KSMesser
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Pamelabole
August 13, 2017
Wonderful capture....love those eyes! Thanks for joining my challenge!! : )
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This little fox photograph was taken near the community of Wallace on the north shore of Nova Scotia, She is one of a litter of five from this years famiy. I've followed this family for several years, and at least 3 generations. I like to think that they have come to accept me and have never percieved me as a threat. I am seemingly a part of the furniture and they go about thier business as foxes do.Time
This photo was taken around 830 in the morning in early August, the sun was well up above the horizon but just hitting the tree line where she was pretending to hide from me, She likely heard me coming long before I ever spotted her but she moved just ever so slightly that it caught my eye. And thankfully I had my camera ready to shoot.Lighting
Sometimes as a photographer, especially wildlife photography magic happens, In this instance with this photograph the morning light was perfect, the little fox was hiding in the shadows but the light hit her face in just the right spot at just the right time it wasn't anything I did it was simply luck and magic!Equipment
My camera is a Nikon500 and Sigma 150-500mm lens.Inspiration
My inspiration for this photo is simply a love of this little fox family, I've been so incredibly lucky to of been accepted into thier world as an observer, I some times think they are amused by me. It's hard to explain but as each spring approaches I keep an eye on the area where the den is located and I hope I have the fortune to see a new family has arrived, Foxes will return to the same den year after year, passing it down through generations. Last summer my heart was broken when the male fox who was the most attentive father fox I've ever seen was hit and killed by a car. He was a charming little guy, for 3 years I saw him raise many kits to adulthood he was an impressive provider and parent. Last years litter was exceptional, I actually think there were 2 maybe 3 family combined as at one time I counted 15 kits! It was nuts! But as they all grew up they wondered away from the den to find new territories and mates, lives of thier own. One of those kits returned to take over the the den this spring, it was her turn to be the mumma fox and she had 5 beautiful kits. Equally as charming as her dad, She was well aware I was there and watching me. With this years litter as with those before there was was one who was the "bold one" the alpha, she was the instigator of mischief and squabbles and as a result of one of those squabbles she recieved a very distinctive tear in her ear. This made her stand out from the rest and earned her the name "Nick". This photo is of Nick, She is curious, bold but cautious, I have seen her grow up from a tiny 4 week old kit to a beautiful adult. It has been an enchanting experience. As they grow the babies wonder all over the area of the den, and on this particular day she was close to the trail in to the den, I would not of seen her if she hadn't moved they blend in so well with thier forest environment. The light, the moment and of course the fox were all exquisite and aligned perfectly for this image. I was very lucky!Editing
I used Lightroom to edit, mostly I boosted the shadows and sharpened the photo a little, This was one of those rare photos that so many things were "just right" that I didn't need to do very much with it. I could of removed he branches near her face, but I think that would of taken away her total pretense that she was hidden.In my camera bag
My camera bag is always with me, ALWAYS! I use a backpack style bag it's easier to carry! So I have my main camera, NikonD500, my big telephoto lens the Sigma150-500mm, a wide angle Sigma 10-20mm, Nikkor 18-140mm, Nikkor fisheye, and Nikkor 35mm , 2-3 spare batteries, a remote shutter I often have my back up(old) camera which is a D7100. ND filter,and some other miscellaneous items.Feedback
I think one of the best pieces of advice I can give with wildlife is to get low and move slowly. Try not to be too intrusive and respect that you have entered thier world. Keep a safe distance for both your own protection and the subject of the image. If you are lucky enough to gain the trust of any wild animal it can be an incredible experience however you never want them to lose thier natural fear of humans and the threat that many can and will have.