The New Champion

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 15, 2013182 views5 comments

Out early to the local nature preserve on a cool and misty morning and found quite a few does, fawns, and bucks. A little less hectic than on my previous visit. While talking with another photographer, he told me of a big guy with an amazing set of antlers he'd seen yesterday. While talking, that buck showed up and I was able to get a variety of poses from him as he chased a doe around. The antlers certainly are not typical but are very imposing. A quick count totaled 22 points (a pt must be 1"). He's certainly in great shape for the rut. No sign of battles. I think he may assume dominance by sheer intimidation. The other photog, said that when he moved into an area with 6 bucks and a number of does, not one of the buck moved towards it or showed any sign of a challenge. So, until I see better (may be a while), this is my new champ. Nice pose from him in motion but just a bit over exposed with some blow outs on the side and tip of antler. The antlers could also be separated better from the BG. I made some adjustments to white bal, contrast, saturation, etc. which I think helped but I would appreciate comments and critiques and suggestion on how to improve this further.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with EF 70-200mm f/4L with 1.4 TC = 280mm
1/500th at f/5.6 and ISO 1000
tripod

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Ronald Murphy on November 15, 2013 at 2:48 PM

In the large photo he stands out well from the background. He'll get no challenge from me.

Registered on March 13, 2012, 279 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 15, 2013 at 9:20 PM

Wow, quite an unusual buck. The antlers although impressive are possibly bordering on the grotesque, isn't nature wonderful in its diversity. Every geographic area has its unique ecology; I find the signature tree species shapes and colors quite interesting in this photo. The antlers actually echo those branching tree forms quite closely. I do find the buck just a bit constrained by the frame on the bottom and behind him.

It's an old and often repeated maxim of animal photography but will bring it up one more time, would be nice to have a catchlight in the eye. Of course this would require either a head turn or a change in direction for the buck.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 16, 2013 at 5:51 PM

Awesome Buck Peter

Very unusual antlers for a black-tail from my experience. The large version is a pleasure to view.

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 17, 2013 at 7:59 PM

Very good photo, even if this guy had normal antlers. I like the attitude this buck seems to show. Good detail in the deer. Even though it is a bit dangerous to stoop down in front of a deer during the rut, I do wonder what a slightly lower POV would have done. The BG is a bit busy, but you have done well. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 18, 2013 at 8:10 PM

Bruiser! I kinda like that the tree in the background mimics his antlers.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments