When everyone is out hunting, the Internet feeds become filled with photographs of hunters with their success. During these times, individuals are attacked, not just by anti-hunters but also by non-hunters (and hunters, too!). Non-hunters are those who are not necessarily against hunting but who may be easily tipped in that direction. To keep these individuals leaning more toward supporting our traditions, I need to share a reminder about how we, as hunters, share our harvests.
Respecting the magnificent animals and obtaining beautiful memories of our time in the field to share with others is essential. We need to make sure our photos are the best possible images. Here are a few tips I’ve been given over the years, and I am happy to share them with you, too.
BE AWARE OF THE SETTING
The best photos of your animal are taken in the area where you pursued it. Make the image look as natural as possible. Although it’s part of the hunt, it doesn’t do the animal justice to take a photo of it in the back of your pickup, on your 4-wheeler, or hanging from your hoist. Photographs look much better if you have trees or shrubs in the background.
TAKE THE TIME TO CLEAN UP
Prepare the animal so it looks as natural as possible. Be sure to clean any blood from its coat. Cover puddles of blood with dirt, leaves or fresh snow. Sometimes, you might even want to lay a jacket to conceal puddles.
DO SOME GROOMING
Pet the animal’s fur in the proper direction. Put the tongue in its mouth and clear the lips and nostrils of any blood. Remember to check periodically and make sure no additional blood has appeared. Some photographers carry pieces of mono-filament (fishing line) to be used for keeping the mouth closed if necessary.
PREPARE THE POSE
To have your animal look full-bodied and healthy, push it forward on its body. Fold its legs under its chest. This will give the body a healthy appearance. Depending on the size of your harvest, you may need to use your pack, large rocks, or shooting sticks to brace its weight and prop it up.
BE GRATEFUL AND PROUD
We’ve all seen those images of the hunter sitting 10 feet behind their trophy. What’s the first thought that goes through your mind? “She’s sure trying to make that look bigger.” Always have at least one hand respectfully touching the animal. Sit beside or behind the animal. Never sit on the animal. Hold on to the animal’s antlers only to attain a natural head position.
LOCATION OF GUN OR BOW
Do not use its antlers to rest your bow or gun. Bows and guns can be held in your free hand or laid at an angle across the animal’s body. At times, this is even handy to conceal the point of impact from your bullet or arrow.
*Note: Never have the gun barrel pointed at an angle where it appears to be pointed at persons in the photograph.
POINTS OF FOCUS
As a photographer, you should not cut an animal’s antlers or horns out of a picture. Focusing on your subject is common, but remember that an elk may have long main beams or tines. Keep an eye on where they will be in the photograph. You also want to ensure they, or the shadows they create, are not covering your subject’s face.
CAMERA READY
Pay attention to hats and sunglasses. Remove the sunglasses and tilt the ball caps up so the person’s eyes can be seen in the photo. If the animal has antlers, turn the animal’s head at various angles to see the depth and confirmation of the antlers. Pay attention to shadows caused by antlers that can appear across a person’s face. To eliminate some shadows caused by a hat on a bright sunny day, take photos up close with a flash.
*Another note! If you have sponsors, ensure their logo is still visible in the photograph.
TAKE MANY PICTURES
Always take numerous pictures from various angles. The more photos you take at different angles, the better chance you have of getting one that doesn’t have a flaw, such as a shadow across your chin, the appearance of a tree emerging from a person’s head, or other accidental detractors.
Remember the basics, and let us see those fantastic photographs.
