Japanese serow.
A living national treasure of the Japanese forest, and a rare sight.
A living national treasure of the Japanese forest, and a rare sight.
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Nov, 2023Views
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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Winner in Animals with horns Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
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Top 10 rankCategories
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was visiting Nagano Japan and at the time was photographing the macaques (snow monkeys). Out of the corner of my eye I spotted this animal coming over a hill. I watched it as it settled into the snow and "posed" for me. After taking the photo, I had to ask around to find out what it was. I was told it was a Japanese Serow, a rare and revered ungulate that was once hunted for food, but is now somewhat protected and is considered a "living national treasure of the forest". After a few snaps, off it went!Time
This was mid-morning, after hiking up a trail to the area where the snow monkeys congregate in a "hot tub", a major draw for humans with cameras and phones.Lighting
Lighting was flat and it was cloudy, so I increased my iso to counter possible movement.Equipment
Nikon Z 9 with a long lens.Inspiration
An "it was there" moment. Never saw one, didn't know what it was, and it made for a great snap.Editing
Minor crop to reduce the impact of the surrounding snow.In my camera bag
On long trips, 2 camera bodies, a short and long zoom, and I always pack a macro, just in case. I rarely shoot flash.Feedback
Be ready for something unusual...you never know what's coming over that hill.
