Red Deer Stag
Red Deer Stag, Scottish Highlands
Red Deer Stag, Scottish Highlands
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Nov, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken somewhere in Glencoe! One of the most iconic areas in Scotland for its landscapes but I'd you escape all the tourists just off the the beaten path there's a huge abundance of wildlife to find.Time
Taken early morning, the best time for wildlife photography is usually when the sun is not at its highest to prevent harsh shadows or contrast.Lighting
This is one of my favourite locations to visit at various times of the year both for myself and for workshop clients. Everyone who knows about it knows how much of a gem it is. Red deer can turn and they are a fairly dangerous species whrnt why want to be or are feeling threatened so patience and field craft are usually key, learning the light studying the weather conditions before hand and once you get there it's all down to luck as the weather can change instantly in the mountains.Equipment
Canon 5D mark with a 300mm 2.8f ii and probably a monopod. I try to carry lighter kit than hefty lenses that I struggle to balance due to my short height and mobility.Inspiration
It was a specific day out to this area, sometimes you have a lot of opportunities and sometimes only one or two. If I remember correctly this was the only stag encounter of the day and it turned out to be just in the right spot. Pure luck and having the camera already set up to the light conditions.Editing
Every raw images requires some form of post processing to create a "finished image" there was however no Photoshop removal of any items etc. I try my best to get everything right in camera for composition when it comes to wildlife.In my camera bag
I always carry my wildlife photography kit plus 100-400 ii A few landscape lenses and a macro, and some landscape Lee filters as you never know what is going to happen with the light or weather throughout the day.Feedback
Try to do your homework on what the weather is likely to do at what time of the day to prepare for where your going to go when, always have a back up plan like landscapes of there's no wildlife around or for some reason there's too many people. Try to know your kit and settings first practicing locally instead of in the field when you only have that split second to make choices. Be prepared with good shoes, waterproof camera covers etc and be prepared to it equipment first if it downpours! There's always another day! The most important thing I'd say tho is respect the wildlife, give them their spqce, keep yourself safe and respect the environment. If you come across another photographer who's perhaps taken hours to get into a location try to ask them first before approaching and potentially ruining their hard work, often I will invite others of any level into a location when it's safe to do so and don't mind helping with settings etc but many images have been ruined by people not caring. Wildlife is after all wild.. it's unpredictable If you don't have a large lens to zoom in.. fine another angle "wildlife in nature" images can be stunning without having to put your safety at risk. Oh and always take the opportunity to stop and look above your camera at the nature and enjoy that experience as we can often get lost in the adrenaline of the moment end up with 2000 stag images but not actually appreciated the sight in front of us.
