DATE: March 2007
FOR RELEASE: On Receipt
Kevin Howard (573) 898-3422
E-mail: khoward@howardcommunications.com
Mike Capps (573) 898-3422
E-mail: mcapps@howardcommunications.com
Website: www.howardcommunications.com

Tips For Videotaping Your Hunt With Phillip Vanderpool

More and more hunters are videotaping their hunts or their friend’s hunts these days. With turkey season just around the corner, I recently had a chance to talk with Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff member and professional videographer Phillip Vanderpool about some tips for taping your hunt.

Q: “Phillip, it seems like everyone is filming hunts these days. What are some things people can do to ensure they have good footage of their hunt?”

A: “Practice using the manual focus on your camera and learn how to use it. If you use the auto-focus feature, the camera will be focusing on things close to you and not on the approaching turkey. I like to manually focus on an object like a tree at the distance where I think the turkey will come in. Then when I see the bird, I can get him in focus quickly. On most cameras you adjust the focus knob clockwise as the bird walks toward you and counterclockwise as he walks away. If you can use a tripod, the shots will be more stable and zooming in and out smoother. Also remember to zoom in and out slowly for better effect. If you are taping for another hunter, set up close enough that you can communicate with each other. The cameraman should be able to see the same thing as the hunter.”

Q: “What are a few essential items you carry with you?”

A: “Be sure and carry extra tapes and batteries. You should shoot plenty of scenery and ‘set-up’ shots of the hunt. I like to record the whole experience, not just the kill. The last thing you need, though, is to have a battery go dead at the moment the bird comes in. Get a good lens cleaning cloth and make sure there is nothing on the lens when you are filming. I always throw a trash bag in my pack to cover the camera in case it rains.

Q: “Any other thoughts you would like to add?”

A: “The only way to get good at filming is to get out and do plenty of it. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Eventually you will get comfortable running a camera and get some great footage that you will be able to enjoy for years to come. Another thing I always encourage hunters to do is take plenty of photos with a still camera as well. Take along some Scent-A-Way towels or wipes to clean up your animal after the hunt and then shoot plenty of photos. Use the flash if it is cloudy or shady to get rid of shadows. With today’s digital cameras, it doesn’t cost anything if you have to delete photos, so take plenty. Learning how to compose photos and work with lighting will help make you a better videographer as well. ”

Q: “Phillip, I really appreciate your thoughts. How can people get in touch with you if they have other questions?”

A: “We have a section on our website www.hunterspec.com called, ‘Ask the Pros’. People can write to me there for more information.

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