As hunters and anglers, we often relish the opportunity to share our outdoor experiences with those around us. Our adventures regularly become the topic of conversation while gathered around a campfire or the dinner table. We share images of our kills and catches with one another and reminisce of the trips which allowed us to experience true wilderness. This concept of visual storytelling dates back thousands of years and has been preserved through cave drawings of primitive hunting and fishing practices. The introduction of modern technology and social networking has changed the medium in which we share our experiences yet the desire to share our passions are still present.

Photography within the hunting and fishing communities has become increasingly more popular. Companies such as Yeti, Sitka Gear, and First Lite have become known for their quality photography and many brands have begun investing more resources into their visual presence. In turn, more and more outdoorsmen and women have shown interest in improving their photography skills. However, getting started can be daunting and often times confusing when it doesn’t need to be. The first step in improving your photography is understanding your equipment.

What Camera Should You Use

 If your goal is begin taking more professional photographs, a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera is the way to go. A DSLR allows you to change between different lenses depending on the situation or your personal preference. The number one question that every beginner wants to know is; what camera body should I start with?  I have listened to many podcasts and read several articles which will have you believe that if you are going to buy your first DSLR you will need up to $1000. In my opinion that is completely unnecessary.

 To begin with, buying a brand new camera is not a requirement. My first DSLR, which I still use to this day, is a Canon T1i which I found on Kijiji (the Canadian equivalent to Craigslist) for $120 which I paired with a $50 lens (50mm f/1.8). Most camera manufacturers offer cameras that cater to beginners and hobby photographers. To find the camera that is right for you, you must first set a budget. When setting your budget, take into account that you will also need to invest in a lens to pair with your camera body. Once you have a budget set out, initiate a search for used cameras within your area.

 I like to Google search camera comparisons (ex. Canon 70D vs Nikon D7200) in order to gain a better understanding of whether or not a particular camera will suit my needs. Newer or more expensive cameras will often have better low light performance, faster focusing, and other advantages which you should consider. If you do your research you should be able to find a great deal on a camera that will suit your needs and budget. Once you have a camera body picked out, pairing it with a lens is the next step.

Choosing a Lens 

There are a variety of different lenses on the market to choose from and the correct lens for your use is dependent on the type of images you want to take. My first recommendation would be a 50mm f/1.8 lens that fits your appropriate camera. These lenses are widely available, provide good lowlight performance, and allow for a nice out of focus background (known as bokeh). The 50mm is a great all–around lens as long as you have the ability to move around freely to frame your shot. This lens is a prime lens meaning it has a fixed focal length of 50mm and is unable to zoom in or out. The 50mm is my go-to lens for all hunting and camping photography as well as some fishing photography