Red Deer pictures from the UK (8 pics)

Silverpenguin · Oct 14, 2006

I went to Bushy Park yesterday to try and get some Red Deer pictures. For those of you who don't know Bushy Park its full of deer which, although captive in that they can't leave the park, roam around the several miles of fields and wooded area's. That said it can be tricky to get pictures sometimes as there are a few roads, walk ways and buildings here and there so you often find people or fences or cars off in the distance ruining an otherwise lovely shot. It really is the luck of the draw sometimes!

I was hoping to get some action pics of the males fighting but the only fight that took place was after the sun had gone down when the light levels were way too low to do anything with.

However I got a few nice shots, especially when the sun dropped very low in the sky.

All taken with the D200 and 200-400 VR.

First of all a Fallow Deer, there was a large group of them which ran past so I tried some slow shutter panning to get a sense of speed. Taken at 330mm and 1/90 second - this is actually one of my favourite pictures of the day.

The rest are all male Red Deer:

The next two were taken shooting right towards the sun, which I was doing on purpose to try and get a golden coloured look to the shots. I like these but there is something about them doesn't completely work for me, just not sure what it is (I think maybe a boost to the contrast to darken things up a tad more):

Same again but not looking directly towards the sun, so the colours a little softer.

The last two were taken just before the sun went down, I really wanted to try and capture the beauty of the sunset and this lovely animals so decided to go for a sunset/deer shot all in one! I could see a couple of them ahead of me relaxing by a tree with a golden sun slowly dipping right behind them giving the whole scene superb light. It was one of those times when you just know there is potential for a good picture as you walk towards the scene!

This is my favourite shot of the day I think as its simple but also unusual and not the typical deer shot you would see. I was unsure of the sun being a distraction at first but because its not over exposed and harsh I think it does add to the picture now. I also like the way there is just enough highlight to the deers body and face to make it stand out from the dark foreground.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed taking them.

lostprophet · Oct 14, 2006

WOW

where is this park?

Arch · Oct 14, 2006

very nice series.... and very timely, just about sums up autumn over here (i learnt that from watching 'autumn watch' with bill oddy :mrgreen: )...... anyway, i like what you've done with some of these..... i agree with you 4&5 could do with some tweeking.... but you got great light in 2,3 and 6.

The sunset ones are interesting too..... good shootin :thumbsup:

Silverpenguin · Oct 14, 2006

lostprophet said:
WOW

where is this park?

lol, thanks!

The park is near Teddington/Kingston. I think its surrey, although might still be classed as middlesex, I'm not really sure. Richmond Park is close by which is the same but MUCH bigger but that can make it hard to trac the deer down.

Thank you both for your comments

John E. · Oct 14, 2006

Good work, 4,5 and 6 I really like the most as the light and comp give the picture a mood.

Tantalus · Oct 14, 2006

Wow great series, I like 1,2 and 5.

Antarctican · Oct 14, 2006

That's a great series! The last two are especially breathtaking, but I really really like some of the earlier ones too. Thanks for sharing these!

Alex_B · Oct 14, 2006

my favourites:

2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th

wow, that is more than 50% favourites .. that tells something

chris82 · Oct 14, 2006

lostprophet said:
WOW

That says it all.

Corry · Oct 14, 2006

Awesome series! Hard to pick a favorite! You got a lot of great shots...the silhoette (sp?) ones are pretty aweome.

I haven't ever been able to get close enough to deer around here to get a decent shot.

LaFoto · Oct 14, 2006

Oh, you lucky one, to be getting so close to the deer!
I try and try, and on moments I see much out there on the fields, I did not bring the telephoto lens... (see the_bottom_of_this_thread ).
Very hard to pick a favourite, since the panning is incredible, and so are the into-the-light pics and the colours of the others!!!

lostprophet · Oct 14, 2006

Silverpenguin said:
lol, thanks!

The park is near Teddington/Kingston. I think its surrey, although might still be classed as middlesex, I'm not really sure. Richmond Park is close by which is the same but MUCH bigger but that can make it hard to trac the deer down.

Thank you both for your comments

I trip to said park is in the planning me thinks

yipdanny · Oct 14, 2006

Very nice series. This one I like the most. Very good composition. :thumbup:

Hoppy · Oct 15, 2006

lostprophet said:
I trip to said park is in the planning me thinks

With a good bit of creeping and a bit of begging I'll take you there.....maybe

These are stunning shots. I am planning to go to Richmond park during the rutt again this year, got a few shots last year but seeing yours makes me want to try harder......