You’re setting yourself up for the experience of a lifetime when you book a hunt through Worldwide Trophy Adventures. WTA carefully plans every detail, from destinations to expert outfitters, to give you the best chance at harvesting a true trophy. I (James) have been on several hunts booked through Worldwide Trophy Adventures, so I can speak from experience, not just as a writer, but as someone who’s seen their expert planning and top-notch outfitters in action.
When the time comes, take care to capture the memory in a way that honors the animal and properly showcases your trip. You want the photo to tell the story in a way you can be proud to share. This blog is not just about taking better hunting photos. It’s about preserving memories, showing hunting in a positive light, and preventing critics from using poor imagery to misrepresent the hunting community.
Also consider how your photo will be perceived. Ask yourself: If an anti-hunter or someone who is ambivalent about hunting sees this image, will it support hunters’ rights, or give critics something to attack?
Ethical hunting photography is a great way to honor the moment and show the broader community the respect and care that hunters bring to the field. Here are a few trophy photo tips to make sure your images do the moment justice.
1. Prepare the Animal
- Cleanliness: Wipe away any blood using baby wipes, paper towels, or a clean cloth, and tuck the animal’s tongue into its mouth to present a respectful image.
- Natural Positioning: Arrange the animal in a natural, lifelike pose. Positioning it as if it’s bedded down with its legs tucked under can enhance the photo’s authenticity.
- Timing Tips: If it’s already dark, you can field dress and cool or freeze the animal, then take your time the next morning to get your photos in better lighting. Placing the animal in the position you want the night before makes morning shots quick and effective—plus, they usually turn out far better than photos taken in poor light.
2. Choose the Right Background and Setting
- Natural Environment: Whenever possible, photograph the animal in its natural habitat. Avoid vehicles, buildings, or other man-made structures in the background to maintain that wilderness aesthetic.
- Background Contrast: Pick a background that contrasts with the animal to help it stand out best. For example, positioning antlers against the sky can highlight their features and show off the unique points.
3. Optimize Lighting
- Golden Hours: Take photos during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering. There’s a reason it’s called the golden hour! During this time, harsh shadows are reduced and the overall image quality is enhanced.
- Sun Position: Ensure the sun is behind the camera to illuminate the subject evenly. Keep an eye on shadows, especially on the hunter’s face, and adjust accordingly.
- Morning Light: As mentioned above, don’t be afraid to wait until morning to take your photos. Better light usually makes for a far better image.
4. Compose Thoughtfully
- Camera Angles: Experiment with various angles and heights. While low angles can help make the subject appear more dynamic, avoid intentionally exaggerating the size of the antlers by standing a great distance behind the animal. That trick may have been novel at first, but today it’s more likely to invite criticism than admiration. The focus should be on authenticity and respect, not illusion.
- Framing: Fill the frame with the subject while allowing some space to showcase the environment. This provides context and tells a more comprehensive story of the hunt.
- Portrait Mode: Use your phone’s portrait mode to create depth and focus on the subject.
- Placement of Weapon: Avoid placing a firearm in the antlers or draping it across the animal in a way that looks staged or dated—it tends to come across as cheesy rather than respectful. If you want to include your firearm or bow in the photo, consider more tasteful placements: extend the bipod and set it in the foreground, gently lean it on the animal with the barrel pointed in a safe direction, or simply hold it in a natural pose. And most importantly, make sure the firearm is unloaded for safety.
- Photos without the Weapon: It’s also a good idea to take multiple versions, some with your firearm or bow, and some without. That way, you can choose the version that best suits the story you want to tell or the audience you want to share it with.
5. Personal Presentation
- Attire: Wear your hunting gear in the photo to reflect authenticity. Avoid sunglasses if possible, and be mindful of hats that might cast distracting shadows on your face. Most hunters wear hats—just make sure your face is visible and unobscured.
- Facial Expression: It might be hard for some of the “tough guys” out there, but a genuine smile adds warmth to the image.
- Don’t Straddle: Refrain from sitting directly on or over the animal. Instead, kneel beside or behind it to show respect and maintain a tasteful composition.
6. Take Multiple Shots
- Variety: Capture photos from different angles and with varying compositions. This will give you options to choose the best shot later.
- Take More Photos than You Think You Need: In the digital era, photos are free. Take more images than you think necessary—you only get one chance to get the post-hunt photos right before the animal is processed.
- Use Video and Live Modes: Sometimes it’s best to use your phone on video or Live Photo mode and then select individual images from the clip.
- With and Without Flash: Take photos with and without the flash on to see which lighting works best, especially in low-light conditions.
7. Use Quality Equipment
- Camera: Using a high-quality camera can enhance image clarity and detail. If you’re able (and know how to use it), consider using a DSLR with the right lenses. If you aren’t, most modern smartphones have excellent cameras and offer editing tools and features like portrait mode to fine-tune your pics.
- Tripod: A tripod can stabilize the camera, especially in low-light situations, giving you a crisp, sharp image. Also, as many of us who’ve tried it know, it’s hard to take photos by yourself. Tripods make things much easier.
8. Respect the Animal
- Honor the Animal: It’s critical to do the animal justice. Remember, it is the star of the photo. Position it prominently and respectfully to honor its life and your hunting experience.
- Perception: Use the filter of perception. Will your photo help promote ethical hunting practices, or could it harm the public image of hunters?
Document the Hunt: Don’t limit yourself to the traditional “grip and grin” shot. While it’s natural to want a photo with the animal, some of the most powerful and respectful images come from documenting the entire hunting experience, not just the final moment. Consider capturing shots of the landscape as the hunt unfolds, the camp, the glassing, the approach, and even the breakdown process. These images can tell a richer, more complete story that honors the effort, emotion, and respect that go into every ethical hunt. These photos help communicate the reality of the pursuit to those outside the hunting community and serve as meaningful memories for years to come.
When you book through Worldwide Trophy Adventures, you’re signing up for an adventure you’ll always remember. The preparation, guides, and locations work together to create an unforgettable experience. When it’s time to preserve that moment, don’t rush it. Take your time to document the moment with quality photos. These images become part of your story and serve as a lasting tribute to the incredible animals and places you’ve encountered.
Great trophy photos not only honor the animal—they reflect the ethical and respectful approach that Worldwide Trophy Adventures values. Take a few extra minutes to set up the perfect shot. You’ll thank yourself when you’re showing those photos to your family and friends for decades to come.
Let Worldwide Trophy Adventures help you plan your next big adventure. You’re one step closer to the hunt of a lifetime…and the memories to match.
About the Authors
James Zandstra is one of the founders of The Fair Chase and grew up hunting and fishing in northern Michigan. He’s hunted and fished all around the country and enjoys experimenting with new ways to prepare wild game. James is passionate about ethical hunting, storytelling, and connecting with fellow outdoorsmen and women.
Nick Filler is the Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Worldwide Trophy Adventures where he leads WTA’s digital strategy, content development, and brand growth. With years of experience in both the outdoor industry and digital marketing, Nick brings a hunter’s passion and a marketer’s eye to every project. He’s committed to helping hunters share their stories in ways that reflect the respect and integrity behind the pursuit.
