COLLEGE STATION — The pocket instamatic camera may not be a good choice for traditional wildlife photography, but they’re great for “capturing the moments” of the hunt, according to San Angelo-based Extension wildlife specialist Dr. Dale Rollins.
“The small 35mm instamatics don’t have the zoom capabilities necessary to take a picture of a buck at 50 yards,” Rollins says, “but they’re more than adequate for capturing related hunting scenes.
“The single most important ingredient to getting a good photograph is to have your camera with you at all times, and one of the small 35mm cameras is no bigger than a pack of cigarettes. There’s no reason not to have it in your shirt pocket when the special moment arrives.”
Scenes for the taking include the hunting camp, blinds, buddies, fall’s colorful foliage, and of course the trophy of the hunt. Rollins urges photographers to be consider how to make every effort to capture hunting “in a good light” when posing shots with their day’s bag.
“Avoid the ‘tailgate kill scene’ where the dead deer is sprawled half out of a pickup bed, tongue lolled out, and blood everywhere. Take your photographs while afield, before field dressing the animal,” he recommends. “Clean up yourself and the animal to dispel the image that hunters revel in blood.”
Rollins recommends shooting lots of film, varying the position of the hunter and photographer. Using a fill flash is recommended for at least some of the shots.
Finally, keep in mind your audience when showing photographs of the hunt, especially those showing dead animals. “Respect the fact that some people don’t hunt and that the sight of a dead animal may be offensive to them,” he cautions.
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