An ok photo vs a GREAT photo of game

[MT_Archer]

We spend a countless amount of time, money, and effort pursuing game, and when we finally taste success, I often times see a mediocre photo capturing what should be a timeless moment. Its a moment that may not fade from your own memory, but one where the only way of sharing is with a quality photograph.

This past season I took my first mule deer with a bow after spending close to 3 weeks in the field. Being solo, and not having a real camera, I originally set up a couple of sticks and and rocks to prop up my Iphone. I'd put the timer on and hastily run back to hopefully get an OK photo 10 seconds later.

After seeing how crappy the results were, I took the time to set up my glassing tripod, then rubberbanded my iphone to the bino adaptor and therefore had full control of both height and angle. With just a few minutes of messing around with it, I was able to capture a photo I'd be proud of sharing.

Check out the difference between the two pictures.

Same camera, same deer, with a difference of just a few quick minutes of effort......and maybe some minor Instagram filters

vs

Quite the difference!

.

 

[Piscatory_4]

Take as many photos as possible and pick the best one. I think lots of photographers take about 500 clicks to get 10 really good ones.

 

[the_bowhunter]

Very good advice! Have learned this lesson the hard way unfortunately


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[bojangles808]

i have a canon point and shoot and like to set it to do a burst where it takes maybe 3 pics in 5 seconds. do that couple times and one is down to turn out ok.

 

[Deplorable77]

I think the first pic looks better......

 

[Justin Crossley]

Quality trophy photos are worth the effort for sure. Here is a great article on that very subject.

How to Take Better Trophy Photos, by Jared Bloomgren

And, here are a couple about hunting photography in general.

Telling Your Story Part I, by Aron Snyder

Telling Your Story Part II, by Aron Snyder

 

[5MilesBack]

The pic in my avatar was taken after setting my camera on a log and setting the timer. It was the first pic I took with me in the photo and I love it. I tried to get better shots after that and they all turned out pretty poor. I'm still wearing my pack in this photo, hadn't even taken it off yet and it was taken only about 5 minutes after the shot.

 

[Nick Muche]

Something to be said about a great field photo!

 

[Wilderlife]

It's not unusual for me to spend 30 minutes or more getting a great photo, if I feel it's necessary. I carry more than one lens usually, as well as an off-camera flash, tripod, etc. I like messing around with different lighting situations, having me and the subject in shade or in the sun, different backgrounds, different focal lengths, aperture wide open or closed tight. Some of my mates think it's a little funny when we get something down and I take a while to get the pictures, but when they see the pictures after I work on them a little in Lightroom, they understand why. I sometimes feel like I enjoy photography more than hunting, and really like accompanying friends on hunts where I don't need to worry about shooting an animal and I can just focus on the photographic stuff.

 

[Pitter]

I like to carry a small Joby tripod. It's supper light and it wraps around anything and works as a tripod. They aren't that expensive either.

 

[BluMtn]

Make sure you long arm every picture so the animal looks much bigger than it really is. LOL

 

[nrh6.7]

Here's a ligtweight option for clipping your phone or camera to just about anything.

Clip shot

 

[netman]

Not sure what this picture would rate. I took this picture yesterday morning when leaving the cabin to go elk hunting. This mule deer was in the driveway but would not stay still for the money shot.
He was a 200” and in Colorado.

 

[Beendare]

I agree with the OP's premise....its worth taking the time to setup and take many shots from different angles, and different distances.

One key thing though is to remove obstructions....like tall grass.

 

[as.ks.ak]

Sure helps if you have even the minute understanding of the rule of thirds, depth, and framing. And maybe obstructions too..but I certainly agree, taking the little bit of extra time is well worth it!


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[archp625]

I like to carry a small Joby tripod. It's supper light and it wraps around anything and works as a tripod. They aren't that expensive either.

Thats what I have to and works awesome.

 

[bowtech840]

I’m better at shooting critters than photos - a lot of filtered pictures with today’s technology and I think they look silly almost fake especially when the hunter is wearing orange. I just set my iPhone to video mode when solo, prop it up do a few poses then go back, pause vid and screen shot. I don’t don’t do Facebook, Instagram, tweet etc. tho so usually the ppl I care to share the success with see the animal in the flesh anyway.


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[CX5Ranch]

I can make a button buck look like a 190

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[Rich M]

I carry a point & shoot cam with video capabilities - and a small tripod for it. You only get one opportunity to take the game photos in the field, so take a bunch of pics from diff angles and one always stands out.

Nice buck! I hope to do as well this fall.

 

[honlx005]

I agree with the original post. Taking a great photo is important to remember your moment. I might also add that you should be aware of your background and the appearance of your game (deer, fish, bird etc). That means clean up the blood, put the tongue back in, lift the dorsal fin on your fish etc. Good luck everyone, happy hunting.

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