Wildlife, finally!

Digital Matt · May 6, 2005

I finally saw some deer last night. I've been wanting to take some photos like this for so long. I wasn't expecting to see any, and I was caught off guard with my 85 1.8 on the cam. Had to make a quick change to the 70-200 f/4 + 1.4x TC. I managed to get a decent shot of this young buck, in the warm glow of a sunset.

This encounter made me realize that I really need a long prime, like a 300 2.8, and even then, that's just barely minimum focal length for true wildlife. They don't let ya get very close!

Big Mike · May 6, 2005

Geez...is there anything that you don't photograph well? This is a great shot, the lighting does have that nice warm glow.

So what were you shooting, out in the woods with an 85mm lens?

Digital Matt · May 6, 2005

Thanks Mike

Hehe, well, I was hoping to get to this field of wildflowers, and shoot some macros with my 85 and extension tubes. I was walking briskly through the woods, not paying attention, with sticks breaking and leaves rustling beneath my feet. I stopped for a second, to adjust my backpack, and I still heard twigs breaking and leaves rustling. Then I noticed the a strong smell of musk, and I looked up to see this guy, and 4 others, about 30 yards away. Had to switch lenses rather quickly and quietly.

Turns out the wildflowers hadn't come up yet anyway. I'm getting ancy here, waiting for Spring to finally spring.

john3eblover · May 6, 2005

well its been so freaking cold in ohio lately...

danalec99 · May 6, 2005

Beauty! :thumbup:

LaFoto · May 6, 2005

Lovely. Lovely. Lovely.
The colour is more than precious!
How I wish I could take such kind of wildlife photo for once in my life. No matter how silent I go about things - they always run away from me.

Nikon Fan · May 6, 2005

If you're gonna shoot a deer, this is the best way to do it

I love the colors and tones in this, you always manage to capture the perfect colors for everything really

I also enjoy him starring you down. All the branches give a nice secluded feel to it. The only thing I'm not sure about is the frame...it definitely matches the shot, but I personally like the other frames you've created in the past. Great capture and timing! I can't wait til the flowers come either so that we get to see more of your shots

terri · May 6, 2005

For having to compose in such an off-the-cuff manner, you ended up with great composition here, Matt. Love the way the branches are framing him, almost repeatedly in a subtle kind of way. What's great is you were able to get a clear view of his face, and he's looking right at you. :thumbup:

Great job.

dalebe · May 6, 2005

wonderful shot matt! good quick change! he looks well aware that you were there too!

JonMikal · May 6, 2005

very nice! :thumbup:

Tammy · May 6, 2005

Gorgeous. The coloring is wonderful, and the composition a delight.

Fantastic work.

JohnMF · May 6, 2005

damn it matt, you must have some crap photos youve taken somewhere!

Can't you post them so i can feel better about myself

Digital Matt · May 6, 2005

Aww, thanks everyone. Believe me, I have tons of crap photos. For every good one, there are several bad ones. I actually have probably 15 similar to this, which are in varying degress of unsharpness, and poor composition due to branches in the face.

I cropped the left of this as well, because of the big tree trunk. It worked out well though, because this is an 8x10 now.

Thanks again everyone! I have some more shots from this trip coming.