The Red Fox Stare
This is a captive red fox that I photographed on a photography day at the British wildlife center in Surrey. A great day, well recommended....
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This is a captive red fox that I photographed on a photography day at the British wildlife center in Surrey. A great day, well recommended.
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Nov, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo whilst on a photography experience day with the photographer David Lloyd at the British Wildlife Centre. There was only a small group of us which meant that we were able to get a lot out of the day.Time
I photographed this fox at around mid day, the light wasn't as harsh as it usually is at mid-day because it was very overcast and drizzly. Thinking about it we were lucky that we didn't have to call it off all together.Lighting
When we entered the fox enclosure (their keeper guiding the way) the mood instantly changed, but for the better. Everyone seemed transfixed on the stare that the foxes had. I knew I wanted to capture that. So for the entire time I was in the enclosure I lay on the ground using continuous and back button focus, waiting for the one time (and it was only once in the end) that one of the foxes looked down my lens.Equipment
At the time I was using my Canon 70D and a brilliant little lens that I have had for years. The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro, although its not a true macro lens it is so versatile it was a must have for me when I started, and its super cheap as well which is always a bonus.Inspiration
I was inspired to take this particular photo after seeing similar shots online of large African wildlife staring down photographers lenses. Seeing that and having a passion for British wildlife meant that this photo was inevitable.Editing
I did very minor processing. At the time I had Canons very basic software that came with my Canon 70D. I raised the exposure a touch, and the saturation to bring out the orange in the fox's coat. I also added a small amount of noise reduction.In my camera bag
These days I tend to carry my 70D and the standard 18-55 kit lens. I also carry a 100mm - 400mm f4 - 5.6 IS, a Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG Macro and a 50mm f1.8 STM. I also have a tripod and 600ex rt speedlite.Feedback
I would say that if you want to capture something similar it really pays to go to a guided photography day. If that is not an option then what I usually do with my wildlife shots is to let the animals come to me. That way you are more likely to get a closer shot as they feel more comfortable with your presence. But I would say that the key thing I always do is to get level with my subject. I find that doing that is the best way to get an image that really makes an impact.
