The Augusta Chronicle is always interested in seeing and publishing photos of that trophy fish or first deer, but many of the pictures sent in by readers are unusable for a variety of reasons.

SPECIAL

Polaroid pictures do not reproduce well in the newspaper, and digital images often do not have the resolution that allows quality reproduction. The best prints are made from photos taken with 35 mm film.

Lighting, distance and focus also are important in photographing game and fish. Pictures of deer in particular should be up-close and clearly show both the deer and the hunter. It is best to take at least a dozen photos from varying distances and angles to insure at least one perfect shot.

Photographing deer is a challenge, and it requires some important preparations. Don't photograph a deer lying in a truck cab, strapped to a four-wheeler or hanging from a pole. Caped deer make lousy photos, too.

The best idea is to wipe away any blood, make sure its tongue is tucked back into its mouth and place the deer in an attractive, lighted setting - perhaps in a field edge with sky and forest in the background.

Getting close to the subject is important, too. The photo should focus on the angler or hunter, and the game or fish being photographed. Background items such as trucks, boats, docks, skinning sheds, your dog, etc. are unnecessary.

See your face in print

To submit a picture for the Outdoors Page, send it to: Rob Pavey, Outdoors Editor, The Augusta Chronicle, 4143 Columbia Road, Suite B, Martinez, Ga., 30907. Be sure to include complete information, including names of everyone in the photo, and a phone number in case we need more details.

Reach Robert Pavey at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 119, or rpavey@augustachronicle.com.