Deer Photography

[David Hyde]

Hi all, I would like to try some deer photography this autumn. I live in East Anglia near Cambridge, has anyone some good estates for deer photography, preferably near to me. Some general tips would be helpful as to getting close, best time of day, best time of year etc.
David

[ron1863]

I find that the best time to photograph them wher I live in Scotland is dawn or dusk, especially in late autumn or winter, when they come down off the hills and visit farmers fields to graze. Good Luck

[jasongallier]

I can't speak for Red deer or Roe deer - I hope to go to Richmond park during October and check it out.

For Fallow deer - Ashridge beech woods (nr Dunstable/ Hemel Hempstead) is fantastic place with many fallow deer (dark form mainly). I saw the first rut earlier this week but it was only a half-hearted affair. Ashridge isn't too far from St Ives and if you pick the right day (overcast) then you have a good chance being able to photograph all day although morning and late afternoon is best for light if the skys are clear.

My favourite (but unpredictable condition) is fog - the wood filters the light and the fog lights up with long shafts of light - wonderful conditions - morning only but it can last into mid morning if the fog is heavy enough. It is coming into the perfect season within the next few weeks and even after the main rut the impressive stags are still around and the rich autumn colours come out.

As for technique - during the rut the stags will become easier to approach. Knowing the area and movement patterns also greatly improve your chances. A favourite technique of mine is to sit under my bag hide on a bridleway and wait for the deer to cross infront of you - but stalking is more fun!!!

I wrote this article about photographing fallow deer: Wild Light Photography: Articles: Fallow Deer Photograph

At the end of the article I offer those interested to join me - I am happy to extend that to all WAB members.

(I could waffle on for ages but I hope that does - for now!!!!)

Jason

[mh68]

Good article that Jason, great shot too.Any stalking tips you`d like to pass on?

Mark H

[Ann2]

I've photographed red deer at Thetford and both red/fallow deer at Bradgate Park, Leicester but in my opinion, the best places for getting close to red and fallow deer are Woburn Abbey and Richmond Park (unless you want to visit Scotland).

Ann

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by jasongallier

I wrote this article about photographing fallow deer: Wild Light Photography: Articles: Fallow Deer Photograph
Jason

Jason, that is a wonderful photograph and a useful article. The lighting makes the photo. I don't think I could manage the burp, though!

Jenny

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by David Hyde

Hi all, I would like to try some deer photography this autumn. I live in East Anglia near Cambridge,
David

Lots of wild Red Dear around Minsmere, Dunwich, WEstleton etc, with the males returning
from further inland for the rut.
Biggest herd outside Scotland.

They are wild though .............

[GME]

I think the latest issue of Practical Photography has quite an extensive section on how to get the best deer shots. I've skimmed through but it seemed to have some good tips and tactics in!

[Hoppingmad]

How about Woburn Abbey - lots in the deer park there. However, I would suggest Richmond Park in Oct/Nov. We went recently and got some very good shots although it was before the rutting season of course. Got there about 9am in the morning and took about an hour on a Sunday morning from west Essex.

Worth the drive.

Originally Posted by David Hyde

Hi all, I would like to try some deer photography this autumn. I live in East Anglia near Cambridge, has anyone some good estates for deer photography, preferably near to me. Some general tips would be helpful as to getting close, best time of day, best time of year etc.
David

[David Hyde]

Thanks to you all. Some very helpful advice. Thanks particularly to Jason for your detailed reply, great article and kind offer to accompany you in Ashridge. I know of that location, as my wife is from Luton. Woburn Abbey is certainly near me, I wonder why I did not think of that. But Richmond Park sounds great also, and I have noted the other locations mentioned. I will go down today and look for Practical Photography. I can now plan my trip, an early start in October. I will (hopefully) upload some photos, if they are good enough.
David