MASTERING HUNTING PHOTOGRAPHY: Tips, Gear, and Techniques

Equip Yourself with the Right Hunting Photography Gear

Just as a hunter requires the best equipment for a successful kill, a hunting photographer needs high-quality camera gear to capture exceptional photos during their expeditions. This guide will steer you towards investing in top-notch camera equipment and other essential gear, ensuring you have the tools needed to capture your hunting story in all its glory. Read on for insights into the best hunting cameras, lenses, and equipment that will enable you to take exceptional shots amidst the New Zealand wilderness.

Hunting Cameras for Capturing Your Adventure

With numerous professional quality cameras available, it’s vital to select the one that complements your hunting photography skills and fulfills your desire for high-quality images. We present a list of some of the best cameras for wildlife photography and hunting adventures, each tailored to help you capture the captivating human-interest photos found in the great outdoors of New Zealand:

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark III – An incredible wildlife camera, albeit at a higher price point.
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Although an older model, this camera is beloved by hunters.
• Canon EOS 90D – Boasting excellent sensors and speedy performance.
• Fujifilm X-H2S – Ideal for action shots.
• Nikon D500 – A dream camera for hunters.
• Nikon Z9 – Offering excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 X – Known for its fast focus capabilities.
• Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 / FZ2000 – A versatile camera with 20x zoom.
• Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV – The best camera, though relatively expensive.

>> Take a look at local camera suppliers here.

Camera Arm for Stability

To ensure steady and stable footage capture from your tree stand, consider investing in a camera arm. Lightweight and capable of supporting up to 10 pounds of camera gear, camera arms like the one from Muddy Outfitter are equipped with soft, quiet straps and joints, enabling you to set up discreetly without disturbing nearby wildlife.

Enhance Audio Quality with a Mic

If you plan on capturing video footage during your hunting trip, an external microphone can significantly improve the audio quality. The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a shotgun mic that excels at capturing even the faintest sounds, such as the crunching of leaves under a buck’s feet.

Fill Flash for Perfect Lighting

Even when photographing outdoors in natural light, unwanted shadows can mar your images. Utilize a fill light to brighten up your subject, ensuring well-lit photos that lack unflattering shadows. For telephoto lens shots, consider a flash extender like the MagMod MaBeam Wildlife Kit to reach your subject effectively. When shooting at close range, a flash diffuser light softbox, such as the lightweight and foldable Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Light Softbox, provides a gentle and natural fill flash.

Choosing the Right Camera Lenses for Your Hunting Stories

Using a DSLR camera body provides you with a wide array of lens options. When selecting lenses, opt for those from the same manufacturer as your camera body or third-party lenses specifically designed to fit your DSLR’s specifications. Genuine U.S. market lenses ensure quality and minimal motion blur. Zoom lenses, such as Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens and Nikon af-s 200-500mm f5.6e ED VR, are ideal for wildlife photography, offering excellent photographic quality while allowing you to approach animals without startling them. For up-close hunting activities and other similar shots, a mid-range zoom lens will offer the necessary quality and zoom depth.

>> Take a look at local lense suppliers here.

Choosing the Right Camera Bag

A lightweight, camouflaged camera bag with ample pockets is essential for a hunting photographer. Tenzing, a renowned brand, offers Lumbar Hunting Packs that are spacious enough to carry all your photography gear while remaining inconspicuous during your wilderness journeys.

Dial in the Perfect Camera Settings

Your chosen camera settings can make the difference between great images and lackluster photographs. Follow these recommended wildlife photography settings, commonly used by hunting photographers:

• Shutter speed: 1/250s to 1/2500s (depending on the animal’s movement).
• Aperture: f/2 to f/6 (depending on the lens).
• ISO: 200 to 800 (depending on the available light).

Select the Ideal Orientation

Consider the orientation of your photographs, either portrait or landscape, to suit your subjects. Portrait orientation works best for capturing people or single animals up close, while landscape orientation is ideal for scenery and animals within New Zealand’s stunning hunting grounds.

Steady Your Hunt Shots with the Right Tripod

A tripod is an essential tool for maintaining a stable camera position, especially when using slower shutter speeds to avoid blurry backgrounds. When on a solo hunting trip, a tripod enables you to take self-portraits and capture your surroundings effectively.

Shoot Multiple Photographs for Variety

Take multiple shots of wildlife during your hunting trip to offer a range of options during post-production. Many cameras come with a burst mode, capturing several shots in quick succession, allowing you to freeze the perfect moment.

Consider the Background

The natural background plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty of wildlife and hunting photos. Ensure your background remains in focus, featuring simple and essential elements that won’t distract from the natural setting. Keep modern structures or vehicles out of the frame.

Experiment with Unique Angles

Don’t hesitate to try different shooting angles, such as from above, below, or the side, instead of the usual straight-on shots. Varying angles can improve lighting and enhance the appearance of your subjects.

Follow the Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a helpful guideline that divides your camera’s field of vision into three equal segments, either horizontally or vertically. Place your subject off-center in one-third or two-thirds of the frame for visually compelling compositions.

Clean Up Before Snapping

Before taking photographs after a successful hunt, take a moment to clean the animal. Wipe away blood from the carcass, antlers, clothing, and gear to ensure striking and respectful photographs.

Combine Photographic Techniques, Tips, and Tricks

Experiment with various techniques, tips, and tricks during your hunting photography sessions. A combination of methods may lead to captivating and unique images. Feel free to mix and match to discover what works best for your style.

Final Words

Equipped with these invaluable tips, you are now ready to embark on your next hunting adventure armed not only with your hunting gear but also with the tools and knowledge to capture breathtaking photographs. This guide has provided you with the expertise to create remarkable treasures to cherish forever, whether you’re pursuing a career as a hunting photographer or simply exploring your passion for the art of photography. Embrace the beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness and begin your journey towards mastering hunting photography. Happy shooting!