In this article I’m focusing on the ever elusive fox.
Foxes can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and they flourish in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Despite the fact that they're all around us, they remain a mystery. We'll discover fun facts about these amazing creatures and how to photograph them in this article.
Red foxes are frequently depicted in the media as "brave" and "fearless," however they may be cautious, skittish creatures, making photographing them difficult. They're easy to startle, but with time and care, they'll come to accept your presence.
Finding foxes:
Morning and evening are when foxes are most active, so if you enjoy the 'golden hours,' you're in luck. Because of the low angle of the sun at dawn and dusk, there are many opportunities to experiment with various lighting approaches.
After feeding late at night or early in the morning, foxes will sleep for the most of the day. They, like many other animals, enjoy lying in the sun and curling up nose-to-tail, just like domestic cats and dogs. If you find one in a secluded and undisturbed area of your garden, don't be startled.
Even if foxes are sleeping, their strong hearing and keen sense of smell mean they can react rapidly if they detect your presence, so use a telephoto lens of 70–200mm or longer. Most frame-filling possibilities can be covered with a longer telephoto lens, such as a 100–400mm, without moving from your vantage position. The idea is to keep your distance and move as little as possible, preferably slowly and quietly.
Have you ever photographed a fox? Let us know in the comments :-)
Tips:
Foxes are rarely quiet for long periods of time, save when sleeping, therefore utilizing the Continuous Focus (CF) setting will allow you to stay focusing as the fox moves. When you take your image, make sure the AF points are locked on the animal's face.
Focus on the eyes:
When looking directly at the camera, foxes have piercing eyes, which is one of the reasons they are a favourite subject for wildlife photographers. Because focusing on the eyes is a 'rule' in any animal photograph, use spot metering and take an exposure reading from the eyes. This will ensure that the eyes, which are the major focal point, are properly exposed and in focus.
Even in the low light of winter, it's best to avoid using your flash because it'll reveal your location and won't contribute much illumination over a long distance. When light conditions are low, increase the ISO and choose a wide aperture to ensure a fast enough shutter speed to freeze any activity.
That's it for now! I hope you enjoyed this brief insight to fox photography. Make sure to follow me for more photography tips.
P.S Did you know Foxes are solitary animals?
Unlike their close relatives the wolves, dogs, and jackals, foxes are not pack animals. They live in small family units while raising their young, but otherwise live and hunt alone.
Photography in motion
By Phil Davenport