Posted by Phil Ellard on September 7, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Hi ya everyone,
I am looking to photograph foxes in my local area. I have found several places where foxes are present, seen the odd fleeting glimse and seen them out and about by roads by sites at night.
What i am struggling with is how turn knowling generally where they are to specifically and ultimately photographing them.
Any help would be appreciated as i have been trying for a couple of months but seem to be just guessing with no success.
feel free to email directly if you would prefer.
Thank you for your time
Posted by Neil Burton on September 9, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Wish I could help you Phil but I have the same sort of problem. Know where they are, had them on the IR cam once or twice but they are mostly nocturnal here.
Posted by Pete Etheridge on September 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Phil,
I hope the following tips help.
1. Walk the area at dawn/dusk. This is the time when foxes are often active (unfortunately more so at dawn than dusk) and likely to be seen. Don't think about photographing them immediately, just learn their habits and where they are likely to be.
2. If you find a well used mammal run, try laying a sand trap. This is essentially a layer of sand which covers the trail. Check it every day or so for fresh prints. This will let you know which species are using the trail.
3. Foxes don't really become habituated to people like badgers can. If they smell you, they're gone. Therefore, when you come to take photos, make sure you don't smell of deodourant, fresh washing powder etc.
4. 'Photographing Animals in the Wild' by Andy Rouse gives some great fieldcraft techniques that should help!
Good luck! It may take a while so be patient!
Posted by Neil Burton on September 12, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Or get a stealth cam and set it up in the area you think they are, you would be amazed at what turns up on there!
Cheers Pete, Andy Rouse's books sound interesting!
Posted by Phil Ellard on September 12, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Thank you all for your help, it seems a challenge but i will give it a go
Posted by Paul Whippey on September 16, 2011 at 4:20 PM
I can second Petes' book recommendation, I've just bought a second hand copy and its full of useful tips. Its the best book I've seen so far on this subject. Thanks Pete!
Discussion
5 repliesI am looking to photograph foxes in my local area. I have found several places where foxes are present, seen the odd fleeting glimse and seen them out and about by roads by sites at night.
What i am struggling with is how turn knowling generally where they are to specifically and ultimately photographing them.
Any help would be appreciated as i have been trying for a couple of months but seem to be just guessing with no success.
feel free to email directly if you would prefer.
Thank you for your time
I hope the following tips help.
1. Walk the area at dawn/dusk. This is the time when foxes are often active (unfortunately more so at dawn than dusk) and likely to be seen. Don't think about photographing them immediately, just learn their habits and where they are likely to be.
2. If you find a well used mammal run, try laying a sand trap. This is essentially a layer of sand which covers the trail. Check it every day or so for fresh prints. This will let you know which species are using the trail.
3. Foxes don't really become habituated to people like badgers can. If they smell you, they're gone. Therefore, when you come to take photos, make sure you don't smell of deodourant, fresh washing powder etc.
4. 'Photographing Animals in the Wild' by Andy Rouse gives some great fieldcraft techniques that should help!
Good luck! It may take a while so be patient!
Cheers Pete, Andy Rouse's books sound interesting!