On a lunchtime drive today I saw three young deer on the road ahead of me. I stopped. Positioned the car across the middle of the road. And took my first shot. Then I started approaching at a walking pace. Slow and quiet, zig-zagging so I wasn’t making an obvious beeline toward them. They were unconcerned. I was big and noisy and slow. Hardly a threat.
A car coming up behind overtook me. I knew the deer would skitter off into the woods as this newcomer approached at speed, and they did.
I pulled slowly alongside where they disappeared into the landscape, window already down so the sound of the motor would not spook them further, and raised the camera. I was about 15 feet from them. They were curious. A little nervous, but not scared. Due to the combination of my slow speed and the perceived protection provided by the flora between us: Predators would not be so obvious in their approach.
It is hard to make out the deer in any of these images. Their natural camouflage is so good that even from just a few feet away they blend in. But they are there. Scratching around looking for food. Winter is not kind. I kept eye contact with them for a while as their curiosity grew. But it was time to move on. I thanked them quietly, waved, and wished them a happy weekend before driving. Onward.
Prints and products for all images by request.
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