We have white tail deer in the US (Ohio).They will let you watch them from a distance, but pointing the camera at them spooks them! I’ve been luck to get some shots at a local park where they aren’t hunted and more acclimated to people. I think every outing is just a learning experience, not a failure!
From my experience with Deer .. They have pitch perfect hearing . I could be at least 9 iron away and they can still hear the shutter on the camera . And they have excellent eyesight . And if your able to mimic there call some will stand and stare long enough to bag a few pics .. And always best be down wind of them . And little movement when visable to them
Have had to make like a statue a few times with roe deer, you just have to enjoy that special moment, have had them as close as 2m away without them knowing I was there. Also had a great spotted woodpecker land 2m away, my lens was pointing at the ground as I was in the menu changing settings. Just had to stay still, the bird knew I was there, that building of trust moment paid dividends as I have loads of woodpecker images now!
Great advice Paul. I came across a group including a buck and a couple of a does back in January, literally at the side of a footpath through woodland. They didn't seem the bothered in slightest and managed to get a number of shots off. They were literally no more and 30 yds from me all the time I was with them.
Fwiw, my suggestion would be to turn and slowly walking away to show that you are not only not a threat but completely disinterested in them. At that point you can try based on previous observations of favourite feeding spots, predict where they are likely to go next, set yourself up and just wait. If you are lucky and get it right they are often less worried about your presence if they see you next time. But if the do stop and stare at you, look down or away, try and appear disinterested and definitely don't start shooting until they start displaying natural behaviour such as feeding, grooming or interacting...natural behaviour in my opinion makes the best shots. Roe deer can be quite inquisitive at times compared to other types of deer and they will sometimes approach you.
I've had quite a few close staring matches where the deer and I almost bump into each other and remain still and staring at each other and yes bringing your camera usually sends them running . I have managed to bring my camera up very slowly and got some shots once or twice but....
What I try to do is try get a few pics of them from more of a distance, then move in slow rather than go in full guns blazing, I'd rather have some average shots than none at all!
Nothing is a failure if we learn from it, not only you but by watching your video, I have now learned something. Thankyou.
Absolutely.
There are true magic instants that won't allow themselves to be captured. I would not consider that a failure. Your video was absolutely stunning!
Great blog Paul !some nice pictures with the back light 👏so not a complete failure, keep at them👌
Thank you Paul. It's true - not a failure.. it's all learning
We have white tail deer in the US (Ohio).They will let you watch them from a distance, but pointing the camera at them spooks them! I’ve been luck to get some shots at a local park where they aren’t hunted and more acclimated to people. I think every outing is just a learning experience, not a failure!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe shooting in silent shutter can help in case they're too sensitive to noise.
Fascinating and inciteful project to share Paul. Not nearly enough people demonstrating this.
From my experience with Deer .. They have pitch perfect hearing . I could be at least 9 iron away and they can still hear the shutter on the camera . And they have excellent eyesight . And if your able to mimic there call some will stand and stare long enough to bag a few pics .. And always best be down wind of them . And little movement when visable to them
🤗🤗think what you said applies to most wildlife 🤗🤗
You've gained knowledge Paul on what to do next time. Don't look upon it as a failure. 'Every days a school day'. Nice work 👍📷👀
Have had to make like a statue a few times with roe deer, you just have to enjoy that special moment, have had them as close as 2m away without them knowing I was there. Also had a great spotted woodpecker land 2m away, my lens was pointing at the ground as I was in the menu changing settings. Just had to stay still, the bird knew I was there, that building of trust moment paid dividends as I have loads of woodpecker images now!
Great vid Paul!
Great advice Paul. I came across a group including a buck and a couple of a does back in January, literally at the side of a footpath through woodland. They didn't seem the bothered in slightest and managed to get a number of shots off. They were literally no more and 30 yds from me all the time I was with them.
They react so much to our body language. You can get incredibly close views if they don't see you as a threat
Good video
Great video as always buddy 😊
Great video buddy
Fwiw, my suggestion would be to turn and slowly walking away to show that you are not only not a threat but completely disinterested in them. At that point you can try based on previous observations of favourite feeding spots, predict where they are likely to go next, set yourself up and just wait. If you are lucky and get it right they are often less worried about your presence if they see you next time. But if the do stop and stare at you, look down or away, try and appear disinterested and definitely don't start shooting until they start displaying natural behaviour such as feeding, grooming or interacting...natural behaviour in my opinion makes the best shots.
Roe deer can be quite inquisitive at times compared to other types of deer and they will sometimes approach you.
This is top notch advice. It's all true.
I've had quite a few close staring matches where the deer and I almost bump into each other and remain still and staring at each other and yes bringing your camera usually sends them running . I have managed to bring my camera up very slowly and got some shots once or twice but....
Awesome Content!
Thank you!
Not really a failure. Just an encounter to learn from.
What I try to do is try get a few pics of them from more of a distance, then move in slow rather than go in full guns blazing, I'd rather have some average shots than none at all!
You lifting the camera to take a photo would look like you lifting a rifle to shoot the deer.
It's very true.