[deucetwins]

Article written a couple of years ago that this thread reminded me of.

Better photos help preserve hunting memories

Author: BRYAN HENDRICKS
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE


Article Text:
Deer season is all about memories, and the best way to preserve a memorable hunt is with photography.

Here at the Pine Thicket Bureau, we always look forward to deer season because of all the photos we get from fellow hunters who allow us to share their accomplishments with our readers. We mostly get photos of youths who have taken their first deer. There's joy in those photos that transcends words, and we regard each picture as a snapshot capturing the genesis of a lifelong journey. We also recognize our repeat visitors. After all these years, they're kind of like family.
Of course, there's a big difference between snapshots and photographs. You can tell them when you see them, especially when they're side by side on the Outdoors page. The difference is just a little extra time and preparation. With a little effort, you can create a keepsake image worthy of the event. High-resolution cameras in iPhones and other cellular devices allow anyone to take color photos that are suitable for publication in most magazines. Best of all, it's easy.
Composing the pho! to is the key. This entails putting the hunter and trophy in an attractive setting that's free of clutter. We often get photos that were clearly afterthoughts. The deer is sprawled out in the bed of a battered old pickup with its head flat on the tailgate, tongue hanging out and blood splattered everywhere. That's a typical hunting snapshot, and I respect its authenticity. Others in my profession consider publishing such photos a mortal sin because they believe it'll offend antihunters and alienate neutral nonhunters. They denounce gory photos roundly in seminars at outdoor writer conventions.
Then again, everything on the Outdoors page offends anti-hunters. There's no placating them, and we're not inclined to try. We know for a fact that many nonhunters read the Outdoors page, and we're grateful they find other things here that they enjoy.
Even so, a little TLC will turn the "bloodbath" photo into an attractive keepsake. First, put the deer on the ground. Remove excess blood and try to stuff the tongue back in the mouth. Pay attention to the background. Colorful foliage makes a beautiful foundation and provides a seasonal perspective. A blaze of orange, red or yellow in the background is unmistakably autumnal.
In turkey season, we really like photos that show dogwoods in bloom. It's also nice to have a site-specific element in the background that shows where the photo was taken.
The subject should position a buck's head by pulling it up by the antlers. If it's a doe, position its head by manipulating the head under the cheeks. To make antlers look bigger and more dramatic, you can lie on the ground and shoot upward. Position the hunter's head clearly within the antler spread. Make sure none of the tines appear to be picking the hunter's nose, and no trees or utility poles are sprouting from his head. Remove 5-gallon buckets, corn sacks, drink cans, liquor bottles, plastic bags, greasy rags, chains and anti-freeze jugs from the frame, as well.
Take the cigarette out of your mouth, and remove caps or garments that express overly personal or off color messages.
Lighting is crucial for making great images. The soft, saturated light of early morning and early evening are best. It makes blaze orange really pop, makes a deer's coat and antlers shine golden, and really brightens a nice background. In low light, use a flash. No matter what, make sure the hunter and trophy are in focus.
There are people who examine outdoors pictures for violations. They count fish on stringers and they notice expiration dates on boat registration stickers. For that reason, we recommend hunters wear their orange garments while posing with their trophies.
Duck season started yesterday, so we'll soon be publishing duck hunting photos. It's a misguided tradition for one duck hunter to pose with multiple limits of ducks, even though four or five hunters actually shot the birds.
That's the photo you take if you want to meet your local wildlife officer.
Good luck, and keep'em coming.