A quick post this time around, just to share a new photo. I like to photograph the red deer over the summer, as their antlers are growing. During this period each year, the antlers are covered in a soft membrane known as 'velvet', which looks fantastic in the evening light. I tend to spend a few weeks trying to get some good photos, but this year I got the shot I really wanted on day one!
I love to photograph animals that are engaged with the camera like this - I think it creates a strong connection as a result. I obviously also love low-key nature photography too, so this was exactly what I was looking for when I went out. This stag was grazing calmly, so I kept my distance and positioned myself in front of a shady set of trees, and hoped he would wander into the sunlight in front.
After my first trip out for the summer, I was over the moon with this photo, and struggling to think of what I could improve on next time around. And in the end I decided I don't think I could, so I put the project on hold until another year. As a perfectionist, this isn't something I'm familiar with. I usually keep going and going until the time or season runs out, and I have to pick my favourites from what I've got. So it's a strange feeling to have called time on a project before I have to - certainly on day one! Of course nothing happens in a vacuum, and the back-drop to this is a strong collection of summer deer images from 2021, where I captured a good variety of images. And this was the one idea I wasn't able to fulfil that year. So I guess now I have to get my thinking cap on for next summer to think of something new to shoot for. But in the meantime I'm certainly very pleased with this photo.
Gear Talk
As an aside, this is the first deer photo I've taken without a tripod. My favourite lens for deer photography is the Nikon 300mm f/2.8, but with my flimsy arms, I've never been able to hold it still enough to shoot in low light like this. But on this occasion I decided to give it a go with my new 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6, which is not only considerably lighter than the old 300mm, but it also features Nikon's Vibration Reduction, in tandem with the Camera's In-Body Stabilisation. I must say I was really impressed with the combination. It's taken weight out of my bag and offers more freedom and speed of movement as I adjust to set up shots. And the image is pin-sharp and high-resolution. I bought the lens primarily for landscapes, so it's unlikely to become my 'go-to' for deer. But it certainly passed this test with flying colours, and it gives me the option to be a little more flexible when needed.
That's all for now. As I eluded to earlier, you can find more summertime deer photos here, and plenty more deer photos elsewhere on my website and blog.
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George
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