it, so it is essential to make sure your camera is with you and ready for duty at all times.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Whether you\u2019re a flatlander hunting farmland whitetails or the adventuresome sort who enjoys the solitude and challenge of remote places, the equipment you\u2019ll need is virtually the same:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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1. High-quality digital camera<\/div>\n
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2. Tripod<\/p>\n
3. Memory Card(s)<\/p>\n
4. Batteries (one comes with the camera, but it\u2019s good to buy a back up)<\/p>\n
5. Camera case<\/p>\n
6. Hand-pruners<\/p>\n
7. Folding saw<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Choosing a camera<\/strong><\/div>\n
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There are two general categories of cameras for both digital and traditional roll film; Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and the compact point-and-shoot variety. SLR\u2019s are larger, more sophisticated, and employ interchangeable lenses. Point-and-shoot models are compact all-in-one cameras that provide the average user an excellent set of features suitable for many situations. For our purposes, the digital point-and-shoot unit is an excellent choice due to its compact size, features, and ease of use. There are many high-quality makes and models to choose from in the $120 – $250 price range. There isn\u2019t space here to elaborate so I recommend you visit with a local camera dealer or a friend who can provide you a personalized recommendation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Ten Tips for Great Field Photos<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
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Tip 1:<\/strong><\/span> Plan ahead.<\/strong> Make sure you have fresh batteries and enough memory. Buy a compact soft-case to protect your camera from the daily ride in your pack. Most cases have pockets for an extra battery and memory cards which help keep everything together. A gallon-sized freezer bag will provide additional moisture protection. Pack several paper towels to clean up any visible blood. Pick up a small, lightweight tripod and practice with your camera\u2019s self-timer feature. Many cameras allow you to choose the time delay which will provide you ample time to get ready.![\"\"](\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_s-_-Phtl6C0\/S_YeCNoFB4I\/AAAAAAAAAM4\/Ixty6465KOM\/s320\/Orange+Case+vert.jpg\")
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Tip 2:<\/strong><\/span> Prepare the kill site.<\/strong> No matter where you hunt there will likely be some site preparation needed before you can capture high-quality field photos. Here in the Pacific Northwest many hunters carry hand-pruners to aid in navigating the dense vegetation. They are also an invaluable tool for preparing a kill site for photos. Use them to quickly snip limbs, brush, grass, and weeds. A small folding saw will make short work out of larger limbs. Look for those long strands of dry grass between your camera and your quarry. They are distracting, especially when lit up with a flash after dark. Also be aware of blood on the ground or vegetation as this will show up in photos.<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_s-_-Phtl6C0\/S_Yc85W1qtI\/AAAAAAAAAMo\/2Kht2U_a_2w\/s200\/Hand-Pruners.jpg\")
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Tip 3:<\/strong><\/span> Consider the lighting.<\/strong> Before you begin shooting photos you need to size up the situation and set up for the best lighting. For deer-sized game, you can usually turn the animal facing the sun. For larger, heavier game, such as moose and elk, you may not have that option. Use your clippers or saw to open up the area as best you can, taking note of the sun\u2019s position.\u00a0 Note the heavy shadow over my face in the antelope photo and the awkward body position of my buck.\u00a0 The blind in the background is a nice element but by turning\u00a0into the sun, this could have been a much better photograph.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a><\/div>\nAn overcast day provides excellent lighting by evenly diffusing sunlight. Bright sun overhead or behind will cast dark shadows, especially under hat brims. Using your flash will help reduce the dark hat shadow hiding your smiling face. If you can, position your photo to be facing or slightly quartering into the sun for best results.<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_s-_-Phtl6C0\/S_YkhNOM1mI\/AAAAAAAAANw\/YSaK4LKDEPY\/s320\/Caribou.BMP\")
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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNight shots can be a bit tricky. Most point and shoot digital cameras have great auto focus and auto light metering features that are typically part of the \u201cProgram\u201d or \u201cAuto\u201d mode. These features work in sync to allow your camera to focus on an object in total darkness by projecting a red light onto the subject. On most cameras this is done by pressing the shutter release button half-way down. Metering off the head of the animal will provide good focus and appropriate depth of field. Most cameras have a red-eye reduction feature that is useful for night shooting as well.![\"\"](\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_s-_-Phtl6C0\/S_YiZzUxY0I\/AAAAAAAAANg\/nMW4T2Dv6iU\/s320\/Tom+Ryle+2008+Blacktail+WA+12-3-08.jpg\")
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Tip 4:<\/span> Composition \u2013 Capturing the essence.<\/strong> A well-composed success photo will have all the elements of a good story. The subject matter will be prominent and in crisp focus. Key supporting elements, such as a hunting bow, will be casually included and carefully placed not to distract from the primary subject. Creating this balanced visual collage of man, beast, and tools is called composition, and it is key in producing great field photos.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a>The rule of thirds is the general principle that your subject matter should reside within one of the four intersections of a tic-tac-toe grid overlaid on your photo. Some camera\u2019s viewfinders have this feature built in like the crosshairs of a rifle scope. Another trick when composing your shots is to consider leading lines or natural elements in the frame that leads the eye to the main subject. These can be subtle elements such as a treeline or skyline.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a>The rule of thirds is the general principle that your subject matter should reside within one of the four intersections of a tic-tac-toe grid overlaid on your photo. Some camera\u2019s viewfinders have this feature built in like the crosshairs of a rifle scope. Another trick when composing your shots is to consider leading lines or natural elements in the frame that leads the eye to the main subject. These can be subtle elements such as a treeline or skyline.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Long legs of the deer family can clutter the foreground of a photo so it\u2019s best to tuck them back away from the camera lens. Some folks like to tuck the animal\u2019s legs underneath in an \u201cAfrican pose\u201d to create a more regal presentation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Composing photos with antlers or horns against a clear sky or sunset backdrop create stunning visual interest. Remember to keep the antlers from obstructing your face. You might try this if the conditions are right on your next hunt.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It bears repeating, watch for those pesky blades of grass and twigs that always seems to plague success photos. Ensure you have a clear path from lens to subject.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Tip 5:<\/strong> <\/span>Capture the Emotion!<\/strong>Each year we bowhunters put forth substantial energy obsessing about the forthcoming hunt. Countless hours tick by as we research new hunting grounds, apply for special permits, and fret over our gear with excited anticipation. We juggle priorities and commitments, and we\u2019ll drive all night to get a jump on the rising sun. Yes, bowhunting is a passion of the heart and soul.\u00a0 Yet I find it ironic that with each passing season I see many field photos depicting hunters with droopy, glum faces. Some folks even look mad.\u00a0 Be aware – the expression on your face is telling a story. It\u2019s good to show some excitement or look down at the animal with respect and admiration.<\/p>\n
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Tip 6:<\/strong><\/span> Show Respect.<\/strong> It\u2019s not uncommon to thumb through an old timer\u2019s hunting album to find the hunter straddling game or standing next to a field dressed buck in the bed of a pickup. They are nostalgic for sure, and for many, they are prized family heirlooms. But today we have many strong social and political forces at play; forces that would have you out of the woods and hunting banned if they had their way. We need to be cognizant of the image we portray, including our success photos.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a>Here are a few ways you can show respect for your quarry with your success photos. Do not sit on the animal. Instead, kneel beside or behind. Do your best to wipe or rinse off excess blood and\/or compose your shot to crop out unsightly blood. Remember that a flash will light up blood on ground cover and vegetation so do your best to reduce the amount of visible blood in your photos.\u00a0 One trick\u00a0is to shoot\u00a0black & white photos (B\/W setting) to\u00a0virtually eliminate\u00a0blood from your photos.\u00a0 This can\u00a0be particularly handy for mountain goats or Dall’s Sheep\u00a0given their hides\u00a0are white.\u00a0 Often the tongue will be hanging out of the animal\u2019s mouth. You can simply cut it off or tuck it back inside.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a>Here are a few ways you can show respect for your quarry with your success photos. Do not sit on the animal. Instead, kneel beside or behind. Do your best to wipe or rinse off excess blood and\/or compose your shot to crop out unsightly blood. Remember that a flash will light up blood on ground cover and vegetation so do your best to reduce the amount of visible blood in your photos.\u00a0 One trick\u00a0is to shoot\u00a0black & white photos (B\/W setting) to\u00a0virtually eliminate\u00a0blood from your photos.\u00a0 This can\u00a0be particularly handy for mountain goats or Dall’s Sheep\u00a0given their hides\u00a0are white.\u00a0 Often the tongue will be hanging out of the animal\u2019s mouth. You can simply cut it off or tuck it back inside.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n