David
Element
Wildlife
Photography
and Digital
Video Images
____________________ Mammals 8 - Red Foxes 5
RED
FOX Vulpes vulpes (f)
RED
FOX Vulpes vulpes (f)
RED
FOX Vulpes vulpes (f)
RED
FOX Vulpes vulpes (f)
RED
FOX Vulpes vulpes (f)
- These intimate portraits of a Red
Fox vixen in full winter coat were obtained by a
rather unconventional means as they were taken in the
middle of the night without any flash. The pictures were
shot at close range from a very low perspective on a
hand-held Nikon D200 digital SLR with either a
standard manual focus 50mm lens or a 105mm autofocus
macro lens. The subject was illuminated by the light of
two 60W ‘anglepoise’ bulbs and a white light
'OTT-LITE' modelling lamp. This low-strength illumination
has enhanced the warmth of the colour of the
animal’s coat (the pictures have not been
colour-adjusted in any way). In order to obtain sharp
images an ISO setting of 1250 - 1600 was required and the
Fox needed to be as close to the lens and lights as
possible with the photographer lying flat. A fairly slow
shutter speed and a relatively narrow depth of field were
needed - any any sudden movement by the subject would
have wrecked the photographs. It is highly unlikely that
images of this quality could have been captured using
transparency film. Single frame ISO adjustment is one of
the great advantages of modern digital equipment.
Fortunately this Fox did not object to walking right up
to touching distance from the light and camera - either
for still photographs or for mini-DV filming! The
reason for the dark patch on the floor of the mouth is
unclear, but this type of patterning appears to be quite
common and the shape of these markings is probably unique
to each individual. The origin of the tuft of hair under
her right eye is also unknown - this may be a consequence
of a minor injury some time ago and it clearly did not
cause any inconvenience. This minor 'defect' also made
this individual easily recognisable. Hopefully these
photographs will demonstrate just how relaxed and
trusting this beautiful creature actually was in the
presence of humans.
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© David
Element.