Taking quality pictures of your kill

[coach]

After a good discussion with Ravensfoot following his post in the 2011 Mule Deer picture thread, I've decided to start a new post about picture posting. I realize that we aren't all professional photographers, but feel it's in the best interest of the hunting community that we post pics that have some level of class to them. Simple guidelines such as: wipe the blood off, put the tongues back in, etc are easy to follow. This thread is about helping, not criticizing. Post up your pics and suggestions here. I'll get it started..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6133.jpg

[coach]

Although I really like this picture of my daughter and our first bear, I had taken the clip out of the gun and made sure it was empty. Unfortunately, the bolt is closed in the picture. Lesson learned.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_5822.jpg

[Weatherby Fan]

Great pictures coach,I see nothing wrong with the picture of your daughter,you know the guns empty and where its pointed regardless of weather the bolt's closed or not.
If someone is going to pick that apart they better take up a new sport.
WF

[coach]

My daughter's first deer from two years ago. Again, gun empty, but lever closed. Gun precariously perched. I should have taken more time. Also - this pic was with my cell phone. Camera was in the truck. I really regret not taking the time to get better shots.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/Kianadeer-1.jpg

[coach]

Fair enough, weatherby fan. Funny - it's not the gun in most pics that bother me. It's the blood and gore. I posted a picture for a guy a couple weeks ago. It was of his whitetail buck, with a bullet hole through it's head and blood all over the ground. I said I'd post it for him - so I did. But I debated it for quite some time. I'm sure the hunter is a good guy - I just think we need to think before we shoot.. with our cameras too.

[Bow Walker]

I think it's all about the picture taker thinking of how the fina picture will look. By that I mean the the photographer should realized (and think about) the way everything "looks" before the shutter is released. It's called "Composing" the picture.

If we just stop and take a few moments to actually look at the 'scene' before we take the picture, we can correct a lot of 'mistakes'.

[Blainer]

I got this fella last week.
I cleaned him up,then decided to move him for the pictures and did'nt recognize he continued to bleed around the mouth.
dissappointed that I missed the boat on that one

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/100_0494.jpg

[Bow Walker]

I'm as guilty as a lot of posters. I forgot to wash my hands/arms gefore posing with my prize. Lesson learned.......


http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/0910090740a.JPG

[Barracuda]

a picture simply catches a moment in time.
If the animal has a bit of blood who cares , if the tongue is out well thats how it expired.
what looks bad is is badly shot animals that take a long time to die and it is easy to see . (guts blown out or limbs blown off etc) but again they are facts of hunting so a picture simply captures the moment.

pictures of an animal being butchered are bloody but by no means wrong. Pictures of wound tracts or damages really are not a problem either.

pictures that are gory for the sake of being gory are one thing but bullet damage and butchering should not be a problem.

[Bow Walker]

Of course - there will be those posters that will always "go for the realism" of the picture, saying that "posing a dead animal is not the way it is out there in the real world" but to those people I say "You owe it to your kill to be respectful - both in life and in death."

[Barracuda]

and by fiddling with an animal corpes so you can pose a picture with it some would say that is disrespectfull .

[Weatherby Fan]

Fair enough, weatherby fan. Funny - it's not the gun in most pics that bother me. It's the blood and gore. I posted a picture for a guy a couple weeks ago. It was of his whitetail buck, with a bullet hole through it's head and blood all over the ground. I said I'd post it for him - so I did. But I debated it for quite some time. I'm sure the hunter is a good guy - I just think we need to think before we shoot.. with our cameras too.

Don't get me wrong I like a great tastefull picture also,the ones that bug me are the pictures taken after gutting the animal ?? yeh maybe they forgot their camera shit happen's,
I know the gun bother's some members on here but I think both those picture's of coach's daughter are fine ,no blood anywhere and I like to see what people are shooting,thats just me !
I think the one with the lever action savage is to cool.
WF

[cameron0518]

Shooting and killing an animal isn't glamorous so why try to pretend it is with a picture. Common sense in taking pictures is one thing but trying too hard to make it look pretty is too much. If someone is opposed to hunting, they won't like your pic no matter how it looks. Everybody has their own poses that they like and there are no rules or regulations for taking pictures. I think most hunters try to get the gore and blood out of them as a natural common sense practice.

[sarg]

i'm with cameron0518 and barracude with pic taking, i think its funny that ryanb was upset about my hunting groups skinned doe and hunging buck in the mule theard but said nothing about the white tail theard with the bucks lying in there pool of blood??? but each to there own." If someone is opposed to hunting, they won't like your pic no matter how it looks." and thats it.

[Barracuda]

For me personally the blood isnt an issue but if you wanted to clean the picture a bit im sure one of the photo-shop type things could fix any blood etc

[lunatic]

Lets not forget to button our shirts, fix our hair and make sure we don't smile either.......any of those may be perceived as disrespectful! Are you guys for real?

[Shooter]

I usually try to drag the deer away from the gutpile and try not to get the gunshot wound in the pic if it is not a very pretty one. But I find nothing wrong with pics like these. Actually I am quite fond of them.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee38/tnlpinkney/P1030450.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee38/tnlpinkney/P1030339.jpg

[coach]

Lets not forget to button our shirts, fix our hair and make sure we don't smile either.......any of those may be perceived as disrespectful! Are you guys for real?

This thread isn't meant to be critical or disrespectful of anyone. In fact, after reading through the mule deer thread, I objected to criticism of individuals and their pictures. Instead, I've started this one so that people could post some pics and have a healthy discussion. If someone reads this, shoots an animal in the near future and takes a better picture because this got them thinking, then it's worthwhile. I'm fairly certain there's forum guidelines somewhere outlining rules for pics.

Keep the discussion going. I think it's a healthy one with good points in both sides.

[BearStump]

I think that a good pic for public viewing on an internet forum is one that you would be proud to enlarge and put on your wall for everybody to see. The other 20 pics of the kill that have all the blood and bad poses....well nothin wrong with them , but save those ones for your personal album. IMO
I like this one and never even noticed the tongue untill I made this post.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=d7bca73c03&view=att&th=12739626b79b5242&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=f_g40t6swh0&zw (https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=d7bca73c03&view=att&th=12739626b79b5242&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_g40t6swh0&zw)
2008 spring blackie.

[bugler]

It is true that the person who is against hunting won't like your picture regardless. It is the non hunters, the ones who don't really care either way, that may be influenced by the pictures we choose to show. When I show my wife, who does not hunt, my field photos she picks the bad ones out right away (gross!) but she likes the ones that are done properly and is happy to have them in the house. I have some non hunting friends who also appreciate a well done field photo, despite the fact that the animal is obviously dead. This is when I can see the value of taking some time to do good photos.

I thought this one turned out pretty good, but she noticed the little tip of the tongue.

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j370/gterpsma/10wt008.jpg

[ravensfoot]

Yup, you bet. Everyone has their own opinion. This for sure is a hunting forum and the reason we are all here is because we all enjoy the sport. Nobody ever said there is anything wrong blood in a photo, it is absolutely part of what we all do. There are lots here that don't mind the gory photos either and that is their prerogative. I also totally agree that there will be those that even think that posing with a dead creature is distasteful and disrespectful to the dead animal but i'm pretty certain that it will be those photos that depict extreme blood and gore that will get the most negative responses. We all know that hunting involves some crimson and I for one am one happy hunter when my hands and arms are covered in it, it means I was successful and that is a great day. I also agree with photos such as "Shooter's" they are great, they depict events of the hunt and help with our fond memories of the experience. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Guns and bows are also part of the hunt and should be part of the memories, we are proud of our choice of quarry and it should be part of your photos.

I think that all Coach I were talking about is if you are going to take a photo of your prize, take some time to make it look appealing. If you don't feel that is necessary or really don't care then so be it, this thread then really isn't for you. Each to their own. I for one think that people would appreciate my photo with my prize animal if it had the least amount of blood and gore as possible. Sometimes it's not always possible and most people understand that. A little effort can go a long way. The techniques I learned were from a very respected and accomplished taxidermist. I wonder how many people have their trophy animal mounted with bullet holes, tongues out and covered in blood because that is the way it expired...

Like Coach said on the start of this thread, it's about helping others to take a better photo, not to criticize. If you are interested in learning how to take a quality photo with your freshly harvested game, then read on, if not then it is your choice to move onto another thread.

'Blainer' - Great pronghorn photo, I think the blue sky in the background works well. As said before, sometimes it's not always practical to get all the blood out of the photo, your prong horn just has bright lipstick on. If it bothered you, you could always try and convert the photo to B&W. Ive done that before with success.

'Bow Walker' - Very good on the laying down pose, ears look natural too and it looks like you may have positioned the bow to cover any wounds.

Here are a few of my own.

http://ravensfoot.com/albums/hunting/IMG_3259.jpg
http://ravensfoot.com/albums/hunting/IMG_3355.jpg
http://ravensfoot.com/albums/hunting/IMG_4364.jpg

Pine bow to cover some ugly holes.
http://ravensfoot.com/albums/hunting/IMG_4497.jpeg

[ravensfoot]

Well said BearStump and Bugler. Nice buck photo Bugler and BearStump, your photo didn't show.

[3kills]

the most i do is try to take the pics before i gut them cuz i dont like seeing the gut sack in pics. ravensfoot good job on the pics but u left the blood trail in the last pic.

[Doe See Doe]

I find one very easy thing to do, to make the picture look quite nice, is to hold the ears forword. Ravensfoot, your doing a good job : )
Also a little handfull of grass or ferns or whatever, over the bullet hole.

[ravensfoot]

yup that was a woops I didn't realize until after we got back. Red sure shows up well in the snow.
We actually got this one to sit still long enough for a pose.
http://ravensfoot.com/albums/hunting/IMG_3262.jpg

[proguide66]

I really like taking cool trophy shots. After years and many trophies for clients I have learned that the 'great' trophy shot actually gets VERY appreciated by the hunter for years after.
After guideing for various tv personalities over the years I have as well picked up on some tips.
The most common tip for a great trophy shot from these guys has been the ' no gun in the rack' tip. Its a no brainer , if you want a great trophy shot , take a great pic of the trophy...then maybe a pic of your gun? or at least 'subtly' include it in the background.
A smoke hanging outta your mouth and a non smile is always a 'quality smasher' as well.
Try not to have the main part of yout trophy between any part of your body and the lens , make a clear pic of your trophy with you included. With antlers , try to not have your hands on the rack , sounds picky but it really helps out in the trophy shot.
If you really want a great memory pic with quality presentation , take LOADS of pics. Take the time to clear branches ect. If theres a great backdrop 20 yards away...GO FOR IT ! its a once in a lifetime experience. Most of all SMILE! but take shitloads of pics with many angles or even a few pics extra with your equipment and trophy , makes it worth while.

Here's a couple examples from my past,

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSC00585.jpg
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSC02685.jpg

mix it up a bit with different displays,

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSC02687.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSCN0119.jpg


http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/015-5.jpg

[proguide66]

Heres a few more examples,

It took a WHILE to hack down enough willow to expose this trophy and we should have clipped a few more branches to make it real good.http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSCN0129.jpg



no gun , no guts , hunter off to the side , no hands on the rack,

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/th_thickbush.jpg (http://s443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/?action=view&current=thickbush.jpg)

Again , no hands on the rack , no weapon , ( to each the prefrence) and the trophy NOT between the hunters and lens.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/035.jpg


same again , trophy off to side , no hands on rack.....http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/DSC02304.jpg

[Barracuda]

i disagree with not showing the rifle asa persons rifle choice, load development and time in is as much a part of the story anything else.

Standing to far back from the animal so your not even in focus or not even near the animal always looks, bad holding the head gives perspective

I would much rather see a picture of a hunter with his personal choice of arms then one without it otherwise you might as well be looking at roadkill

[coach]

Great pics and advice, proguide66! Exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread. You're so right about it being a once in a lifetime moment. Why not capture it the way you want to remember it? I love the BT pic with a lot if the animal hidden behind the stump - kinda like the way you normally have to find them.

[proguide66]

Gun in the rack would have murdered this trophy shot......http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/hunting09025.jpg

This is a great subtle weapon in pic shothttp://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/guideing08025.jpg

This is one of my fav 'lucky' shots in the field....( we took dozens and only a few made the album of this buck.)
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/bookblacktail012.jpg


Heres an idea for gun/trophy/equipment shothttp://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/08blacktail010.jpg


Anyway , there's some ideas for the interested...I love the memories and great pics are well worth sharing and digging up years later to re live it all ! Take a camera where ever you go and take shitloads of pics as the 'in the field' pics kick ass against the upside down in the garage pics!

[jeff]

i dont see what the problem could be with the blood or the tongue. its the reality of it . we all no that . we dont need to hide anything . if u dont like the pic then dont look at it.

[happyhunter]

I put my gun in my photos. Why? Because its like here is the animal that I shot, here is the gun I used to do it. Its for my memories. I take pictures before the animal is gutted and try to clear blood away. Why? Because it just looks better. My 2 cents.

[SR80]

Great pics proguide, thanks for sharing the tips and pictures

[300H&H]

Nice buck you got Sean.

Just like you have done, sit or kneel behind your deer and maybe crack a little smile.

[dana]

Those who don't like the rifle in the picture don't have a family heirlome that tells a story with each picture it is in now do ya? I'll give ya a little history lesson. Here is my dad with a buck he killed in the mid 70's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/DadsBigMuley.jpg

Now here are a few of my son's animals with the same rifle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept6010a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept21009a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Sept52009029a.jpg

This rifle was my dad's stepfather's, then my dad's, then mine, and now it is my son's. When my son has kids, he'll pass it on to one of them. Every photo that rifle appears in tells a story that no internet wannabe will ever understand. If you are offended then sucks to be you. I for one will continue to take pics with my family's rifles in the pics cause they mean something to me and my family.

[dana]

While I like to take good quality field pics, I don't think it does anything to show 'RESPECT' to the critter you just killed. We kill them, cut them up and then eat them. How does sitting on them, posing a rifle on them, or them having a tongue hanging out have anything to do with Respect. That is just f###ed up logic if ya ask me.

The reason I take quality pics of my harvests is for me and me alone. I am a photographer and I like good photos. Sometimes you don't have good light, or you are rushed for time, don't have the right camera blah blah blah. It is what it is. I'd much rather have a crappy grainy pic to remember the hunt with than no picture at all. I do know when you are by yourself and you don't have a tripod to mount the camera on, it can get pretty damn tricky getting a good picture. Sometimes you have to rush them just cause of timing. Do you want to be skinning in the dark because you took 20 minutes posing your animal?

[jeff]

While I like to take good quality field pics, I don't think it does anything to show 'RESPECT' to the critter you just killed. We kill them, cut them up and then eat them. How does sitting on them, posing a rifle on them, or them having a tongue hanging out have anything to do with Respect. That is just f###ed up logic if ya ask me.

The reason I take quality pics of my harvests is for me and me alone. I am a photographer and I like good photos. Sometimes you don't have good light, or you are rushed for time, don't have the right camera blah blah blah. It is what it is. I'd much rather have a crappy grainy pic to remember the hunt with than no picture at all. I do know when you are by yourself and you don't have a tripod to mount the camera on, it can get pretty damn tricky getting a good picture. Sometimes you have to rush them just cause of timing. Do you want to be skinning in the dark because you took 20 minutes posing your animal?

well said dana and once more ill agree 100 percent with ya

[coach]

Interesting perspective, Dana, for a guy who provides us with some of the best photos on this site. Clearly you take the time, when you can, to organize your shots. I agree on the guns in the pic - often, they belong. When I took a picture of my bow kill yesterday, the bow definitely belonged in the picture. My daughter being there, and the fact I used my AR34 were big parts of the story.

[dana]

Coach,
Like I said, I take the time because as a photographer, I like good pics. I also know that there are a ton of people out there with cameras that ain't photographers and never will be. Some people will never take a good picture no matter how expensive their camera is. And there ain't nothing wrong with that. They take pics for memories sake. My old man always carried a camera and tried to snap a few pics of a lot of his animals. A lot of them weren't all that pretty. Sometimes a gutpile got in the way. Most of the time the tongue was hanging out. But the fact is, he took pics and I am thankful today to have those pics of his critters so my childern can see them. It don't matter what they look like, they are a family heritage that can be passed on to future generations. Jumping on fellow hunters for the quality of their pics or lack of is just simply wrong. Who cares what the picture looks like. It is their memory and experience they are sharing, not yours. Not something worthy of jumping all over hunters about.

[ravensfoot]

Way to go Proguide66, some awesome photos there. Great tips too. I agree with Dana that having your trusted firearm or bow of choice in the photo as well, it helps to tell the story and maybe in time to come that bow or firearm may wind up being used by a son or daughter and will be real special one day to them especially if the photographer took the time to make the photo one that is appealing and worth keeping. Dana I really like that photo you took of the leaver action on the pack, nice composition.

Jeff, would you ever have your trophy mounted with it's tongue hanging out and blood and guts all over it and then tell people it's the reality of it and if they don't like it not to look at it? Personally, I've never seen anything mounted in such a way and its for the simple reason that most people really don't want to see that. All we are saying here is if you are real proud of your trophy, try and take the best photo that conditions allow and feel good about posting for others to see on forums like this, knowing that it really looks great. Nobody is criticizing anyone's photography abilities, just making suggestions for those that are interested. The great thing is you can take it or leave it.

[dana]

As for hints on good pics, it is all in the eye of the beholder. I have some personal dislikes that some others like. I hate sitting far back from the animal. It is a pet peeve of mine to see what I call the Yanky pose, which you see in several of Proguides pics. That is a trick to make the animal look bigger and to the trained eye it doesn't trick anyone. I find it really annoying when the animal is indeed a large animal and suddenly it now looks like it was roaming the hills in the age of Irish Elk and Mastadons. I personally like to be tight to the animal and yes, hold the antlers with elbows bent. It give a good size comparison of the true size of the animal. Here's an example of what I mean.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/NOV17031a.jpg

[coach]

Dana, here's how I started the thread, "This thread is about helping, not criticizing. Post up your pics and suggestions here." Not sure how that can be construed as jumping on fellow hunters. As I said before, I had an issue with criticism of some of the pics in a mule deer picture thread. It was the wrong place to have this discussion, so I started the conversation here. In my mind - that says I respect my fellow hunters. I'd far rather have poor pictures to look at than no pictures at all and I definitely wouldn't want guys to avoid posting because they are afraid to be criticized. I'm the guy who originally posted the picture of the whitetail with the bullet hole in its head, lying in a pool of blood. I told the OP of that thread to email his pic to me and that I'd post it. Again, I'm sure he's a good guy who will take a better picture next time. Before posting it, I didn't feel good about it and subsequently noticed forum rules say I could have been given a time out for it.

IMO, the multiple debates I've read on here regarding nanny goats, dink rams, etc will have a positive bearing on my goat hunt next week. Provided I can find the goats, I'm a lot more likely to spend the time to make sure I take a billy - otherwise I'll just take some pics and leave the goat to live. A conversation about taking pictures could help guys in the future. All of these discussions are valuable.

[ravensfoot]

Wow Dana, that is an awesome shot of the guy in the red shirt, beautiful buck too! A photo that is tops in my book!

[proguide66]

I believe the thread was for tips on trophy shots..NOT what guys 'like or dislike'. I hope more guys post up positive tips on field photos...with whatever they want in em.....

[Geo.338]

These animals we harvest for food are beautiful amazing creatures . In my eyes they never looked better than they did the instant before
I pulled the trigger and ended it's life .The photo I take of it thereafter I want it to look as good as it did before .The few minutes you take to tidy things up will result in a photo that you will be proud of for years to come .Long after the meat is gone and the memories start to blur as the years go by photos live on.

[dana]

Coach, I saw the comments in the mule deer thread. There was at least one member bitchin about rifles and blood in pics and talking about 'respect'. Like you said, that was not the place for those comments. I have been on these hunting boards for numerous years and have seen countless threads where some internet ethictian starts throwing stones at his fellow hunter over the quality of photos. This is why I posted what I did in this thread. The high and mighty internet wannabes don't ever seem to post of pics and they like to sit back and slam other hunters over stupid little details that don't equate to a hill of beans in the real world. My comments were not directed at you but rather the attitude that these keyboard cowboy wannabes seem to always have.
As for threads on taking better field photos, there have been countless of those on this site as well. I'm sure you won't have to search to far in this very section to see them. Like I said earlier, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While I personally don't like to the yanky pose, Proguide personally doesn't like to hold antlers. It isn't a matter of one being right and one being wrong. It is just a matter of personal likes and dislikes. That is why I made that comment and I'm sure proguide understands where I am coming from. ;)

As for your fears regarding dink rams and nanny goats because of some internet bullies, I feel sorry for ya. I personally liked to taunt the Grand Pooba with this photo. By far one of the best days I've ever had hunting, my son's first goat when he was just 12 years old. And yup, it's a nanny. :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept20020a.jpg

[coach]

Great post, Dana - thanks for clarifying. I have the same issue with the wannabe's never posting, then criticizing guys for their posts. Great picture of Cody and his goat. I can't wait to get after my own next week.

[dana]

Here are a few of my personal likes in a field photo.
I really like taking a few pictures of the animal "as it lays". Shed hunters came up with the As It Lays or As They Lay idea and I like to bring that idea over to my harvest photos. It reminds you of that first time you saw that animal on the ground and the feelings you were experiencing before you held the antlers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/NOV17038a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Codys09Muley041a.jpg

I had to prop this buck up with a stick in order to take pics of him.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/03NT5.jpg

Animal and the special mode of transportation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/File0007b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/PB210130a.jpg

[coach]

I like all of those shots, Dana. The antlers in the backpack pics are always great. They really show an important part of the story. I find the "as they lay" photos sometimes work and sometimes don't. I took one of my archery mulie the other day that didn't turn out great. Brian011 has posted a couple of great ones over the last couple years, including the buck his dad harvested last week.

[dana]

That's photography. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the light sucks. Sometimes there is just too much brush or trees to get any perspective. Sometimes it all comes together and you have a card full of great photos. I know that last photo of MattB's buck was just a special day all around. We took a whack of photos and I don't think there were more than a couple of bad ones in the bunch. On the other hand, sometimes you are a little disappointed with the results but hey, they still tell the story. Had a hell of a time taking pics of my daughter's bear from this past Sunday. The camera was delying the picture after the flash, so any movement was picked up. I'm sure it was just a setting in the camera I didn't know about because I'm normally not taking pics at last light. At the same time, the images that I did get have a uniqueness to them in the blurryness that make them special.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PA090139.jpg

This image is kinda cool as it looks ghostly. You can see through the bear. I would imagine the camera took 2 images and combined them. I moved position and that is why it looks ghostly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PA090152.jpg

[Deer_Slayer]

Tony Soprano hunts? Get outa here...nice pic

[ravensfoot]

Dana, I am a big fan of your photos, I especially like the "mode of transportation" I think just by people being able to see your quality photography will inspire others to take more and better photos. It also appears that you are quite the accomplished hunter. I am heading out on a couple more trips and will be looking forward to capturing some great snaps such as yours. I'll be sure to post them here too.

[1/2 slam]

i dont see what the problem could be with the blood or the tongue. its the reality of it . we all no that . we dont need to hide anything . if u dont like the pic then dont look at it.

This is a thread about taking quality photos of your kill. .If you want to continue taking photos that look like shit go ahead. There's some fantastic information here.

[coach]

This is a thread about taking quality photos of your kill. .If you want to continue taking photos that look like shit go ahead. There's some fantastic information here.

I agree 1/2 slam. I managed to harvest a nice R3 meat buck today and tried Dana's suggestion for the "as it lay" shot. I'm fairly happy with how it turned out.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_0970.jpg

[coach]

I tried taking a picture of my hunting partner's blue grouse - but figure I could have spend a bit more time. It didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_0981.jpg

[bugler]

This bull was taken on the weekend by the young fellow with yours truly helping him out. Unfortunately he hit him "a leettle far back" as they say on some of the hunting shows and it took us till noon the next day to find him. The coyotes had eaten much of the back end out and the shoulder on the up (right) side was chewed out. The right eye was picked out also. This pic was taken after we deboned what we could on the right side and then flipped it over. I figure it turned out pretty good considering the mess it looked when I found him. BTW, the meat that was left was still good.

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j370/gterpsma/SDC10045-Copy.jpg

[coach]

Too bad about the poor kid's face. That looks painful! Joking.

I'd say you did a great job of cleaning the animal up and showing his good side. That pic will mean a lot to you and the young hunter over the years. I'm sure the effort was well worth it. Thanks for posting.

[coach]

Here's a couple from 2010. My hunting partner finally emailed them to me tonight. Ha ha. I guess that's another thing about quality pics - make sure you take them on your own camera.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/SeanandKiana.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/Kianaanddeer.jpg

[coach]

This one was taken with the bow and the kill shot in mind. No antlers to look at on this late season archery WT.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6353.jpg

[Gateholio]

Most important is to strike a sexy pose:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/photos-ak-ash1/v158/111/96/526315515/n526315515_678879_4318.jpg

[coach]

That's impressive, Gatehouse. It's often difficult to capture the hunter's emotions at the time of the kill. Clearly, that deer made you horny and the picture really shows that. Well done.

[ravensfoot]

Liked Dana's Rifle photo so I thought i'd try one last weekend while up in the alpine.
http://ravensfoot.com/hunting/pics/IMG_5178-6.jpg

[coach]

Great picture, Ravensfoot. Are you going to give us a report of your hunt?

[ravensfoot]

The hunt was successful if you call only using your Canon to shoot game. The thread and photos is all here:
crater mtn hunt (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?73202-Hunting-Next-weekend-on-Crater-Mtn/page3)

[Gateholio]

The king of rifle pics is Tod Bartell. :)

[guntech]

Within 1/2 hour of quitting and packing up camp
The only bull seen in 9 days of hunting
A happy hunter 75 yards from the truck
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/3/b/d/203599/garymoose1-0.jpg

[thumper1]

Great rifle/scenic shots. Most people are really interested in the antlers/horns - so it's important to have them sillouetted against the sky - or a light background - or a slightly blurred background. The photo of the young fella with the mountain goat is great - but black horns against his black shirts don't do justice to the animal - and the very first photo in this thread of antlers against a camo shirt - make the antlers blend in.

See the difference the antler backdrop makes?:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/Canmoron/trophy%20shots/P1040073.jpg

[coach]

Awesome picture, Dennis. Congrats on your moose!

Really good example, Thumper1. Definitely good information to consider..

[Andrews]

Those who don't like the rifle in the picture don't have a family heirlome that tells a story with each picture it is in now do ya? I'll give ya a little history lesson. Here is my dad with a buck he killed in the mid 70's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/DadsBigMuley.jpg

Now here are a few of my son's animals with the same rifle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept6010a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept21009a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Sept52009029a.jpg

This rifle was my dad's stepfather's, then my dad's, then mine, and now it is my son's. When my son has kids, he'll pass it on to one of them. Every photo that rifle appears in tells a story that no internet wannabe will ever understand. If you are offended then sucks to be you. I for one will continue to take pics with my family's rifles in the pics cause they mean something to me and my family.

That a .300 savage Dana?

[dana]

That a .300 savage Dana?

Yup, Model 99 in 300 Savage.

Here's a new one from this season with the Parker Hale in 300 Win Mag and the Mystery Ranch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PB180039.jpg

[dime]

So what are you supposed to do if you shoot a moose (too big to move) and it is leaking blood from every hole in its head? Impossible to get a picture without blood. The reality is we are killing these animals and they typically bleed while dying. Should I not take any pictures for fear of offending the delicate sensibilities of some members? Give me a break.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/2011_moose_small.jpg

[coach]

Let me say this again:



This thread isn't meant to be critical or disrespectful of anyone. In fact, after reading through the mule deer thread, I objected to criticism of individuals and their pictures. Instead, I've started this one so that people could post some pics and have a healthy discussion. If someone reads this, shoots an animal in the near future and takes a better picture because this got them thinking, then it's worthwhile. I'm fairly certain there's forum guidelines somewhere outlining rules for pics.

Keep the discussion going. I think it's a healthy one with good points in both sides.

[Andrews]

Yup, Model 99 in 300 Savage.

Here's a new one from this season with the Parker Hale in 300 Win Mag and the Mystery Ranch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PB180039.jpg

Thought she looked familiar.
My grandpa left the same rifle which he took many a mulie with, when he passed.

[rattling_junkie]

http://i42.tinypic.com/vz9c84.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/axgnya.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/5f3fbm.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/zwkf8m.jpg

Some of my better kill photos for those who appreciate it. All animals taken with a compound bow for those interested.

[frenchbar]

Good stuff R-J...better get JR a bow looks like hes got a good teacher !

[dana]

So what are you supposed to do if you shoot a moose (too big to move) and it is leaking blood from every hole in its head? Impossible to get a picture without blood. The reality is we are killing these animals and they typically bleed while dying. Should I not take any pictures for fear of offending the delicate sensibilities of some members? Give me a break.

Like I said earlier, taking quality harvest pics are for you to enjoy not for some strangers on the internet. I know for myself, I personally prefer looking at pics that are clean as possible because they just look better to me. If that was my moose, I would have broken off some of those fir bows beside ya and used them to soak up as much blood as possible. It is amazing how grass or moss or leaves or bows can clean up an animal in only a few seconds. Really takes no time. I also would have broke off the twigs in front of the camera to give it a better presentation. But that is just me. If you like the pic the way it is, that is all that really matters as it is your animal not mine.

[moose2]

These are pictures of my wife and daughter from the 2009 deer season and the LEH winter elk draw in 2010. I will post them and mention what we did to get a bit nicer photos.

This is my daughters first animal when she was 12. I like to get pictures before the guts are out they stay alot cleaner that way. A couple other things we did on this one was remove the tounge and kick snow over the blood spots.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2009_hunting_069_Large_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

This was my wifes mulie and sometimes for the pictures everything goes good. We just had to hide the tounge on this one and leave the guts in. I don't remember seeing any blood to cover up.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2009_hunting_071_Large_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

Sometimes in the field blood can be hard to hide. This was the case with my wifes winter elk, after we looked at the pictures she was dissapointed that we didn't spend the time to clean the elk up a bit. So I used the computer paint program to clean one of the pictures up. I am not the best at it ,but it will help to salvage some otherwise distasteful hunting photos. I have also seen messy photos reprinted in black and white that can help also.
Mike
original picture

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2009_hunting_083_Large_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

After using the paint program

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2009_hunting_084_Large_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[BiG Boar]

And with a little bit of GOOD photoshop you can have this:

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/deadelkcopy.jpg

[moose2]

And with a little bit of GOOD photoshop you can have this:

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/deadelkcopy.jpg

That looks really good Dave thanks for the post. These computer programs can sure fix up what might be missed in the original field photos.
Mike

[BiG Boar]

I am one who is a little anal about trophy pictures. I have some from the beginning of my hunting that really were terrible, and since then I have started paying closer attention. Good trophy shots are ones you will put on the wall, as compared to ones you would rather not display for your friends and family to see.

There are lots of good ways to take better pictures of our animals. As there is a variety of different game in BC, different animals deserve different poses. A trophy shot of a bear should not be taken the same way a shot of an elk is taken. What I do before I go on my hunt is look at a lot of pictures of the animal I am going to be pursuing. 1. It gets me pumped about the hunt. 2. You can pic out the best pose (or poses) to put the animal in before you start snapping away.

Trophy pics of the animal hanging upside down in ones garage are usually something you don't want to look at. That is what this is all about. Photography is art. The more pleasing it is to the eye, the more you will like the shot. Here are some tips I have come up with, and try to pay attention to while I set up for the shot. The Roosevelt pics I took recently had taken a solid 45 minutes to set up. Clearing brush was most of it. But also covering blood, balancing the animals head to stay in position, and dragging and turning the animal. Then the shooting started, and I must have 40 pics of it at least. Of which I picked the best 5 or so.

1. Look the subject in the eye. It makes the photo engaging

2. Don't leave out legs or parts of the animal, part way off screen. Its okay if its a close up, but don't have yours or the hunters arms and legs cut off. You can do your cropping on the computer.

3. Use a plain back ground to contrast the horns. Snow, sky, water, even a field of one color will work. TRY NOT TO PUT THE SUBJECT BEHIND THE HORNS, even one horn.

4. If there is an angle to fit in some scenery, make it happen, get a view, take the picture in a way you can capture the environment. Even if it means moving your subject to one side in the picture.

5. Light on the animal and hunter. Look for a branch above, or something that is casting a shadow over the subject.

6. If there is dirt around, rub some into the eye of the animal. It won't go red or cause the flash to illuminate it in the picture.

7. Take some vertical pics. You'll get more sky in this way, and it will completely change the pic.

8. Use a branch to prop up the animals head rather than your hand. One trick they teach you in Africa is to put a stick in the animals mouth and then peg the end into the ground. Also, a rock can work too.

9. Direct your subject. Once you get behind the screen, tell your subject to move this way or that way. Closer or farther. Move your arm this way. Bend the leg of the animal in. Cut this branch. Then once the view finder looks good, start snapping pics.

10. Take lots of pictures, from a minimum of 3 angles. Sometimes a horn will show better from another angle. Sometimes the contrast will be better.

11. Review the pictures and don't be afraid to take some more if none make you scream "WOW!". Also, you can see whats working and try a few more shots from that angle.

12. Stop, just stop, relax....drink a beer, soak in the moment. This is the last of the fun part. The work is about to start.



Another lesson learned this year is to keep your camera in a water proof case. Not only will it stop dust from getting behind the lens, it will keep fog from getting there too. Hunting is a dusty, dirty, wet sport. Protect your camera so unlike me, you don't have to buy a new one every 2 years. Mine is full of dust, and it fogged up as I was hiking and sweating in the rain.

[coach]

Very good points, Dave. Thanks for contributing. The huge key you pointed out is to take the time to do it right. Way too often, we get an animal down and want to get moving right away on all the "work". It's not until we're home and the animal is cooling that we regret the shots we didn't take. There are a couple of animals I've killed over the years where I really wish I had pics. One was my first deer ever - an average 100 Mile 4 point. The other was an ancient Empire Valley 2 point. He was about as old as deer can get. Huge forks. No teeth. The antlers are gone and I didn't get a decent picture. Now, a good camera is an integral part of my hunting equipment.

[Str8shooterbc]

One thing about many of the pictures. If you want to see the faces of the shooter, especially if they want to were hats or caps, use a flash. Most SLRs and point & shoot cameras have a hotshoe for a dedicated flash unit. Most of these dedicated flashes have a 'High Speed" selection so you can use it as "fill flash". This will highlight the face and put a sparkle in the eyes which really brings your photograph alive. I use a flash unit when taking picture of wildlife as it puts that "sparkle of life" in the eyes even at 30 to 50 yards. It doesn't take much light to do this.

[stoneguide]

A couple things ive learned over the years.

1. Take pictures to please yourself!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Try and get rid of excess blood if possible. Carry a small pack of wet wipes with you, they work awesome for wiping off blood. They can also be pushed into nostrils of the animal to stop blood. Push them back far and you cant see them in pics. Also great for cleaning up after field dressing.

3. Close the mouth. Carry a small amount of dental floss or fishing line with you. This works well to hold the mouth shut. Dont wrap it around the nose as you can see the thread line then. What I do is make a couple small cuts inside the lips roughly where you cut when caping and thread the line through top and bottom and tie tight.

4. Dont sit way back as has been stated. Anybody looking at pics these days looks for guys doing this. Be happy with your trophy dont try and make it look bigger than it actually is.

5. Try and take pics from level or slightly lower. This tends to display the scene alot better.

6. Take some shots that arent staged. Randomly take pictures from the time the animal hits the ground until the animal is processed.

7. Caping and gutting are part of hunting. But take tastful pictures when inculding these in you photos as you may show these to non hunter friends and family or people that dont like them sights alot.

8. And last make sure to take a ton pf pics. For every 50 I take I get one that makes me really say wow that was a good shot.

Hope this helps a little.
SG

[coach]

Great points, Stoneguide. I've really enjoyed some of the shots you've posted for us. Question: It appears you often hunt in very cold conditions - is there anything you do to ensure your camera doesn't freeze up? I sometimes put a hand warmer in the case with my camera. Not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it seems to have worked.

[stoneguide]

Never had a problem with my cameras and ive hunted in condintions down to -36C( last years mule deer pics). I always have spare batteries though as in cold conditions they tend to die quicker. My camera just rides in my pack and always seems to have worked so far.
Also watch and take extra shots as you always get some shots that you can see your breath in.
SG

[BiG Boar]

I disagree on the "not standing behind the animal picture". Judge me all you want. The animal is the what people look at in the trophy shot. I say take the best picture you can. Just as most people wouldn't stand 5 feet in front of the deer, making it look tiny. Its a trophy shot of the animal. Standing behind it does make the animal apear bigger, and is a lot of the time a better shot. Don't take all your photos like that, but a few are usually a good idea. If this is seen as cheating, I'm fine with that. 95% of friends who see my pictures don't know that trick, and say wow! What a great animal! Not....hmmm, it appears you are trying to make the animal bigger than it really is.

Another tip is to keep your camera in your pocket during the cold days as the cold kills your battery.

[Nathaniel Poe]

A couple things ive learned over the years.

1. Take pictures to please yourself!!!!!!!!!!!


4. Dont sit way back as has been stated. Anybody looking at pics these days looks for guys doing this. Be happy with your trophy dont try and make it look bigger than it actually is.


So which is it? Take the photos to please yourself, or take photos so that other people looking at the photos don't see you sit behind the animal? LOL!!

[Nathaniel Poe]

I disagree on the "not standing behind the animal picture". Judge me all you want. The animal is the what people look at in the trophy shot. I say take the best picture you can. Just as most people wouldn't stand 5 feet in front of the deer, making it look tiny. Its a trophy shot of the animal. Standing behind it does make the animal apear bigger, and is a lot of the time a better shot. Don't take all your photos like that, but a few are usually a good idea. If this is seen as cheating, I'm fine with that. 95% of friends who see my pictures don't know that trick, and say wow! What a great animal! Not....hmmm, it appears you are trying to make the animal bigger than it really is.

Another tip is to keep your camera in your pocket during the cold days as the cold kills your battery.

I take lots of different photographs from lots of different angles, and I agree with you on making the animal in the picture the most important part!!! Take some with the person in the background and take some from the side, beside animal, up on top, wide angle and don't worry that some people try to make it as if it's cheating! LOL!!!

[stoneguide]

Nathaneil would you like me to explain it in a language you understand or you just wanna cause issues? If you new how to read correct you would see it says " Dont sit way back" from the animal. Never said dont sit behind the animal. Take a look of some of Proguides moose pics where the people are sitting a full length of the moose away from the horns. I simply stated that you should be happy enough with your trophy to sit up at the trophy instead of trying to take a pic that makes it look like something it isnt.
And its just a tip, if it makes you happy to make an animal into smoething bigger then thats great just was stating that it isnt neccasary in my opinion.
SG

[Nathaniel Poe]

Nathaneil would you like me to explain it in a language you understand or you just wanna cause issues? If you new how to read correct you would see it says " Dont sit way back" from the animal. Never said dont sit behind the animal. Take a look of some of Proguides moose pics where the people are sitting a full length of the moose away from the horns. I simply stated that you should be happy enough with your trophy to sit up at the trophy instead of trying to take a pic that makes it look like something it isnt.
And its just a tip, if it makes you happy to make an animal into smoething bigger then thats great just was stating that it isnt neccasary in my opinion.
SG

Just sayin' that if you are taking the photos to please yourself then you shouldn't care that Anybody looking at pics these days looks for guys doing this. Just sayin' LOL!!

Sit lots of places and take lots of photos. Sometimes the sitting back far photos look best, sometimes the ones with the hunter sitting almost on top of the animal look best. Sit wherever makes you happy is my motto! LOL!

[stoneguide]

Here are how I like to take moose and such pictures (and its my preference not saying people have to do it). I like to be near the trophy, its about the harvest of a great animal. The picture to me should show the hunter and trophy in equal value. He is a proud hunter and should be up there proudly dislaying his trophy. Again just my thoughts.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCF0678.jpg

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN1296.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN14361.JPG

[stoneguide]

Something else that I like to do is if I harvest an animal in the snow I try and keep from tracking the snow up alot around the animal. To me a picture looks better without a whole bunch of people tracks all over in it.
SG

[.308win]

Couple of my field pics!!......And if you for get to take the camera in the field.....the back yard can work just fine!!

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/Picture002.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_4351.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_1429.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_2594.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_2625.jpg

Perry

[.308win]

Couple more! This first one was inspired by Dana!!:mrgreen:.....Think i'll be doing a few more this way!

As he lay!
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_02561.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/newfieguy1/IMG_02551.jpg

Perry

[coach]

Nice pics, Perry. The backyard shot works because it's such a nice buck - but I would have probably tried to find an angle that showed more sky and less fence - or looked for a tree or something that made a better background. The "as they lay" shots, inspired by Dana, are great. I've become a convert and will continue to take them in the future.

[.308win]

Nice pics, Perry. The backyard shot works because it's such a nice buck - but I would have probably tried to find an angle that showed more sky and less fence - or looked for a tree or something that made a better background.

I agree with ya 100%!!.......But I had to get in a few pics, get him hung and back on the road for work!!:-D.......This was about 7:30am got him on my way to work!!!:mrgreen:

Perry

[coach]

I agree with ya 100%!!.......But I had to get in a few pics, get him hung and back on the road for work!!:-D.......This was about 7:30am got him on my way to work!!!:mrgreen:

Perry

I remember reading about it when you got him. Gotta love it when the "before work" buck looks like that! And like I've said before - A picture is way better than NO picture.

[.308win]

like I've said before - A picture is way better than NO picture.

x2!!

Perry

[stoneguide]

I am also a big fan of pics of where they lay. Here are a couple I took.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCF13792.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCF0835.jpg

[stoneguide]

I like taking random shots to after the trophy is being and has been skinned and is just around camp.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN1172.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCF09001.jpg

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2065.JPG

[stoneguide]

Post 91 and 92 are pretty hipicritical of some previous post's if you ask me!


Thats the great part about sugestions and pointers. They are opinions and one persons ideas of what they like and what works well for them. They can be taken or left. They are ideas that some may take out into the field and use in their pictures. Many people would look and your pics of the fish and think that they are very distastful
but like you said its part of the game. Is there better ways that they could have been taken? Maybe or maybe not but without others ideas or suggestions you will never know. I strive to have the best most tastfull pictures I can get and take every tip and pointer I can get. Some I use in my pictures some I dont and im sure that is the way all members are. If that picture in your mind is the best it can be for your future memories then that is all that matters, and if you wish to possibly improve down the road, tips and pointers will always help. As for my pics and comments I hope they help someone down the road and are there to explain and show why I do certain things in my pics and if no one takes anything from it then that is fine also as they are my memories and work well to show that.

As for being hipicritical I guess you could explain that to me better as all I did in 91 was state that I personally feel that to me the hunter and trophy have the same importance in a picture and I like to show this by having both close together in the pic. Not sitting way back just to make the trophy larger. And in 92 all I think I stated is that I try not to take pics in the snow that have a pile of boot tracks in the snow. Is that hipicritical?

[Gateholio]

I like the "as they lay" pics, too

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/41210_462039925515_526315515_7031046_2980174_n.jpg

[stoneguide]

Great pic Gate! Looks like a bit of a crash.

[Gateholio]

Yeah never seen one land like that!!

[coach]

How about this one Coach?

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1590.jpg

Not big game but you said your "kill". We killed the hell out of them. These things bleed like a shook up coke bottle. On a boat with little means to clean up the "kill" site.

Is this up to your standards?

These fish meant alot to us. We cleaned and prep'd them just like anything else we kill. They are tasty too by the way.

Post 91 and 92 are pretty hipicritical of some previous post's if you ask me!

I like all photo's submitted by all members. At least they are posting up photo's. It's hard enough to get folks to do just that. This thread gives some great suggestions but really is degrading IMHO. I thought it was going to give some great camera pointer's:confused:. I'm a little disappointed by the lack of technical camera talk.


You've got me completely stumped, Jonnybear. What are my "standards"? Where have I been critical of anyone in this thread? Wiping blood away is a guideline - not a necessity. What hypocrisy are you referencing? How can sharing ideas be degrading? This thread was started because criticism was being directed at forum members in a thread about mule deer. The criticism didn't belong there. Neither does criticism of any sort in anyone's successful hunt thread. I've stressed over and over again that this is about helping - not criticizing. Personally, I've taken info learned here and applied it to my own pics.

BTW - I haven't caught Tuna that size before, but I did land some skip jack, Mahi Mahi and Mackeral in Fiji. You're right - a lot of those warm water fish do bleed like hell. I have a ton of respect for you guys heading way offshore to catch those fish and believe I expressed that in your tuna thread last fall. A picture with blood all over it is far better than no picture at all - but I know you've taken better pics than this one.

[Gateholio]

Hey man I was just saying you said stuff about laying behind the animal so far to make the animal look bigger. I was wrong with post #92 but in post #91 the last two photos expecially the last one look's like just what you where posting about. Kind of confusing don't you think? Hipicritcal might have come into play due to the last picture you posted in post #91. There is no way that guy is close to the animal. I don't really care what folks think of my photos I just post them as they are and how it happened etc. Don't need dental floss for that do I?

Hmm, yeah I see what you mean. Not right at the rear end of the animal,but definitely using some camera "trickery" to provide an "illusion" :)

[stoneguide]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCF0678.jpg

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN14361.JPG


Not sure if these pics I got of the net will show what I mean better but ill try. If you look at the animals bodies in my pics the are crossways to the camera. In the moose im right against the mooses body and pretty much the same distance from the camera as the antlers, maybe a touch behind. And with the caribou I am a little bit back from the horns but still only a foot or two from them due to the way the neck lays. Im still pretty much right next to them.
What I was meaning is sitting 6 or more feet behind the animal. It does make an animal look large and impressive but it just not a pose I personaly like. I like both hunter and trophy in close proximity.
Hope that explains it better. And which ever way people do it is great just stating what I think looks good for my pics.
SG
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Charles-Moose-II1_1_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/hunting_photo_main_1_.jpg

[coach]

I've got pics scattered through here. Mostly at the start of the thread. Plus 54, 58, 59

[coach]

Fair enough, Johnnybear. I'm fairly outspoken against members criticizing eachother over their animals, pictures, stories, etc. I understand the concept that this thread could be viewed as being critical - but it was started with good intent and without double meaning. It has threatened to go sideways a couple times, but for the most part has stayed on track.

[stoneguide]

I think the tough part with a thread like this is that who is to judge a quality photo? Everyone looks at a pic differently. Thing is for people to show how they do things, maybe explain why they do or donot do stuff and then people can choose what they think is good to use in their pics. No one is putting a double standard they are just stating what in their own minds helps make a good pic. If a person say he doesnt do it one way for what ever reason its not knocking anyons its just explaining why they do it.
No one here is trying to knock any ones pictures here and im sure we all would love to see a pile more. So dont take things to heart if everyone doesnt do it your way and hopefully we all can learn a trick or two to use in the future.

I was always told a terrible picture is better than not having one so just take lots for your personal taste. Some will like them and others wont but only you need to like them.
SG

[Johnnybear]

I was always told a terrible picture is better than not having one so just take lots for your personal taste. Some will like them and others wont but only you need to like them.
SG

That's pretty much what you have been saying all along in the big picture of things. Good point Sg.

[The Dude]

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq155/proguide66/035.jpg

Now that's just the best of a good bunch. A magazine cover, excellent shot, composition and lighting. Well done.

[Johnnybear]

Fair enough, Johnnybear. I'm fairly outspoken against members criticizing eachother over their animals, pictures, stories, etc. I understand the concept that this thread could be viewed as being critical - but it was started with good intent and without double meaning. It has threatened to go sideways a couple times, but for the most part has stayed on track.

This is a great thread coach. I'm sorry I bent it sideways a little. The stuff I posted was silly really. I deleted most of it.

[Barracuda]

I always prefer the rifle or bow etc in some of the pictures simply cause its part of the story.

Looking at people standing beside a spotlessly cleaned up animal always gives me the impression that it was found alongside the freeway or it had a heartattack and died and some hiker just happened to stumble upon this dead animal and took a few pictures of it.

[coach]

Lol. No problem, Johnnybear. I gotta admit, everytime I see someone post a picture and apologize for blood, a tongue, etc I feel like a bit of an a-hole. That was never my intent. I like good pictures and I wanted to learn a bit for myself. I also think we need to keep the debates off people's successful hunting threads.

Btw - I like the bloody tuna pics! But there's a better one on your thread of a chrome bright fish with a hook in it's mouth and a couple of gaffs ready to kill the hell out of it.

[BiG Boar]

I also think its best not to gut the animal before you take your pics. Gutting usually involves a lot of blood. Personally I never gut my animals anyways, but a tip for some that do, is take your pics before you gut.

Another idea I try to always do is to take a live picture of the animal. Its never really easy, but if possible, do it. Usually they look far better alive than dead.

These pictures I did all alone. They are not the best, but its not easy moving and turning over a 1000 pound beast. Let alone, nothing to balance the camera on other than a few small rocks.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/IMG_1022.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/IMG_1025.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/IMG_1033-1.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/moosegood3.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/IMG_1045-1.jpg

[guntech]

A snap shot in the fog... we just made sure to wipe the fish clean... they looks much nicer without a bunch of blood.

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/3/b/d/203599/fishintheboat-0.jpg

[Johnnybear]

A snap shot in the fog... we just made sure to wipe the fish clean... they looks much nicer without a bunch of blood.

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/3/b/d/203599/fishintheboat-0.jpg

That's a dandy guntech!!!!! What did it weigh?

[Stone Sheep Steve]

[QUOTE=BiG Boar;1034266]http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/moose%20hunt%202010/moosegood3.jpg

QUOTE]

Hey Dave
Did you "tinker" with this pic?? Looks fuzzy around the edge of the skyline.

SSS

[bugler]

They are not the best, but its not easy moving and turning over a 1000 pound beast. Let alone, nothing to balance the camera on other than a few small rocks.

Pick up a "Gorilla Pod", lightweight, fits easily in the pack, works really well for a small camera.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Here's one of my favorite Mtn Goat poses. Just hope I can remember the setup "if" I ever get a good one.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2011_Cassiar_hunt_078.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[mark]

I like the "as they lay" pics, too

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/41210_462039925515_526315515_7031046_2980174_n.jpg


Looks like he was trying to kiss his ass good-bye! LOL

[guntech]

That's a dandy guntech!!!!! What did it weigh?

48 pounds...

The killer is I did not have a derby ticket and I would have won $10,000 - 1st prize in Port Alberni September 4, 2006...

[coach]

48 pounds...

The killer is I did not have a derby ticket and I would have won $10,000 - 1st prize in Port Alberni September 4, 2006...

Ouch!! Oh well, at least the picture is priceless.

[Johnnybear]

48 pounds...

The killer is I did not have a derby ticket and I would have won $10,000 - 1st prize in Port Alberni September 4, 2006...

Yikes. That's gotta hurt.

Great fish. Fish of a lifetime for most folks. Thanks for posting it up.

[oldkoot]

Always wondered what a Moose shot with an R.P.G. would look like.

[91Jason91]

nice pictures

[91Jason91]

I dont see why people would not want to see blood in the pictures / what do they expect when they are on a hunting forum and go to look at pictures of peoples animals? most people that have a problem with the blood wouldnt be on this site in the first place and would think we are all cruel for killing animals......

[coach]

I agree with you, Jason. The point of the thread was to share ideas for quality pictures - not to criticize. There are some very good pictures and ideas in here. I believe it's well worth reading through the entire thread.

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_0974.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_0970.jpg

These pictures were inspired by Dana earlier in this thread. I'd never considered these types of pics before he posted here. I kinda like them.

[ncurrie]

Check out my friend's photo stream, he is amazing. His are tasteful and has some fabulous ideas. As a photographer, a photo is to tell a story, it is up to the photographer to tell that story, so if you want people too see the blood and gory stuff that is up to you, there is no right or wrong way, it is what you like and it is up to the people to see it they want to. I have always said if you don't like it don't look:)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buzzhunt/

[coach]

Wow, ncurrie! Some awesome shots there. Blood on the leaf picture is really cool.

[ncurrie]

he takes awesome images! He is my favourite!

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_0990.jpg

[coach]

Hunting season is almost upon us. Figured I'd give this thread a bump. Good luck to everyone this year!

Remember - ANY picture is better than NO picture - but there's a lot of good ideas here than can help preserve memories for years to come.

[rattling_junkie]

Coach, I really appreciate this thread. After I started to take clean quality photos non-hunters have really enjoyed them and wanted to know more about hunting.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Remember - ANY picture is better than NO picture - but there's a lot of good ideas here than can help preserve memories for years to come.

Amen Coach!! Pretty soon we'll be sitting in our rockin' chairs feeling all of our aches and pains wondering where the hell has the time gone.
Then we can pick up our pictures from yester-years and put a huge smile on our faces and forget about our aching old bodies.......even if it's just for a few moments.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Hare_hunting_2012_001.jpg (http://javascript<strong></strong>:;)

My daughter even remembered to open the chamber for the picture (even though you can't see it) to appease all those saints:-P.

SSS

[pupper]

A lot of nice pictures here guys. I wrote up some tips on the subject on my website a while back, you can check them here: http://www.huntingtipsandtricks.com/a/Trophy_Photo_Tips__

[coach]

Nice website, pupper. Some good videos on there. I see you use the same camera I do. Pretty hard to go wrong with the 35x optical and 140x digital zoom of the Canon sx30is.

[pupper]

Nice website, pupper. Some good videos on there. I see you use the same camera I do. Pretty hard to go wrong with the 35x optical and 140x digital zoom of the Canon sx30is.
Yah, I used to use a non HD JVC everio but I am really unhappy with the quality it shot. The Powershot Canon is real nice though, I am very happy: http://www.huntingtipsandtricks.com/a/Canon_Power_Shot_SX_30_IS

[chilcotin hillbilly]

This year it would be nice to see some quality pictures of trophies taken. Serious trophy hunters tend to take good pictures such as sheep, or goat hunters.
The rest of the semi trophy/meat hunters tend to butcher the pictures of their harvest. Lets give as many pointers on taking good pictures as possible.

Lets start by removing the tongue, stuff it in or cut it off.

Take pictures before gutting.

Wipe off as much blood as possible.

Take photos with a good backdrop ( for example a bear on the road sucks!)

Take pictures with the sun behind you.

Take a camera with you as most phone pictures suck


Let hear more tips, I enjoy seeing everyones trophies but choke on the quality of pictures taken and shared on this site.

[Blainer]

Follow some of the Africa threads. The outfitters, PH's, take time and pride in the photo's they take.I learned allot.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_036.jpg

[russm]

I think people should be as proud to share a pic of a spike as they are to share one of a "trophy", if you can take the time for a big animal to take a quality photo show the little guys the same respect.

[BearStump]

This ones already been done.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?73024-Taking-quality-pictures-of-your-kill

[coach]

Maybe it's time to revive this one: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?73024-Taking-quality-pictures-of-your-kill

[coach]

Best me to it, Bearstump. :-D

[coach]

Bump - for Chilcotin Hillbilly

[chilcotin hillbilly]

Maybe it's time to revive this one: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?73024-Taking-quality-pictures-of-your-kill
We should keep this at the top of the page

[LBM]

The last issue of mountain hunter has an article on this called Take photos to impress has some good tips etc in it.

[chilcotin hillbilly]

I think people should be as proud to share a pic of a spike as they are to share one of a "trophy", if you can take the time for a big animal to take a quality photo show the little guys the same respect.

That is foresure russm

[LBM]

I think people should be as proud to share a pic of a spike as they are to share one of a "trophy", if you can take the time for a big animal to take a quality photo show the little guys the same respect.

Yes true show all sizes respect, who is to say what is and isn't a trophy.

[r106]

So you guys are saying Don't do this?? lol Basically do the opposite :mrgreen:

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/r_106/deer20113432.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/r_106/media/deer20113432.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/r_106/deer2011.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/r_106/media/deer2011.jpg.html)

[stoneguide]

Here are a couple I like from my 2012 season with my boys and my oldest sons first two big game animals at the age of 12. Neither animal are big but I feel the pics captured the moment. Not perfect shots but not the real fake looking set up shots either.
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/sheepguide/DSCN5021-1_zps0fb9242f.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/sheepguide/DSCN4957800x600.jpg

[Call of the Wild]

I find hunters and non hunters prefer to look at pictures of animals when they look nice. Here are some different aspects/details I take into account to make a difference.


- I carry a branch clipper for all my hunts except for sheep hunts (weight). Once an animal is down I'll clip the small growth between the camera and the animal, I find it makes better pictures and the animal stands out not a shrub or grass.
- maintaining the antlers or horns so they are horizontal or for a front picture of an elk make sure its antlers have a vertical alignment.
- when possible I like to bed my animal, legs properly/naturally bent
- personally I find it annoying to see in the last few years beyond close up shot of down animals! We all know the trick the closer the camera is and the further you stand behind the animal will skew the animal's "size" but frame your subject good on the camera with some background (use the two vertical and two horizontal frame division) and you'll have much better pictures!!!
- some classic tips; wipe the blood, no visible tongue, hand comb your animal especially in the face, remove dirt on the animal's body and please SMILE and be happy for your pictures.
- take lots of pictures, with and without flash, and preview them in the field, I take lots of pictures usually to end up with about 5 really good ones.

[fuzzybiscuit]

Nice pictures stoneguide. I would rather look at pictures that catch the moment any day over fake set-up shots.

While I try to take the best shot I can, I am no professional at photography and the last thing that I'm thinking about when taking a picture is cutting the tongue out or what some internet critic is going to think months down the road.

I would also rather see a photo of someone's animal lying in the middle of the road than no photo at all. I know for myself if I thought that I was going to be criticized for taking a picture where the animal fell down then I wouldn't bother going to the trouble to put a picture on here. If everyone with a so-so picture did that then we wouldn't have much to look at, would we?

I'm not sure that I understand why some feel that the only good photo of a dead animal is one where the animal just looks like it is sleeping. I guess that I would understand if I was a Trophy hunter because as the OP suggests they are the only ones who can take a decent picture.

[pronghorn]

Clean up the animal,lighting,position and take lots of pics the day and age of digital you can preview as you go and don't be in a hurry

[Caveman]

I agree to a point, between capturing the spirit of the moment and setting up the shot. Depends what your intention of the photo is. If it's just going to be put in an album somewhere to share with your buddies not a big deal. If you want to display it on the wall and others may view it that are not hunters and may be offended by the blood, etc., then take a moment to clean up the animal, take the field shots before you field dress the animal. It doesn't take much to make a great shot. I do really like stoneguides second picture with the boy celebrating his success, but r106' buck in the back of the pickup, leaves a little to be desired. Great buck just the same. here is an example of what I mean. I shot this bull and went back to camp and brought my dad in to give me a hand to get him out. First thing I did was take the picture of a memory I shared with my father. It is proudly displayed on my dad's wall and many people comment on it. Always positive. Never staged it, other than to get the head up where you could see it

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/cavemn94/Chetwynd%20Elk%20Hunt/016.jpg

[Caveman]

Clean up the animal,lighting,position and take lots of pics the day and age of digital you can preview as you go and don't be in a hurry

By all means, I agree, take a ton of pictures to capture the whole hunt and activities around that. Put those ones in a album to enjoy with your buddies over a cold beer, but you'll want one you won't hesitate to show anyone.

[Kilwinning]

Here are a couple I like from my 2012 season with my boys and my oldest sons first two big game animals at the age of 12. Neither animal are big but I feel the pics captured the moment. Not perfect shots but not the real fake looking set up shots either.
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/sheepguide/DSCN5021-1_zps0fb9242f.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu339/sheepguide/DSCN4957800x600.jpgI think that both photo`s are excellent ,but in my opinion that top one is priceless
Kilwinning

[dana]

This year it would be nice to see some quality pictures of trophies taken. Serious trophy hunters tend to take good pictures such as sheep, or goat hunters.
The rest of the semi trophy/meat hunters tend to butcher the pictures of their harvest. Lets give as many pointers on taking good pictures as possible.


Let hear more tips, I enjoy seeing everyones trophies but choke on the quality of pictures taken and shared on this site.

A good way to get people to think the way you think is to slam them ain't it? ;) This is the exact attitude I was talking about in the other thread that the link was posted up for. This subject has been beaten to death. IMO if you choke on the quality of the pictures taken on this site, then you be best to not come here. Hunting sites are NOT photographer pureist sites. They are for hunters of all shapes and sizes that share a common interest, a love for the outdoors.

[dana]

So you guys are saying Don't do this?? lol Basically do the opposite :mrgreen:

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/r_106/deer20113432.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/r_106/media/deer20113432.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/r_106/deer2011.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/r_106/media/deer2011.jpg.html)

Those 2 pics are just fine. Nothing wrong with them at all. If we expected everyone to be top-notch photographers then not a lot of hunting pics would be posted on this site, as most people aren't pureists when they take pics. They are just everyday joes. I'm glad you at least took some pics to remember the hunt with years down the line.

[dana]

Coach,
Like I said, I take the time because as a photographer, I like good pics. I also know that there are a ton of people out there with cameras that ain't photographers and never will be. Some people will never take a good picture no matter how expensive their camera is. And there ain't nothing wrong with that. They take pics for memories sake. My old man always carried a camera and tried to snap a few pics of a lot of his animals. A lot of them weren't all that pretty. Sometimes a gutpile got in the way. Most of the time the tongue was hanging out. But the fact is, he took pics and I am thankful today to have those pics of his critters so my childern can see them. It don't matter what they look like, they are a family heritage that can be passed on to future generations. Jumping on fellow hunters for the quality of their pics or lack of is just simply wrong. Who cares what the picture looks like. It is their memory and experience they are sharing, not yours. Not something worthy of jumping all over hunters about.

This one is for Hillbilly. Time to look at things from a different perspective eh? We do not hunt to make people happy on the internet. We hunt for our own reasons. If you choke on most pics posted up on this site, then maybe you shouldn't be here.

[igojuone]

Nice pictures stoneguide. I would rather look at pictures that catch the moment any day over fake set-up shots.

While I try to take the best shot I can, I am no professional at photography and the last thing that I'm thinking about when taking a picture is cutting the tongue out or what some internet critic is going to think months down the road.

I would also rather see a photo of someone's animal lying in the middle of the road than no photo at all. I know for myself if I thought that I was going to be criticized for taking a picture where the animal fell down then I wouldn't bother going to the trouble to put a picture on here. If everyone with a so-so picture did that then we wouldn't have much to look at, would we?

I'm not sure that I understand why some feel that the only good photo of a dead animal is one where the animal just looks like it is sleeping. I guess that I would understand if I was a Trophy hunter because as the OP suggests they are the only ones who can take a decent picture.

Your wrong, only Serious Trophy hunters of sheep and goats.

[The Dawg]

And make sure to sit 15 feet behind the animal to make it look bigger

[rides bike to work]

I personally prefer the REAL pics usually taken during an adrenaline rush in between celebrations not set up and posed. I also like the meat pole pics and all other ones that document the reality of the hunt . I wish we could post up some of the more controversial ones here like exit wounds and and meat damage as with these pics and back ground write up like caliber and grain it could be educational.

[Gateholio]

Lots of good info on this topic, so I merged the threads

[r106]

I want to get better at taking the " after " pics but my main problem is I forget the camera or I'm by myself and want to get the job done because it's now dark and there is a bear and cougar behind every bush. I also like the "real" pics but a few nice ones I could frame would be nice

[dog812]

Here is my best pic, as you can tell i was pretty happy. tried to clean him up a bit.. and it turned out to be a great pic framed next to the euro mount i did... The shot i used for my avatar is a cool shot as well.. looking through the rack. I always go overkill on the photos after, you can always delete the bad ones. I probably took 25 pics with this one with only about 4 good ones. So my advice is take lots!!!!

http://s5.postimg.org/jyy7a9ngm/PB250344.jpg


http://s5.postimg.org/70qt6z5on/IMG_20130707_160810.jpg

[Wullfen]

That is a great framed photo dog812, i like how you have the tag as part of it as well. Really nicely done.

[MattB]

Who cares if someone takes a picture of their animal in the back of a pickup. 50+ years from now that will be a cool picture to look at, just like looking at a picture of a buck on a vehicle from 50 years ago!

[Rev.]

There was a day when driving into town with a buck in the back of the truck was a moment of pride and accomplishment, I guess the mere picture of one now is frowned upon. Pathetic!!!

[sapper]

Here is my best pic, as you can tell i was pretty happy. tried to clean him up a bit.. and it turned out to be a great pic framed next to the euro mount i did... The shot i used for my avatar is a cool shot as well.. looking through the rack. I always go overkill on the photos after, you can always delete the bad ones. I probably took 25 pics with this one with only about 4 good ones. So my advice is take lots!!!!

http://s5.postimg.org/jyy7a9ngm/PB250344.jpg


http://s5.postimg.org/70qt6z5on/IMG_20130707_160810.jpg
I too like the tag included in the corner of the frame. Once I actually shoot something with some headgear I might have something to share online here. So far I've only harvested does. I hesitate to make that admission as to some on here that is terrible too. I'm a meat-hunter though so don't really care too much about the rack. That said, I'm still looking forward to my first buck in the freezer, with photos to prove it. :-)

[bccanadian]

I have a point and shoot. I haven't taken any courses on photography. That being said, I'd like to thank everyone that has contributed advice in this thread on how to take decent photos. Some of this advice can be used while hunting or at a family reunion.

Again, thanks for the advice and the varying opinions. It helps me to decide on how I want to "compose" any photos I take now and in the future.

[dog812]

The best point and shoot i have owned is the Olympus "Tough" camera. Waterproof, shockproof. Awesome camera.. I have broken tons of "good" cameras, this one is king!

[Blainer]

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/bigbore14/C0F4ED8B-7B7C-4D16-8A3A-379AE978ECA3-2252-00000186B5E05935_zps0f73ac79.jpg

[dana]

Good example of how to take a picture to make the animal appear much larger than it really is. Those tricks work for the Wealthy yanks to make them feel better about themselves. No surprise to see it done by BB as well. ;)

[lorneparker1]

How else would you like him to take a picture of a wolf? sitting on it?

[dana]

Hugging it. :)

[Alpine85]

Hugging it. :)
With his face burried in the things asshole... Just like another fellow, that graced the pages of a hbc thread!

[Rackem]

how did BB make it sit up so nice?

[dana]

I would suspect he used fishing line.

[Rackem]

Someone here in Chetwynd said they REALLY stink when you skin them out, he was gagging and coughing the whole time...I didn't find that to be true with coyotes other than a bit of a skunky smell...

[bigbuckbuster]

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/531952_10200316991392209_1614985886_n.jpg