Reinventing the typical trophy photo

[franzfmdavis]

I am just as apt to take the typical trophy photo as anyone, and have done so each time.

However, when looking at trophy photos, I find that I more quickly scroll past typical photos and linger longer when they are an odd or irregular picture.

I imagine the repetitive composition of the typical trophy photo has become a bit ordinary to my eyes, even though the subject matter is truly extraordinary.

I tried to do something different as an experiment this last hunt, but don't think my ideas were great (and the PH didn't like them better either):

1. Typical composition:

2. A little bit different (closer to the head; whole animal is not shown):

3. Something I don't see as frequently (perspective on a level plane; facing the animal; reverent hand on animal):

I do notice that vintage safari photos are much more interesting to me in composition and variety. For example, people are standing, people are sitting on animals, people are looking off into the distance, there are big groups around the animal, etc.

I know many of you have done unique trophy photos too, as I can think of several examples that come to mind.

There is no formal question here, just an observation, but, I would appreciate if anyone has non-standard composition trophy pictures they would like to share here to help give me ideas.

It would be great to have some different composition ideas in mind before my next hunt.

Thanks Ya’ll!

 

[Tom Leoni]

Wow... what a fantastic topic for a thread (BTW, kudos on the rifle and even the Trader Keith sling with the appropriate knot).

I too find the classic trophy pose a bit cliche'. Actually, a lot cliche'. I love pictures in which you see the relationship between the hunter and the animal, like your second and especially your third picture. The hand on the animal speaks of respect and even gratitude--the gratitude of man-predator to the animal who gave its life.

Thank you for starting this thread. I am curious to see what others think.

 

[Cucuy]

I really like #3. I never was a fan of making the animal look bigger by sitting behind it.

 

[chuckwellington]

This is actually my favorite picture of my buff. It’s a candid my brother took. I don’t know, it just speaks to me. The size comparison and the brush in the background kind of put the whole hunt into perspective.

 

[RLL]

Man, I agree with this. I don’t think it has to be well curated. Just do you and snap away…

 

[375Fox]

1,2, and 3 all seem like standard trophy photos to me. I usually do whatever standard photos my PH suggests, but for myself I want some photos holding the horns or head of the animal so the size cannot be misrepresented. I also have a personal rule I have to have a hand on the animal or within reach. I really hate the photos that try to exaggerate the size by sitting too far back. I also always like taking several photos with the animal as it fell before it’s moved or any brush gets cut.

 

[Rare Breed]

For me I want the animal to be dominant with me in the background to celebrate the animal more but yes me in the picture but more in the background like the attached