Shoot to Thrill: Stacey Huston at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention & Sports Show 2012
If you haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of the National Wild Turkey Federation Conventions, you really need to go. It is an auditory experience you will never forget. Turkey calls of every shape, size and make – all calling and clucking and chirping at once. You’ll hear beginners and pros who sound like wild turkeys, interspersed with the occasional hawk, owl or crow call used to locate.
I didn't want to focus on the nervous callers waiting their turn at the turkey calling competition, and since I couldn't figure out a way to sneak past this barrier to photograph them while they were competing, or how to relay the sounds of the convention through a photo, I used the sign and barrier as a focal point to tell the story. Photo by Stacey Huston
I could just imagine the hordes of wild turkeys from all corners of Nashville running toward the Opryland Convention Center to find out what all the noise was about. I am sure they thought they had been invaded.
Conventions always offer fun times to be had with friends. Here's (L-R) Tammy Ballew, Kristen Monroe, Paige Eissinger and Babbs in the Woods (Barb Baird) on a Titan UTV. Stacey says, "Like anywhere else, find things and moments that capture your interest and stir memories. Also, don't be afraid of moving around to a new angle in order to highlight the product's name!" Photo by Stacey Huston
The WON was a proud sponsor of the women’s workshops. Brenda Valentine, “The First Lady of Hunting,” put on one of the workshops. She was a great speaker, and made everyone feel comfortable and right at home. Brenda had the attendees lounging around on the floor as she offered hints and tips for hunters of all ages and skill levels. She showed everyone what she carries in her vest to help improve the whole experience of turkey hunting. She and her team were professional, fun and helpful when it came to a little calling instruction. It is obvious she loves what she does and she is a true inspiration to women of all ages. ~ (Personally, I don’t ever want to log on to the Internet and see my face in a photograph from public convention~ or any other place for that matter.)
In this image the speaker and the sponsor are the focus, yet the fact that she had the audience's complete attention is fully conveyed. Photo by Stacey Huston
As a photographer, you have to be careful about model releases – though at public conventions you don’t have to obtain one. I still feel that it is just rude to photograph people and use their images online without at least asking their permission.
Never forget about future generations and the role they play in conservation. I loved the children’s art display, and even though none of the artists were there, I can see these images framed and not only holding a special place on the walls in their families’ homes, but also in their hearts. Nicely done!
Children's art display. Photo by Stacey Huston
And this is what it’s all about, too.
Knight and Hale staffer Mic Bowman took a little time out to show a young man a few tips and tricks to improve his turkey calling. It is obvious that they are both having a good time, and THAT is what it's all about. Photo by Stacey Huston
Crowded floor. So many people, so many cool things to see, so little time. Even though it wasn’t easy to maneuver through the sea of moving bodies, it was wonderful to see so many people take the time to attend and bring their families to the 2012 NWTF Convention.
Low light and slow shutter speeds help capture the movement of the crowd below. I would have loved to have my tripod and more time to spend photographing from this vantage point, but alas ... I had people to talk to, and a plane to catch! Photo by Stacey Huston
I have to say a special thank you to Redneck Blinds for allowing me a brief escape, and a bird’s eye view of the convention floor, with a great angle to photograph the hustle and bustle of the day’s events. This photograph shows only one-half of Aisle 100. There were nine of these aisles full of booths out on the main floor, plus several other rooms, filled with kids’ activities, displays and smaller booths, hawks, eagles, owls and autograph signing tables.
Visit Stacey at her photo blog, A Focus in the Wild.
About Stacey Huston
Stacey, what a perfect overview of our weekend at NWTF! Makes me want to go back this weekend! Great photos; I love seeing your perspective through the lens of your camera!
Thank you Tammy~ loved meeting you and getting to spend time with your smiling face. So Yes.. I would go back again just to spend time with the girls
What a weekend at the NWTF Conference! Barb-thanks for introducing me to these awesome ladies. Brenda-I loved your seminar. I especially liked you telling us to lose the chairs and we got down on the floor to learn. What a brilliant attention getter. Stacey-your magazine is fantastic and I have already shared it with several people. Most importantly my kids loved looking at the beautiful pics. They are still too young to read
Thank you so much ALL!
Our pleasure, Kristen! Thanks for flying down for the event. We’ll look forward to reading your coverage of it, too.
I just LOVE this post: Fun to read, great photos (no surprise there–Stacey has a great eye), and great photo tips. Thanks to Stacey Huston and The WON. (Who put that crazy-looking WON publisher behind the wheel??
)
Thank you Bill!! It was a fun and exciting trip. And with the WON publisher behind the wheel~ you never know were you will end up.. all the fun places. But ~ next time I think they need to rent out those UTV”S and save on feet ~
Stacey
Wow, you would know firsthand about someone’s feet, wouldn’t you, Stacey?
I was thinking of trying to find a camo Jazzie!
Stacey, Thank you so much for the book filled with your photography. My whole family has enjoyed your wildlife and outdoor photos. Also, I appreciate you attending my turkey hunting class. Hope you enjoyed the Nashville/NWTF experience.
Brenda~
I am glad you and your family are enjoying the magazine! It was wonderful to meet you at the NWTF. it was quite the event, and my son Josiah is still telling his dad stories about your turkey hunting class and practicing with his Sweet Talk call
Thank you ~ Stacey
Brenda,
We always learn something from your seminars! Thanks for your work to promote the tradition of hunting. Looking forward to seeing you at the next show!
Just about what I would expect from Stacey…..perfection! Beautiful pictures and a great storyline. Great to finally meet you, you know I think I recognize that young man at the Knight and Hale booth!!
Hi Jeff! Yep. I think I might know him too!! I think that is one of Hawk’s boys
It was nice to meet you and Shelly. I am sure that our paths will cross again some day soon !!
GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!!!! I loved this look through your lens and your eyes. Excellent post Stacey!
Thank you Gretchen! It was so wonderful to get to spend some time with you again.. I look forward to the next adventure.