Wildlife photography is about as far removed from studio photography as you can get.  Your clients don’t turn up, you have to stalk them and then they don’t pay.  If this sounds an appealing lifestyle choice, then here is an insight into capturing an image of this Fallow Deer (Dama dama). 

 

Every species you photograph requires a different skill-set; with deer, camouflage paint is better than a hide.  Learning the shape of deer prints, droppings and couches is helpful but knowing what territorial marking looks like and the sound of the buck is key.

 

The “lek” is where fallow deer congregate to mate and fight for mating rights.  Finding this is essential.  I found mine by listening out for the clashing of antlers.  You then have to overcome every natural instinct and walk towards that terrifying sound.

 

Once the lek was found it gets easier but scarier.  This is the bit that requires getting up close and personal and hoping not to become collateral damage!  On this occasion I had 5 adult bucks sparring whilst I sat metres away. 

 

Preferably, it's a process of building trust over time.  Every return visit requires a ridiculously early start and a long walk through the forest at night to arrive at the lek before sunrise.

 

Many hours were then spent sitting in the dark, rain, cold and midge infested forest before this buck trusted me.  So much so I have footage of him sleeping between fights!