There’s no better way to preserve the memories of a successful hunt than through great photography. Capturing these moments not only allows you to relive your achievement but also promotes ethical and responsible hunting practices to your family and friends. You don’t need to be a professional photographer or have a high-end camera to create lasting memories—just follow these tips to make sure your photos do justice to the experience.
Take Your Time and Savor the Moment
It's tempting to rush after the harvest, getting the deer ready for field dressing and heading off to the taxidermist. However, slowing down and taking a moment to reflect is key. By setting aside time for photos, you can fully appreciate the accomplishment and ensure that your pictures capture that excitement.
Take Photos Before Field Dressing
When possible, try to take your photos before field dressing the deer. This helps avoid the need to mask or hide the open cavity and reduces visible blood, making the photos more appealing to a broader audience. Clean and respectful images can help portray hunting in a positive light.
Wait for Daylight
If your kill happens in the evening, don’t feel like you have to snap photos immediately. Instead, clean up the deer and place it in a bedded position with its legs tucked under. This will make for easier posing the following day when natural daylight will help illuminate your shots. Early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as “golden hour,” provides the best natural lighting for photography.
Choose a Patient Camera Operator
Having someone who is patient and willing to take their time behind the camera is crucial. Whether it's a fellow hunter, friend, or family member, make sure they’re not in a hurry. A good camera operator will help you reposition the deer and guide you through different shots, capturing the best angles.
Experiment with Different Settings
Don’t limit yourself to one background. Take photos in various settings to highlight the environment around you. Capture images by your stand, in open fields, or in front of scenic landscapes that show off the season’s vibrant colors. If you’re in hill country, try positioning the deer on a flat bench or plateau, with the camera operator taking shots from a lower angle looking up.
Pose Your Buck Naturally
When posing your deer, try to make it look as natural as possible. Place the deer in a bedded position, with its legs tucked under. This not only shows respect for the animal but also creates a more visually pleasing image. When posing with the deer, sit behind it with your legs off to one side. Squatting or kneeling often looks awkward, so sitting creates a more comfortable and natural posture.
Show the Antlers
A classic pose is holding the antlers with one hand, palm up, while turning the deer’s head toward your body. This helps emphasize the size and structure of the antlers. If the head won’t stay in place, you can use a small stick or rod to prop it up, which can easily be edited out of the photo later.
Capture Different Angles
Have your camera operator get close to the deer and take photos from multiple angles. Low, close-up shots make for dramatic images, while rotating around the animal can provide a variety of perspectives. Don’t rush the process—take plenty of pictures because you never know which one will turn out to be the best.
Consider a Respectful Pose
For a more reflective and solemn image, you might try a bowing pose with your head and eyes down, showing respect for the animal. A subtle smile or no smile at all can convey the gravity of having taken a life. This type of photo is especially good for sharing with those who might not share the same enthusiasm for hunting.
Include Action Shots
Aside from posing with your deer, consider taking some action shots as well. These could include loading the deer into a truck, in the back of a UTV, or even aerial shots with a drone. If you had hunting companions, include them in the photos, capturing their reactions as they listen to the story of the hunt. These kinds of dynamic photos help tell the complete story of your hunting experience.
Hire a Professional if Possible
If you have the chance to hire a professional photographer, it can be well worth the investment. A skilled photographer will adapt to your schedule and help you capture truly stunning images. If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, you can still get high-quality results with a smartphone or a DSLR camera by following these tips.
Edit and Enhance Your Photos
Once you’ve taken your photos, consider using photo editing software to clean up and enhance your images. You can adjust lighting, remove imperfections, and make the colors pop, or you can hire someone to edit the photos for you. A little editing can turn a good photo into a great one.
By following these tips, your hunting photos will reflect not only the thrill of the hunt but also the respect you have for the animal and the environment. Good luck in the woods, and don’t forget to share your best pictures with us! Enjoy and remember the hunt!