Amateur Photography Tips
It is a disappointing feeling to open your newly developed photographs and find that they looked nothing like you expected them to be. It happens to all of us. But there are some simple things you can do to achieve better results from your efforts. Here are some of the major ones.
Equipment
For simply taking photographs of hunters with their game there is no better camera than the "point and shoot." They come in all price ranges, from $50 to $500. Several companies market "splash-proof" or waterproof cameras, handy models for outdoorsmen.
One important feature to have on your camera is a self-timer. Countless times you will take game when you are all alone, with nobody there to take your photo. Yet, while using the self-timer and a simple tripod you will not miss out on great photographs of your successful hunt. A lightweight but durable tripod can be purchased at many retailers for $30 or less. I highly recommend them!
I am still a fan of the 35mm camera. Though I do use a digital for some work on websites and other commercial applications, I believe the 35mm remains the best choice for capturing your adventures for the long term. To achieve quality digital prints you will have to spend quite a bit of money, including camera, high quality color laser printer, and special photograph quality paper. For most individuals this simple is too expensive.
Methods
One of the most common mistakes photographers make is not paying attention to where the sun is when the picture is taken. In bright sunlight, make sure your subject is facing the sun and is not in a shadow. The camera will detect plenty of light and the shutter speed will snap quickly. If your subject is in a shadow he will show up very dark in the photo, especially in relation to the surroundings. Also, pay special attention to baseball caps. They also can cast a shadow on the face of your subject.
Take your camera with you on every hunt so you can get your photos where the kill takes place. Photos of this type are much more interesting than photos taken back at home in front of your garage or in the back of a truck! Try to get your stand or blind in the picture or something similar. But you have to keep that "point and shoot" camera with you, in your vehicle or your pack. Again, a good camera is cheap. Add one to your equipment.
Get close to your subject. We want scenery in our photos, but not too much. In some of your photos get close enough so that your subject takes up most of the viewfinder. Up-close shots are often the best ones.
Take photos from different angles and positions. A mistake that is often made occurs by taking all photos at eye level of the photographer. Bend those knees! If your subject is kneeling with that big buck, the photographer should kneel as well. Vary the angles of your photographs and you will make the results much more interesting.
Clean your game! Wipe clean that bloody mouth. Put the deer's tongue back in his mouth as well. Everyone that views your photographs may not be as excited to see the blood and guts that are often exposed. Take your photographs to avoid capturing this on film and spare those that would rather not see this.
And pay special attention, before you press the shutter button, to exactly what you are seeing through the viewfinder. The developer is not going to work any magic. With the exception of lighting concerns, you can bet your picture will turn out just like it was taken. Imagine the view from your viewfinder framed on your wall and adjust accordingly. And don't skimp on your pictures. Film is cheap. Keep plenty of it in store and take plenty of pictures.
Taking good photographs of your outdoor adventures is very rewarding. It is a way to preserve the memorable days of the past. I hope these tips should help you in your pursuits.