colonel holman
Veteran Member
the best thing about photography is it can become an important part of and enhance any other activity. The family moose hunt is an example. The odds of drawing a moose permit in Maine is 1 on 60 for residents (1 in 300+ for nonresidents). So when my brother drew, it became a family project... extensive scouting and research; heavy practice because he wanted to do it the hard way.. with a bow; extremely difficult. As the official Registered Maine Guide, I took on the role of photog. I strove to make each shot a true photograph, rather than just snapshots, since this was so rare an opportunity. The closeup of the big moose was the product of skilled calling to bring the big guy in really close. The shot of my brother and nephew (the backup hunter... two shooters per permit allowed) was a a true adventure shot, almost a portrait of them as serious hunters. Note the composition, setting them off to the left, looking to the right, scanning for the moose that was answering our calls. The single shot of just my nephew was intended as a true portrait of him as a hunter (he LIVES to bowhunt) and hangs in his den as a 16x20 framed portrait. The final moose-down shot with brother smiling straddling the trophy has been selected to likely be on the cover of the May issue of Maine Sportsman magazine. Taking the effort to carefully and perfectly shoot such a rare adventure pays off. No excuse for shaky blurred snapshots of an adventure like this.
