By Bobby Cole, Regional Program Manager (with assistance from Jordan Ford)

Every year, we host hundreds of hunts across multiple states, and every season, we get thousands of photos from our volunteers, parents, and youth hunters. Most of them capture the excitement and joy of a great day in the field, but some we just can’t use for one reason or another.

Long gone are the gritty, “grip-and-grin” photos of our grandfathers. Technology has changed, and so have people’s expectations. With more eyes on our pages and more attention on hunting in general, it’s more important than ever that the photos and videos we share show the respect, ethics, and safety that define us as outdoorsmen and women today.

A single careless photo or video can give hunting a black eye, but the right one can inspire someone to pick up a shotgun or take their first step into the outdoors.

While writing this, I reached out to Jordan Ford, a great photographer and longtime Outdoor Mentors volunteer who donates his time to capturing hunts with us. Jordan helped shape a lot of what you’ll read here and shared great advice on taking photos that tell the story of a hunt the right way.

Here are a few simple tips to help make sure your hunting photos (and videos) are something we can proudly share and that you’ll be proud to look back on for years to
come.

1. Keep It Respectful
Take a minute to clean up the animal, wipe away any blood, close the mouth, and position it naturally. A clean, respectful photo honors the animal and the hunt, and it
looks a whole lot better, too.

2. Show the Whole Crew
If there were multiple hunters, make sure everyone’s in at least one photo. Not only does that help show the right number of birds or animals per limit, it also tells the story of the team effort that went into the hunt.

3. Represent the Outdoor Community Well
Everything we post reflects on the hunting community as a whole. Before you hit “share,” ask yourself: Does this represent us the way we want to be seen?

Show safe gun handling, ethical hunting, and respect for the wildlife we pursue. Every picture and videos should tell the story of conservation, mentorship, and the values that make hunting special.

*Bad Picture Example: Good photo but bad angle, gun looks like its pointed at hunters head even thought its not.*

4. Capture the Moments That Matter
Every hunt has that moment you’ll never forget, maybe it’s a youth’s first duck, a good dog’s retrieve, or the sunrise lighting up the decoys. Take the time to frame that moment just right. Those are the photos and videos that will bring the day back to life years down the road.

5. Smile and Make It Genuine
A good hunting photo should show the fun and excitement of the day, not just the pile of birds or the rack on the tailgate. Make sure everyone’s looking at the camera, eyes open, and smiling. You can’t fake the joy of a great hunt; let that shine through.

6. Safety First
Safety always comes first, even when you’re just taking a picture. Make sure muzzles are pointed in a safe direction, actions are open, and fingers are off the triggers. Also, be mindful of your camera angle. Sometimes a photo can look unsafe even when it’s not. A low or side angle might make it seem like a gun is pointed toward someone, even if everyone knows it isn’t. Take a second to double-check before you hit the shutter— it’s worth it. Showing good gun handling in photos not only keeps everyone safe but also sets a strong example for youth hunters and anyone new to the outdoors.

7. Make Butchering Photos Tasteful
Believe it or not, some of our most-viewed pictures are from the cleaning table. People like seeing the whole “field-to-table” story, but keep those shots clean and respectful. Focus on showing the process, craftsmanship, and connection to the food you’re putting on your family’s table.

8. Capture the Details
Don’t just focus on the harvest. Snap photos of decoys in the morning light, a muddy dog shaking off after a retrieve, or a mentor teaching a young hunter how to use a call. And don’t forget the small stuff… sometimes the smallest details tell the best stories. Muddy boots, spent shells after a volley, a single feather floating on the water or a proud smile can say just as much about the hunt as a full strap of birds.

9. Think Like a Photographer

You don’t have to be a pro to take a great shot — just think like one. Try using the rule of thirds, and place your subject slightly off-center for a natural, balanced look. If you prefer to center your subject, arrange things so they form a triangle pointing upward — it naturally draws the eye and makes the photo feel grounded. Watch your background for clutter, use good lighting, and don’t be afraid to try new angles. Be creative and capture what made that moment special to you. These same ideas work for videos, too — switch up your angles, consider your composition, and let the story unfold naturally.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your photos and videos tell the story of who we are as hunters, mentors, and conservationists. Each one has the power to inspire someone new, encourage ethical hunting, and remind us why we love being out there in the first place. As mentors and volunteers, we’re leading by example, not just in the field, but in how we represent hunting to the rest of the world. A well-captured photo or thoughtful video can convey pride, gratitude, and respect for the animal and everyone who helped make that moment possible.

If you’re looking for inspiration or want to see what great outdoor photography looks like, check out Jordan Foard’s website. His photos capture exactly what we’re talking about— honest, respectful, and beautifully composed images that tell the full story of a day in the field.

So next time you’re out there, take a little extra time before you hit that button. Line up the shot, check your background, and think about the story you’re telling. Every photo and video we share has the power to shape how others see hunting— let’s make sure it’s a story worth telling.

Good luck and Happy Hunting!