How to Take Better Trophy Shots

by
posted on October 31, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
better_hunt_photo_ex_f.jpg

With our annual “Members’ Best” photo contest gearing up, we thought we’d give you a few tips to take your pictures to the next level, perhaps even to the pages of American Hunter magazine next June.

• Start with a clean lens. Use a cleaning cloth to remove fingerprints, dirt and dust.

Lighting: Dawn and dusk are best. The sun should be at the photographer’s back. Wait for cloud cover during midday sun or use the flash to distribute light evenly.

• Use a tripod or rock. A stable camera will take a sharper image.

• Make sure the animal looks respectable. Wipe off excessive blood, hide the tongue on big game and position your animal with photos in mind (tuck the legs, spread a wing or fan).

• Take photos in the field, not on your tailgate.

• Utilize the “Rule of Thirds.” Imagine dividing your photo into thirds horizontally and vertically. The imaginary lines intersect at four points; this is where the subject or focal point of the photo should be.

• Photograph from eye level or lower. Avoid “busy” backgrounds.

• Keep the camera rolling. Digital images cost nothing, so take a few more. You might surprise yourself.

Most important: Be it a smart phone or DSLR, learn your camera and its functions!

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.