Shooting better video

By: Brian Godfrey

I began my training to become a videographer in the mid-1980s when fellow NWTF videographer, John Brown, and I stole my mother’s VHS camera, covered it in camouflage tape and headed for the woods. I’ve improved a lot since then. Here are a few tips to help you take better hunting videos:

• Try to video with the sun on your subject if at all possible.

• Turkey hunting is filled with a bounty of natural sounds. Be sure you have a good microphone with at least a 10-foot cord so you can place the microphone in front of your setup, which will help you pick up the natural sounds and not the sound of your hands operating the camera.

• Use a tripod! Your footage will look smooth. Avoid tripods with braces between the legs. The braces can keep you from sliding under your camera and getting great, comfortable shots.

• Prepare for filming hunts by practicing around the house. Cats, dogs, even your kids playing outside will work.

• Don’t zoom in and out too much. Get on your subject and stay there.

• Be sure to cover all of your camera gear with camouflage.

• Have preplanned cues for your hunters. That way they know when you’re ready for them to shoot.

• Be sure to get plenty of interview shots with your hunter after a successful hunt. This helps in the editing process and gives a reflection back on a successful hunt.

• If your camera has a manual focus selection, use it. Birds walking through grass or in the woods will confuse the auto focus.

• Remember, a small field or food plot open to the sky will allow your camera to gather more light than hunting in the cover of the woods. This tactic will buy you a few extra minutes early in the morning or at the end of the day.

*Content courtesy of The National Wild Turkey Federation.