Hunting photography/videography

For those that do hunting photos/videos, how did you get started?

I've always loved photography and loved hunting, so I'm thinking why not put the two together. I'm not silly enough to think I can just jump in and support my family. But my wife says I desperately need an outlet and I better find one quick.

I've got several friends that hunt regularly(I can't afford to go regularly, hunting in Texas is expensive, at least for me it is). I'm thinking of asking them if I can tag along to document the hunt. As far as the photography goes, I figure I'll keep fees low just because we are both getting something out of it. And since I have almost no experience in the video world other than my own kids birthday parties and christmas morning, that will be on me and if they want a copy I'll just charge a materials fee to cover my cost. All I will ask in advance is that they tell their friends if they are satisfied with the product to get in contact with me. And to let them know I am doing this for little to nothing just for them to help us both out and to not discuss prices with the people they show my work to.

I figure this is something I can get into for a very lost cost. I have all the photo gear, camo gear, and I got a pretty good idea of the sequence of events. I'm also a member of a couple hunting forums and figure I could post my services or something along those lines. And possible adding something to my facebook and craighslist. I figure all the free advertising I can do the better.

Again not looking to makes lots of money but I figured I could make a few extra bucks and get out hunting more. Not to mention who knows what it could lead to. After all, all the guys on the hunting tv shows had to start out somewhere.

So if you got any advice or input on how you got started it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give your thoughts.

I have not been behind the video or still camera professionally producing hunting videos but have been involved a couple times with a group that were doing so. Once I was the caller for a turkey hunt, and two other times I was a guide and provided the land, decoys, blinds for hunting turkey. The footage obtained was later used in the production of a couple movies. It surprised me how different the final results were from the way it actually happened. It did not interest me like I thought it would so I never pursued this profession any more.This was for mass produced videos for a large company,much different than going with a friend and documenting their hunt which I enjoy doing.

If you really want to pursue the idea I would try some things you mentioned then plan on going to some Outdoor shows/events to meet people. You might meet someone on a Pro team or just someone that would hire you for private shooting. Some places I go here in Mo are Big Buck Classics, Bass Pro Classics, Whitetails Unlimited, and NWTF Banquets. There are often many independent advertisements/booths at these events, use good business sense when talking to or dealing with anyone. I've met and know some of the best in this business at the shows, always have a great time but I've also noticed a lot of hot air too.

I can't speak much for video but I will say that other than putting it on YouTube it isn't going to have much value to the owners. Stills of the game as well as a few good documentary-style shots of the hunt are where you might have some value. I think there are lots of people with hobbies that would like some professional shots that show them doing what they love to do. Having them pay you is probably the only way you're going to get any cash in your hand though - hoping to make it selling your work is kind of the "pie in the sky" if you ask me... There are a million pictures of deer, elk, and other wildlife out there floating around on stock photography sites. I'd guess that people throw their shots at magazines free of charge hoping for the notoriety of getting picked, but that's just a guess.

So... if it's something you think you'd love to do, then I say keep your camera and go buy a 400mm F/5.6. You'll end up spending less to get started than you would if you were going to buy a new rifle and scope, etc. Do it because you love it... and hope to make enough to recoup the $1300 you spent on the lens so that you can add another one

I'm fortunate enough to work in the hunting industry (media side) and I can tell you it is a very crowded business and a shrinking industry. As others have said, there are a ton of guys just like you. Most photographers are also writers, although some do work solely as one or the other.

In order to succeed, your work needs to be better than everyone else's or you need a different angle or interpretation of the hunt. Study who you perceive as your competition. What's good? What can you do better?

Honest question that deserves an honest answer: Are you really good or are your photos just okay?

The best advice, as someone else suggested, is to practice with your friends. Follow them on their hunts and take photos/videos of the events. Start at the bottom and work your way up.

Forget about hunting. If you try to video/photograph and hunt, you will likely fail on both accounts. Choose one or the other. Few professional videographers actually hunt much, although they get to go on some great hunts.

Network with professionals. Offer to "intern" which means working for free. Join outdoor media associations and attend every meeting you can. If you can get in, attend trade shows.