John Hafner’s Blog

Had fun photographing a coyote hunt yesterday … 1,500+ pics to review. Here are a few of my favorites so far …

I tagged along on a great upland bird hunt in southern Utah a few days ago. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the shoot. Thanks to Brian, Steve and their crew for putting up with my camera for a couple days.

Going through pics from SHOT Show. Here are a few random shots of pics my clients have used this year …

I found some of my pics in print and online this week. Here are some shots used recently by Michael Waddell/Bone Collector, Cabela’s, Realtree and the Duck Commander.

My photo business keeps me very, very busy. It’s rare for me to have time to hunt, but over the past couple weeks I’ve made time to put down my camera long enough to hunt … and I was fortunate to tag bucks in Kansas with McMillan Outfitting, and in Texas with Triangle T Outfitting. My Kansas buck was a 181″ non-typical 16-point … by far my biggest buck ever. I’m still in shock over tagging a buck that big. I shot my Texas buck with my dad, using the rifle I hunted with with over a decade ago back home in PA. Of course, as soon as I filled my tags, I picked up my camera and shot lots of pics for my stock files, as well as a few clients. I hadn’t hunted deer for four years, but it was definitely worth the wait. Here’s a pic of my Kansas buck. Will post a series of pics from both hunts soon …

My assignment schedule has been busy this fall. Delta SkyMiles and multiple deadlines have been the norm. I had back-to-back shoots in the Yukon, Zimbabwe and PA, and with upcoming shoots in IN, KS and TX, the pace promises to remain fierce for a while … just the way I like it. I’ve been fortunate to cover lots of ground, work with some great people, and document lots of new places and new products. Here’s a sampling of some recent work … from a series of shoots in PA for a handful of clients, and some environmental portraits of a Native American hunter and friend of mine, which I shot on assignment for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s new “Turkey Country” magazine.

Here’s a series of pics from a shoot I did for Gear Frenzy. We had a blast … it was great to photograph my buddies Michael Waddell, Travis “T-Bone” Turner, Nick Mundt, and several other outdoor industry personalities. Great people. Great fun. See more at www.gearfrenzy.com.

I just got home from a two-week shoot in Zimbabwe with Cabela’s. The trip was absolutely amazing … the people, the scenery, the wildlife … it was a special trip in many regards. I haven’t had time yet to let it all sink in. I met some extraordinary people and saw incredible sights, and was blessed to capture it all with my camera. The trip was very humbling, to say the least. Special thanks to my new friends at The African Safari Company: Dirk, Gaza, Augustine and Kenny, as well as Mark and Rob from Cabela’s. We had an awesome team, and we accomplished a lot. Gaza, Kenny and Augustine amazed me with their tracking abilities, and they patiently coached me through language lessons each day as I tried to pick up a few words in Shona, their native language. In case they see this, “tetenda” (”thank you”), fellas, … I really appreciate all your help. I have a feeling I’ll be going back to Africa for another safari soon …

Just returned from two weeks in the Yukon, followed by another shoot in VA. Photographed sheep hunters 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle one day, and snipers and Navy Seals at Blackwater USA the next. Long days, blistered feet, and lots and lots of hiking and backpacking have been the norm lately. The sheep hunt was no doubt the toughest hunt I’ve ever been on … and I can’t wait to do it again. Both shoots were a ton of fun. It’s always a blessing to travel to new places and make new friends.

Here’s the first round of pics from the Yukon, plus a few pics from the Blackwater tactical shoot – including a self-portrait of me in a bullet-proof vest and helmet, and a less-than-flattering shot of me wearing “Tiger Claw 2000″ crotch protection. Tools of the trade, I guess.   ; )

Stay tuned for many more pics from the Yukon and Blackwater …
                                                                                            

Quality Archery Designs is using a few of my pics of Michael Waddell, Travis “T-Bone” Turner and Nick Mundt on their Website … and at the end of their new commercial. Check it out …