How to film your own hunt

More people are filming their hunts themselves, which is why it seems that this trend is growing. The process of capturing high quality video has never been simpler or more affordable. The majority of people already own a camera capable in slow motion, 4K and time-lapsing. Yes, it’s your phone. With social media, you can easily share your content to the rest of the world by uploading a video on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook.
You should seriously consider videotaping your hunts. The extra effort required to share your hunting memories with friends and family is well worth it.

GEAR

Cameras

First of all, you will absolutely need a camcorder. You probably already have a camera, and that is your cell phone. You can still make great films with these high-quality cameras for a reasonable price.

There are many great options and I could not cover all of them. But I can make suggestions and point you in a direction. There are four main options for action cameras, including a GoPro and a phone, that you can choose from, without having to invest in professional cinema-type cameras. These include a DSLR, mirrorless, point and shoot, or action cameras like a GoPro. Wondering how to film a hunt with a GoPro? Visit Find All Tech…

Each camera has its own pros and cons. This all depends on your specific needs and how much time you have to learn how to operate the camera. If you are looking for simplicity and ease of operation, I recommend a standard camera. These cameras are affordable, and most of them can shoot 4K. The advantage of video cameras is their built-in superzoom. This allows you to zoom in on animals during hunts without the need to change lenses. A video camera can be very versatile and useful.

Although action cameras are great and can take some unique angles, they aren’t as versatile and durable as other options. Low-quality audio is one of the biggest drawbacks of a GoPro camera. But, these cameras can be used easily, take decent images, and even shoot 4k.

Vlogging has become more popular with point-and-shoot cameras. You can see your face while recording with the flip-out screen. You can choose from the Canon G7x and the Sony RX100. These are affordable and very easy to use. These cameras can fit in your pocket. They also have built-in microphones at the top of each camera. Although the audio may not be very good, it is still small and easy to use. It can take great pictures. I would buy one of these if I wanted something that was easy to use and could capture quality photos and videos.

If you are looking for the best quality and want to capture more cinematic and artistic footage you will need a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera. You can find great cameras made by many brands in this category, including Sony, Nikon and Panasonic.

Although these cameras can be cumbersome, as they require multiple lenses and have a steeper learning curve than other models, the results can be stunning. A DSLR or mirrorless is the best choice if you’re ready to learn about your camera. If you are new to filming or photography, the Sony a6500 is a great option. Canon SL2 is a good option that still captures excellent video, and it is also quite affordable. This camera has great autofocus and can flip out to show slow motion.

Personal preference and budget are key factors in choosing a camera. Make sure you have the money to purchase the right camera, are comfortable using it, and can carry it around with you.
Lenses

A camera can only be as good as its lens. While point and shoot and video cameras come with built-in lenses for some purposes, DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer the freedom to select which lens or lenses you prefer.

Most cameras come with a lens kit, such as an 18-135mm or 18-55mm. These may be all you need. Although an 18-135 lens has a great range, it won’t be as sharp as or as useful in low-light conditions as a more expensive lens.

You need to decide what range you would like for your lens. A 16-35mm lens will be ideal for wide shots of landscapes and to record yourself but won’t allow you to zoom in on an animal. While a longer lens such as a 70–200 will be useful for shooting things farther away, it’s not possible to film yourself and others up close with this lens. You can get a standard lens that’s about middle-of-the-road if you only have one lens. Consider purchasing multiple lenses to be able to film distant animals.

After you have chosen a focal length, decide on an aperture. The smaller the aperture, the more it will perform in low light conditions and have better depth (blurry background) than it does in brighter areas. Aperture refers to the number printed on the lens or the description. You should look for a lens with a lower aperture.
Microphones

Audio is just half the story. Video is crucial in telling your story. Although you can choose to create a highlight or music video, it is still important to have quality dialogue and elk soundings, as well as your voice when speaking to the camera. This will help to tell a unique and authentic story. Good audio recording is not difficult.

Point-and shoot cameras are equipped with an integrated mic but do not have the option of adding an external microphone. You can add a microphone to your video camera, as well as all DSLR and mirrorless models. This allows you to capture better audio. It might be worth buying a shotgun microphone for your camera. The microphones built into most cameras aren’t always very enjoyable to listen to, so it may be worth adding one to your camera. Rode Videomic Pro is what I use, although there are cheaper options available online.
FILMING

Now that you’ve got the gear, it’s time for us to discuss how we actually film our hunt. It is important to have your camera on hand when filming a hunt. It is impossible to know when you will find a deer or an elk, and you won’t have the time to dig through your bag looking for your camera. You can keep your camera around your neck, or in the palm of your hand. You might consider buying a clip to attach your camera to your shoulder strap. This will give you quick access and also make it more comfortable. This clip is available in two versions: Peak Design and Cotton Carrier. You will film more if your camera has easy access.
Tell the story

Filming is all about telling the story. Whatever is going on, you should just capture what you consider important. We could cover a lot of technical details, but the most important thing to a film is its story. Film the thrill of stalking an animal and the struggles of filming camp. It is worth filming anything that can propel your story or keep the viewer interested.

Consider what happens beyond the hunt. Sometimes there are “stories in the story,” stories that go beyond the “we bought a label, found an animal and shot it.” Is there any interesting information about the past of this species or that particular landscape? Why is hunting important? These are the things you should share with your hunting video.

You can film a interview to tell what happened during and after the hunt. Filming yourself can be done, or if you hunted with others, have them record their memories. This can help you piece together the story about your hunt.
Maintain it steady

Beginning filmmakers often make the mistake of using unstable and shaky footage. This can sometimes be a good idea (in an emergency situation), but it is often difficult to watch the finished video when you edit it. The more professional your footage appears, the better.

While many cameras include built-in stabilization, there are still other things that you can do. You can make your footage more stable without additional equipment by holding the camera closer to your body, and making multiple contact points with it. You should bend your knees when you move your camera. Treat it like a cup of hot coffee that you are trying to avoid spilling.

You can also help by using a monopod or a tripod. Although both are excellent options, a monopod may be easier to use since it doesn’t have three legs. A tripod is more stable than the tripod you already own. There are many stabilizer options that will keep your footage still while moving like a tripod, but I don’t know any hunters who are willing or able to handle them.

There is plenty of creative freedom beyond these guidelines. Your hunts are your adventure so have fun and be creative. The most important parts of your hunt should be filmed. You’re capturing moments that you’ll be able share with friends and family for the rest of your life.