I have had the privilege of sharing the stories of many of Michigan’s top bucks the last few years through the pages of Woods-N-Water News.  Included in this list are the last two Big Buck Pole winners, Tim Tackett and Kyle Hinkley. Seven of these bucks have made the cover. Besides the fact that these bucks were exceptional animals, another reason that they made the cover was because the hunters who took these animals also took the time to gather quality photographs.

A great attribute to hunting is the memories collected from the experience. With the possible exception of taxidermy work, there is no better catalyst for recreating memories than photographs. A high quality picture is a great trophy to possess. Following are some helpful tips in creating your own quality photographs.

1. Have a camera with you at all times. There are many options available in both film and digital, but the most expensive equipment in the world does you no good if it is not with you.  Most of the hunters that I do stories on email their photos so digital would be preferred if you would like to share your pictures with others.  A close friend of mine once shot an exceptionally tall tined buck that scored in the 140’s. He failed to take pictures and the taxidermist that he chose left town with his trophy. All he is left with is his memory.

2. Take field pictures. Pictures in the field at the kill site are always better than photographs of your trophy lying in a truck bed or hanging from the rafters of a cluttered garage. The habitat contributes to the story and memories. Highlight ponds, creeks, or special features by placing them in your picture’s background. If your trophy goes down within sight of your blind then place the blind in the photograph if possible. Also include your weapon by tastefully placing it across the body of your trophy.

3. Necessities. Now that you have chosen to take the pictures while afield, to improve the quality of your photographs; take pictures before field dressing if possible, stick the tongue back into the mouth, remove the animal from pools of blood and clean blood off the animal!

4. Place animal in respectful position. I had the privilege of hunting in Africa. The professional hunters there are very good at this. They take great pride in their work and want you to have the best pictures possible. They often tuck the front legs up under the animal and will use sticks or rocks to prop up the heads of the often heavyweight trophies. Simple things work, like putting turkeys or bears strategically on a log or large stone.

5. Take picture from ground level. Many people remain standing and shoot down at the hunter and his trophy. You will greatly enhance your picture if the photographer squats down or sits on the ground when taking the picture. Also, remove grass or objects that are between you and the subjects. The lens will often focus on the closest objects if used on auto focus.

6. Camera techniques. Center the hunter and trophy in the middle of the viewer frame. Get the entire animal and hunter in the picture. (Don’t chop off the tops of their heads.) Once you have collected pictures of the entire trophy it is good to zoom in on the hunter with just the trophy’s head in the picture for a enhanced view of the trophy collected. Try switching angles, especially for horned or antlered animals. Different angles will highlight attributes such as spread, tine length, mass etc.

7. Burn film. Take lots of pictures. People blink. Also your family and friends may want copies.

8. Smile. Personally I am not a fan of the grimacing hunter photos. It is a happy moment. You have been successful. Show your joy!