Tip of the Month: How to take the best photos during your Alaskan adventure

OUTDOOR TIPS OF THE MONTH

6 TIPS TO BETTER CAPTURE YOUR ALASKAN ADVENTURE ON FILM

When you’re taking photos of a memorable Alaska hunt or fishing trip, take the time to set up the shot and remember to take several images just in case. The more you take, the more likely you’ll have at least one that will turn out great! (PAUL D. ATKINS) Editor’s note: Each issue, our Paul Atkins will o er a tip outdoorsmen and -women can use as they prepare for an Alaska adventure. This month: How to take the best photos of your Alaskan outdoor adventure.

BY PAUL D. ATKINS

Most hunters who come to Alaska come for one reason, which is to capture some of the magic that our great state has to o er. Summer tourists do the same.

If you don’t believe me, come north in June and July. Some save a lifetime of travel funds to see it, while others take it for granted. One way or the other, it will be etched in your mind forever. If you live here, then you know already. But Alaska is big; when you do see it, it might only be once.

Memories are all we have, anyway, and those memories will be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s the big moose on the wall or the bear in the den, they’re there to remind us of that time we spent in the Alaskan wilderness. However, one thing that is sometimes overlooked is the photos we bring back from the field too.

Live-action shots of wildlife are big business. With the right equipment and know-how you too can take that photo of a lifetime. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

APPRECIATING MEMORIES ON FILM When I was younger, I didn’t really care about photos. I wanted horns and claws and the experience of the hunt itself. Like many I still do, but since those days I have found that good photos are as important to me as the trophy itself and the meat in the freezer. They are not used to brag, but to remind me of that time when I hunted hard to bag that big caribou, muskox or whatever I was looking for at the time.

Photography has come a long way in the last 20 years. When I first came to Alaska back in the 1990s, digital cameras hadn’t even been invented yet and the old Kodak was as good as it got, especially those “disposable” models that you dropped in a box at a retail store.

The first digital camera I bought in 2002 was an amazing invention. It was small, slick and easy to use, but quickly over time those same cameras became obsolete. Today, it’s a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) with multiple lenses, WiFi technology and everything you need to capture that true great photo, provided you know how to use the camera itself. In the right hands the photos they produce are truly amazing.

But not all digital cameras are created equal. It’s pretty much a personal preference to what a person uses and likes, but if it’s producing good photos, stick with it.

I have always had great luck with the Canon line, which are simple, easy to operate and take great photos, even if you’re a novice. I would recommend buying one that you can handle at first and then graduate up through trial and error.

‘SMARTER’ OPTIONS With the invention of the smartphone, taking photos has taken on a whole new meaning. They’re easy to use and are, for most of us, accessible at all times. And it seems like everybody has a phone on them, and at all times. Whip it out, press a few buttons and bam, you not only have great photos but videos too.

They’re truly amazing pieces of technology that seem to get better each day. I have used phone pics for entire articles before and they turned out just as good as a high-price camera.

Yet the biggest problem I see with photography has little to do with the camera; rather, it’s how photo shoots are set up. Proper preparation is the key to great photos. Here are few tips to make your photos better and to really bring home the memories that all can enjoy:

Take a lot of photos: Don’t be afraid to take hundreds of shots. Once you start processing your animal and getting him on the framepack, there is no going back. You can never have enough pictures. Even if some don’t turn out the way you like, you will have plenty more to choose from.

Take the extra time to set up the shot: Depending on the size of the animal, try to position it in a spot that not only provides a great background but also pays respect to the animal itself. Tuck its legs up under him and clean o as much blood as possible. Do whatever it takes to make him look natural. I always carry wet wipes or paper towels for this. Also, make sure the animal’s tongue isn’t hanging out.

Positioning yourself: When people look at your pictures, you want them to see a happy hunter or hunters with their hardearned quarry. Take the time to clean your hands and tidy up a bit. Also remove any extra gear that might make its way into the

photo, like a backpack or extra clothes that you might have shed. Remember that anything that is not part of the habitat will stick out. Also never sit on an animal, as it may look disrespectful to some. The best shots are those that typically have the hunter behind the animal, but not too far back. Most like to hold the antlers or at least touch the animal in some way or form.

Pay attention to the sun: If it’s midday and the sun is out, a cap will shade the hunter’s face. Take several shots with and without the cap. You can also use the camera’s flash to eliminate sun shadows by forcing it to flash. I’ve been on a lot of hunts where I lucked out in the middle of the day. Using the flash created some of my best photos.

Taking the photo: Usually you will have one of your hunting partners taking the photo. This may seem simple, but I have seen more wrecks than successes trying to get that perfect shot you’re after. First, your hunting partner should be familiar with your camera. Take a few moments and show him or her how the zoom works, how to turn on the flash and what button to push. You’ll also want to snap several photos from all angles, but the best results usually come from those taken at ground level. Have the photog lie on the ground and get as close to you and your animal as possible. Think close and low for these shots. If you are alone, bring along

When emotions are high and the moment is fresh, take the time to capture it all if possible. It’s these times that last

forever. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

Cell phones and smartphones can capture and produce memories that last a lifetime too, and will also provide good conversation pieces on social media. Lew Pagel and author Paul Atkins take a moment for a selfie after downing a muskox. (LEW PAGEL) a tripod and position it as low as possible – just make sure you check for twigs and stray strands of grass. I always take a small tripod in case all else fails.

Capture the whole scene: Photos of your trophy animal or fish aren’t the only thing you should focus on. Take some of the camp, the surroundings, live animal shots if possible, and if nothing else, the little things that make the adventure memorable. You’ll be glad you did.

There are a lot of other techniques, but these six basic ones will have you on your way to producing top-notch photographs. Remember, it’s all about memories, and the photo you don’t take is the one you wish you did. ASJ

Editor’s note: Got a question for Paul? Email ccocoles@media-inc.com with your query.

ALASKA

ANCHORAGE Anchorage Yamaha Suzuki Marine 3919 Spenard Rd (907)243-8343 anchorageyamaha.com

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