Archery Hunt Filming: Tips And Tricks

Filming an archery hunt is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. It requires a unique set of skills and equipment to capture the action and tell a compelling story. Before heading out, it is essential to familiarise yourself with your camera equipment and practice using it, ensuring you know how to operate the basic functions. This includes learning how to use manual focus, adjusting the zoom, and panning smoothly.

When it comes to gear, a camcorder-style camera is ideal for self-filming as it can be operated with one hand while holding your bow with the other. GoPros are also recommended for capturing alternate-angle shots, providing wide-angle footage to complement the main camera's view. Stabilisation is crucial, so consider using a tree arm, monopod, or tripod to keep your camera steady. Additionally, a LANC remote can help you adjust settings remotely without touching the camera.

Beyond the technical aspects, there's an art to filming a hunt. It's important to capture a variety of footage, including the landscape, non-target animals, and the hunter's preparations. Remember to keep the camera rolling before and after the shot, as these reactions and escape attempts can make for compelling viewing. Lastly, don't forget about audio—a wireless mic can help capture the ambient sounds and your reactions, adding another layer of immersion to your video.

Camera and equipment setup

Filming an archery hunt can be a challenging task, but with the right camera equipment and setup, you can capture some amazing footage. Here are some tips for setting up your camera and equipment to film your archery hunt:

Camera Choice

The first step is to choose the right camera for your needs. There are several types of cameras that can be used for filming hunts, including:

• Camcorders: These are the backbone of filming deer hunts, offering a balance between price and performance. The Canon Vixia HF G series is a popular choice, with models ranging from the G10 to the G40.
• DSLRs: These cameras offer more flexibility and better image quality than camcorders, but they are also more expensive. Canon and Sony are popular choices in this category.
• Action Cameras: Small and lightweight, action cameras like GoPros are perfect for capturing alternate angles and unique footage. They can be mounted on your hat or bow to get creative shots, but they may not provide a clear view of the arrow hitting the target.
• Phone Cameras: While limited in scope, modern phone cameras can serve as excellent vlogging cameras and can capture alternative angles. They lack range, so they are not suitable for capturing subjects farther than 40 yards away.

Camera Support and Stabilization

Once you have chosen your camera, you will need to invest in a good camera support system to keep it stable and reduce shakiness in your footage. The type of support you need will depend on your hunting setup:

• Camera Arms: If you are hunting from a treestand, a camera arm is a great option. Heavier arms tend to be more stable, but they can also be bulky and difficult to haul around.
• Tripods: For hunting from the ground or a blind, a tripod is essential. Similar to camera arms, heavier tripods provide more stability but may be less portable. Look for a tripod that is compact and lightweight enough to fit in your pack.
• Monopods: These can be useful for stabilizing your camera when hunting on the ground or for field edge shots and interviews.
• Camera Heads: Choose a fluid head that allows for smooth panning and tilting of your camera.

Camera Placement and Technique

When setting up your camera for an archery hunt, consider the following:

• Practice with your camera before the hunt to familiarise yourself with its controls and functionality.
• Avoid zooming in too tightly on your subject. A wide-angle shot will ensure you capture the entire scene, including the kill shot.
• Use manual focus instead of auto-focus to ensure your subject remains in focus as they approach.
• Stabilize your camera at waist height, slightly to your dominant side, so you can easily control it while also drawing your bow.
• Consider using multiple cameras to capture different angles and ensure you don't miss any important moments.

Other Equipment

In addition to your camera and support system, there are a few other pieces of equipment that can enhance your filming setup:

• Microphones: A good microphone will ensure that your audio is clear and free of excess noise.
• Memory Cards: Invest in high-capacity memory cards (at least 64GB) to ensure you don't run out of storage during your hunt.
• Batteries: Always carry extra batteries to avoid running out of power halfway through your hunt.
• Lighting: If you plan to film at night or in low-light conditions, bring lightweight LED lights and filters to illuminate your subject.
• Editing Software: After your hunt, you will need software to edit your footage. Options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, iMovie, and LumaFusion, among others.

Filming techniques

Filming an archery hunt can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some techniques to help you capture stunning visuals and tell a compelling story:

Camera Choice and Setup:

• Choose the right camera for your needs: Consider whether you want to film for personal viewing, online platforms, or television broadcast. While a smartphone camera can work for casual videos, investing in a higher-resolution camera with more features will yield professional-looking results.
• Familiarise yourself with your camera: Read the manual and understand the basic functions before heading out. Practice filming different subjects and scenarios to get comfortable with the camera's capabilities and settings.
• Stabilise your camera: Use a tripod or a tree arm to keep your shots steady and reduce motion sickness for your viewers. A remote toggle attachment can also help minimise unwanted camera movement.
• Consider lighting: Pay attention to the position of the sun and how it will light your subject. Avoid filming directly into the sun, as it may wash out your footage or spook your target animal.
• Prepare extra equipment: Always carry fully charged batteries and clean lenses. Bring extra SD cards and backup battery packs to ensure uninterrupted filming.
• Tell a story: Craft your video with a beginning, middle, and end to engage your audience and take them on the hunting journey. Capture not just the kill shot but also the surrounding environment, your preparations, and the overall experience.
• Focus on your subject: When filming, maintain focus on your subject for at least 10 seconds. Avoid the temptation to pan back and forth or zoom in and out repeatedly, as it can be confusing and challenging to watch.
• Use a wide-angle shot: While a close-up shot might be tempting, a wider angle will ensure you capture the entire action, including the arrow hitting the target.
• Be mindful of audio: Use a wireless microphone to capture clear audio of yourself and the ambient sounds during the hunt. Great audio enhances the overall quality of your production.
• Edit your footage: Use video editing software to piece together your footage and create a cohesive story. There are various options available, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and Davinci Resolve.
• Practice ethical hunting: Remember that ethical hunting takes priority over getting the perfect shot on camera. If you cannot make an ethical shot while filming, either forgo the footage or let the animal go.

Editing software

Now that you've got your footage, it's time to edit. There are a variety of editing programs available, from professional-grade software to free mobile apps. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, iMovie is a great place to start. It's free and comes pre-installed on most Mac computers. You can also try OpenShot, a free and open-source video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows. It has many features, including the ability to trim videos, add layers, and create 3D animated titles and effects.

If you're looking for more advanced software, industry professionals often use Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere CC. These programs offer more features and capabilities but can be intimidating for beginners. Adobe Premiere Pro, for example, is an industry standard for professional video editors, offering effects, colour tools, and collaboration and output options. Final Cut Pro has a modern interface with a "trackless" timeline, making it flexible and powerful. However, its non-traditional timeline editing style may turn off longtime video producers.

For Windows users, Clipchamp is a strong choice for basic editing tasks like joining and trimming clips. It also has some groovy effects and templates, making it a good option for social marketers. Another option is CyberLink PowerDirector, which is known for its speed and support for new video formats and effects. It has a clear interface and offers features like multicam and motion tracking.

If you're looking for something more affordable, there are also budget-friendly options like Filmora, which is easy to use and continues to receive new features. It offers effects, overlays, motion tracking, and speech-to-text capabilities.

Camera angles and framing

Filming an archery hunt requires careful consideration of camera angles and framing to capture the action effectively. Here are some tips to achieve compelling visuals:

Camera Height and Perspective:

• Mount your camera at eye level with the hunter. This perspective captures the hunter's point of view and provides a clear view of the target.
• Consider using a tree arm or monopod/tripod to stabilise the camera and achieve the desired height.
• If filming from a treestand, ensure the camera is positioned off to the side, with the tree trunk breaking up your outline and hiding the treestand.

Framing and Composition:

• Avoid zooming in too closely on the subject. A wide-angle shot ensures you capture the entire scene, including the arrow hitting the target.
• Use the "rule of thirds" for pleasing compositions. Imagine dividing the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically, and position key elements along these lines or at their intersections.
• Allow the deer to walk into the frame when moving, creating a sense of motion and dynamism.
• Consider using multiple cameras to capture different angles. For instance, one camera can be positioned behind the hunter to capture both the hunter and the animal.
• Include a variety of shots in your footage, such as pan shots of the landscape, close-ups of the arrow release, and reactions from the hunter after the shot.

Panning and Zooming:

• Avoid excessive panning and zooming, as this can be confusing and distracting for viewers.
• When panning, move the camera smoothly and slowly to follow the action. Practice panning with your camera beforehand to get a feel for the right speed.
• If using zoom, do so slowly and deliberately. Rapid zooming in and out can be disorienting for the audience.

Lighting and Sun Position:

• Be mindful of the position of the sun to avoid washed-out footage. Filming directly into the sun can reduce image quality and spook the deer.
• Consider the lighting conditions, especially when filming in low-light environments like early morning or evening hunts. Ensure your camera has good low-light performance.

Audio and lighting

Filming an archery hunt can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some detailed tips on audio and lighting to help you capture high-quality footage:

Audio:

• A wireless microphone is essential for the best audio experience. This can be cumbersome to set up, but it will ensure clear and crisp audio of yourself and your surroundings.
• Consider using a shotgun microphone in addition to a wireless mic to capture all the ambient sounds during the hunt, including your own commentary and the surrounding wildlife.
• If your camera has dual XLR inputs, you can use a wireless microphone with XLR capabilities, allowing you to run both a shotgun and wireless mic simultaneously for the ultimate audio setup.
• Don't underestimate the importance of good audio. Even if your video footage is excellent, poor audio quality will detract from the overall production value.

Lighting:

• Consider the position of the sun when planning your filming setup. Avoid filming directly into the sun, as this can make your footage appear washed out, and the reflection may spook your target.
• Try to film in areas where your subject is well-lit and not backlit or washed out.
• For filming in low-light conditions or after dark, you will need additional lighting equipment. Some cameras perform better in low-light, so research this feature when choosing your camera.

Remember that lighting and audio are critical components of your filming setup and can make the difference between a mediocre and a professional-looking production.

Frequently asked questions