A high school journalism teacher in Arkansas recently requested that we rerun this column from November 2011 about shooting tasteful hunting photographs, and we are happy to oblige.
Deer season is all about meat and 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 success with our readers. We mostly get photos of youths who have taken their first deer. The joy in those photos transcends words, and we regard each picture as a snapshot capturing the genesis of a lifelong journey.
Of course, there’s a big difference between snapshots and photographs. You know 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 smart phones allow anyone to take color photos that are suitable for publication. Best of all, it’s easy.
Composing the photo is the key. This entails putting the hunter and trophy in an attractive setting that’s free of clutter. Some photos are 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.
Some in my profession consider publishing such photos a mortal sin because they believe it’ll offend anti-hunters and alienate neutral non-hunters. They denounce these photos in seminars at outdoor writer conventions. We see it differently. Everything on the outdoors page offends anti-hunters. There’s no placating them, and we’re not inclined to try. We also know that many non-hunters read the outdoors page, and we’re grateful that 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 stuff the tongue back in the mouth. Pay attention to the background. Colorful foliage makes a beautiful foundation and provides a seasonal perspective. A splash of orange, red or yellow in the background is unmistakably autumnal. In turkey season, we really like photos that show dogwoods and redbuds in bloom. It’s also nice to have a site-specific element in the background that shows where the photo was taken.
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 plastic buckets, corn sacks, drink cans, liquor bottles, plastic bags, greasy rags, chains and antifreeze 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 great images. The soft, saturated light of early morning and early evening are best. It makes hunter orange really pop, makes a deer’s hair and antlers look almost golden, and really brightens a nice background. In low or harsh light, use a flash. Always make sure the hunter and trophy are in focus. Shoot several frames from different angles.
There are people, including game wardens, 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 opens next month. It’s a tradition for one duck hunter to pose with multiple limits of ducks, even though four or five hunters actually shot the birds. Send us that photo if you want to meet your local wildlife officer.
Email photos to bhendricks@arkansasonline.com. Please include the hunter’s name, age, hometown and the county or general area where the hunt occurred, as well as any other tidbits that will help tell a good story. Please also include a short note giving the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette permission to publish the photo with the understanding that no monetary compensation will be provided.
Good luck, and keep ’em coming.
Sports, Pages 26 on 10/24/2013