DEER PRUDENCE I am getting into wildlife and wondered if you could suggest some subjects for me to try this autumn?
The most obvious species to consider at this time of year are deer and seals, both of which can be photographed with spectacular results during autumn. There are several species of deer living wild and in parks. Right now some of the deer are mating, and this spectacle is a great photo opportunity.
Roe deer rut earlier in the summer; red deer are usually active in October. Fallow generally rut during October and November, and sika deer rut in November. However, timings vary depending on location and weather. Deer parks such as Bushy Park and Richmond Park in London or Lyme Park in Cheshire are your best bet to get some good deer action, although you should check with individual parks to see what species they hold.
Grey seals can be photographed on sandbanks at this time of year where they gather in large colonies to give birth and raise pups. The bestknown site is Donna Nook in Lincolnshire.
Both deer and seals make great subjects, but they should be approached with caution. Never get too close so they feel threatened, so a long lens such as a 300mm is must for your safety and theirs. Keep shutter speeds high to avoid subject movement, and whenever possible, try to shoot from the animal’s eye-level, so, in the case of seals, that will mean getting yourself low down. Focus should be on the animal’s eyes, so a single active AF point is the best way of ensuring you get the sharpness exactly where you want it.
The temptation is often to shoot a tight portrait of an animal, but you shouldn’t be afraid to show your subject smaller within the frame so that it connects with its environment.