You want the simple answer on how to be a better hunting photographer don’t you? One fail safe formula that will get you noticed by all the big companies, that will get you in the field 200 days a year and living the dream?

Well I’m not qualified to get you to that point because I haven’t figured it out myself, but I think I have found out the secret to better hunting photography or for that matter any photography. And the answer might be more fun than you think. Hell, it’s as obvious as it gets. It can turn a mediocre photo into a spectacular one. You don’t even need that much technical skill with your equipment if you accomplish this one thing.

Are you ready for it? Are you dying to hear what I have to say?

Get off the couch and go someplace!

Finding a shed (or two) doesn’t mean you have to take a picture of it laying on the ground. Pick the damn things up and look for a backdrop worth taking a picture of!

There. That’s it. The secret recipe. Almost as valuable as the secret ingredients in Coca-Cola.

Go someplace epic and let the photograph take itself. Go find something worth photographing. Find places other people aspire to be and give them that glimpse of it. Find that perfect angle in a mediocre landscape. Look around you and make the best with what you’ve got.

hunting dusky grouse — With a backdrop like that, it was hard to screw up this picture!

Now it’s true that a truly good photographer can tell a story and make just about anything look thrilling, but that takes time and experience. If you don’t have either of those, this one bit of advice should suffice for the time being. I’ll go over storytelling with photography in another article, for now it’s location, location, location!

quail hunting colorado — If you find cool features while out hunting, don’t be afraid to show them off.

Now I want to be clear that this doesn’t mean that you have to be in the Swiss Alps hunting Ibex to make it an epic picture (although it doesn’t hurt). What I’m talking about here is to use what is available to your advantage.

elk hunting timber — Thick timber while chasing screaming bulls can make for tough photos. Use the depth of the forest to your advantage a keep an eye out for cool lighting.

You’re not going to be able to control where that elk finally piles up on the ground after you let the air out of him. You do however have 365 degrees to work with. Don’t just arbitrarily pick a spot to take a picture from. Look at your background, ask yourself some questions.

bowhunting elk — I had no control of where this bull decided to die. I spun him as best I could to get me and his rack above the horizon line and to include some aspens changing color.

Is there something in the background that will help me tell the story of the hunt better? Foliage changing to a brilliant yellow in an aspen glen, a dramatic mountain, whatever looks cool. When in doubt, look for a horizon line. Depth to your image will add a tremendous amount of aesthetic to your image and a great way to do that is by letting the background go on forever. There will be nothing that will bore your viewers more than looking at a picture pointing down at you and your trophy from above. Flat, boring and tells nothing of the story and the environment you’re in.

high country mule deer — Bend those knees and show some depth to your trophy shots!

So bend those knees, get the camera down low and get your head and your trophy’s rack above the horizon line.

Reflections and unique structures can go a long way in making a picture worth taking. There’s not much out there pronghorn hunting so take advantage of what you can find. This stock tank and windmill was a saving grace.

There’s more to your photos than just trophy shots however, especially if you’re looking to bring your hunt to life. Think of the everyday mundane details. The setting up of camp, boiling coffee, hiking the ridgeline (don’t skyline yourself!) or waiting out a storm in your tent.

backcountry bowhunting — Making coffee on a scouting trip. The angle I shot this wasn’t haphazardly picked. The snowy mountains in the background, the frozen lake, all these elements help add to the story of a freezing cold morning where coffee is essential.

All of these other elements of your hunt can use the spice of a beautiful backdrop!

hilleberg niak — Waiting out a storm. Might as well glass and take a picture or two. Use the tent to frame the mountains in the background. Get creative.

Whitetail hunts can be difficult to take dramatic pictures of. The landscape often lends itself to monotony if you’re not looking carefully. Find something to make it different than just showing your bow hanging in the treestand.

whitetail hunting — This fence begged to be jumped. The blank landscape lets you know I’m in the plains. Add a little action in there and you get yourself a decent photo.

glassing for whitetail — Glassing for bedded whitetail in the plains can be frustrating. Luckily the farmer letting us hunt his land was cool with using his center pivot as a glassing spot. Use of leading lines helps make this picture a bit interesting.

Now I know all hunts aren’t created equal. Some places you may hunt are just prettier than others. The key is to keep your eyes open to angles that will look better than others. Take advantage of reflections, unique scenarios and outrageous weather. Anything that can help tell your story.

Whitetail hunts can be difficult to take dramatic pictures of. The landscape often lends itself to monotony if you’re not looking carefully.

Next up, I’ll talk a bit more about storytelling through a still image.

// Fred Bohm