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Taking Good Trophy Photos

Trophy photos make up an interesting part of our magazine. We all enjoy looking at the trophy pages. Here are some tips to help you take bowhunting photos this fall that you will be proud to show to any audience.
1 Show respect for the animal. Take the photo as soon as possible, while the animal is fresh, before opening the body cavity. Clean up all blood, tuck in the tongue, hold the mouth closed by putting your hand under the lower jaw. Do whatever is necessary to make the trophy look nice. Don't sit on the animal or put your foot on it. Don't try to make the antlers look larger by holdong them out at arms length. That old trick doesn't fool anyone.
2 Show respect for the hunter. Tuck in your shirt, button your buttons, straighten your cap, etc. Make sure you look respectable to all audiences. Avoid sunglasses, cigarettes, sloppy clothing and beer cans.
3 Use a natural background. A photo of the animal in it's natural habitat with a natural background is much more appealing than in the back of your pickup truck. If you must wait to take the photo at home after the trip, (what do you mean you forgot the camera?) pose in front of a pine tree or bush in your backyard. Keep cars, ATVs and all man made structures out of hunting pictures. Traditional Trails can not use photos of an animal hanging in your garage or basement.
4 Move in close. Make sure the hero and trophy fill most of the picture frame. You don't need the whole animal in the photo. Medium close-ups showing a smiling hunter and the front half of his deer are nice. Moving in close also avoids a cluttered background in the photo.
5 Include your archery equipment. Traditional bows are beautiful. It doesn't have to be "up front" but should be included in the photo.
6 Use a flash. The best way to eliminate shadows in your photos is to use a fill flash, even in sunlight. It also helps to tip the hunter's cap back a little so his face is not in shadow.



Don't forget your camera this fall! Share your bowhunting memories with your friends at OSTA!