If I shoot the animal with a scope on the gun, I leave the scope on for the picture.

If I have shot the first shot, or shots, with the scope on the gun, and then shot some follow up shots with the scope off the rifle, I take the picture with the scope off the gun, but sitting on the animal.

Would that be the unwritten statute of limitations?

Xausa while I can understand your reasons for posing with the Krieghoff beside the more photogenic buffalo as you call it and of course there is no rule that says how anyone should pose beside a trophy, but I still think there is an element of deception involved. Despite the reasons for changing a photo scene, we should be mindful that those looking at photos can only accept on face value that they represent the scene as it happened.

To me, cleaning up blood, changing shirts, brushing hair (animals or own) changing rifles, removing or replacing scopes, etc, etc, are in the same league as air brushing or photo editing.

I accept that sometimes it is necessary and perfectly acceptable to move an animal a bit to be able to show its body or head especially in thick bush or long grass and this may include propping up the animal or head with sticks or rocks especially when on your own and have to take the photo yourself. This could include having to pose with and photograph the trophy in another location (like back at base) due to weather or darkness or time constraints and where I have seen this done it is usually acknowledged in the photo narrative.

Any thing else is deception I'm afraid, written or unwritten rules!

xausa, tell the truth...didn't you also take a few shots with the "correct" rifle, even if only for your own enjoyment and memories? And, yes, I agree that the first photo is far superior as a trophy shot.

Actually, I didn't have another version of that particular photo taken with the real rifle, but, as these photos reveal, I was not above doing what you suggest.





The bodyless trophy in the front row is the same as the full bodied one in the original photo above.

It never occurred to me to take the scope off for photos. As much as we like to show them to our buddies and post them on the net, the photos I take are really for me. I would know if the scope was on or off for the shot. I guess if I thought it looked better I might take it off but I'm going more for history than aesthetics in my photos (have to with my mug).

Great pics xausa!

The more I think about this topic the more I ask myself, Why? and Who cares?
Sorry guys just couldn't resist this morning.

I honestly thought this one had faded into the sunset. A perslon needs to do whatever they choose to and to hell with what others think.

Personally, if I am taking or having a picture taken of something I have killed, either for myself or public consumption, I want everything as far as equipment is concerned, to be as it was when the kill was made.

Photos are primarily to remind oneself of one's hunt. Therefore leaving everything 'as-is' will be more precious to one-self in years to come.

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:
I honestly thought this one had faded into the sunset. A perslon needs to do whatever they choose to and to hell with what others think.

Then why ask.