You MUST be on a tripod, and your animal has to stay still. There is no secret other than that. Its very hard. I had trouble with it all day yesterday. Animals moving always in the morning and late eveing, then to top it off withthe snowing and dark skies. It was suposed to be shooting light at about 0630. It was much close to 7. I rattled my antlers at 0645 and the first buck was staringat me at 0646, and the second one at 0650. The first buck held, bujust not enough light to capture im and he was very close, but just not enough for my litle flash. The second buck walked by within 20 feet, but never stopped moving. You have to just ejnjoy the antlers as they walk by. The biggest muie I saw was at 0430 pm and again, not enough lightfor pics. Just had to sit and watch in the binos. I didn't even bother with the tripos because he was on the trail and they never stop.