Outdoor Videography Shot Checklist
Interested in filming your hunts? Below is the general list of shots that many videographers follow to one degree or another. They are meant as a guide, but can be tailored to fit your needs.
One of the most important things is to capture as much variety as possible. Be sure to get a variety of wide angled shots as well as close ups. Do not be afraid to try different angles like from above looking down, from below looking up, over the shoulder, POV footage, and anything else you can think of. Experiment, BE REAL, and have fun!
Before the hunt
Talk about the upcoming hunt.
Packing up your gear into your packs.
Loading your vehicle.
Target practicing with your bow or firearms.
Sunrise and sunsets.
The drive to the hunting location.
Preseason footage like scouting or whatever else that led up to this hunt.
The tent, cabin, house, etc….
Camp fire, having fun with friends/family at camp.
Planting food plots, mineral sites, making water holes, creating mock scrapes, etc…
Before the Encounter/Shot
The walk to the stand, blind etc…
Close-ups of boots walking by with camera low to the ground.
Camera “walking your trail” low so the viewer sees what you’re walking through.
The hunter walking out of frame.
Multiple angles of hunter walking through the woods/fields.
Putting on safety harness.
Setting up stand, blind, decoys etc…
Hunter pulling up gun or bow.
The use of calls, rattling horns etc…
Bikes, ATVs or other modes of transportation to the stand.
Getting into the blind/stand. Multiple angles. The more, the better.
Scenery of everything around the stand/blind. The hunters’ point of view.
Other wildlife.
Close-ups of other items of interest.
Hunter putting on his/her facemask.
Hunter talking about the plan.
Post shot reenactments. Everything the hunter did before the shot, but filmed after the shot has already taken place to not spook game from excessive movement from the cameraman.
Use of rangefinder.
Use of binoculars.
Drawing the bow.
Aiming the firearm.
Taking safety off.
Spotting the animal.
Hunter and cameraman talking as the animal comes in. “Are you on him?” The branch is in my way, etc…
Eyes following the animal immediately after the shot.
Hunter frozen still, watching the animal. Get a lot of footage.
Hunter stopping the animal for the shot.
Checking the wind.
The Recovery.
Following the animal with binoculars if used to see if it has fallen.
Hunter leaving stand or blind.
Hunter finding arrow.
Following the blood trail to the animal. Be sure to film either from behind or next to the hunter.
Finding the animal.
Close-ups of antlers from multiple angles, to include the examination of them.
Full shot of the hunter with the animals full body before field dressing!
Post shot/recovery interview.
What to avoid.
Shaky footage. Use a good camera arm or tripod.
Overacting.
Foul language.
Unsafe acts like firearms pointed towards another person or unsafe area.
Suggested additions.
When you are filming youth hunters, have them wear safety glasses when hunting with a firearm. Many potential sponsors prefer youth wear them, and it’s just a good idea.
And ALWAYS wear a safety harness! It’s just good for everyone.
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