A nice non typical buck

[jamn4ex]

ss 1/500 av 2.8 iso 800 200mm
This guy bounded up to me very enthusiasitically, I took a quick couple shots then backed off him.

Thanks for viewing.

[Bobobird]

He was only after food....

Excellent catch and the pose is great. Pity about that branch.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi James,

I tend to agree with Bobo; although the branch arguably shows environment and behaviour, it also ruins the picture

It could be cloned out - not saying you should - it is your picture, but it is an option

The only other comment would be it is a shame you didn't get his feet in shot.

Cheers,

[Bobobird]

The only other comment would be it is a shame you didn't get his feet in shot.

They appear to be lost in the grass but yes having feet showing would have been nice.

BUT.... but, but.... James was worried about his butt....

[jprzybyla]

Nice capture James. I was just thinking... you get deer (bucks) coming close to you and I get birds. Think I will stick with birds.

[terrib]

Isn't he beautiful?!! What a nice, healthy looking buck. The lighting is fantastic with some light in his eyes and great DOF. He's nice and sharp and I love that little bit of tongue sticking out. Although I can see why people would prefer not to have the branch, I also know how tough it is to catch wildlife in that perfect pose in that perfect place. I really love how the grass looks behind him. I think it's great!

(it also reminds me how much I miss seeing our yard deer in Colorado! Can't wait to get back!)

[ktuli]

He was only after food....

Excellent catch and the pose is great. Pity about that branch.

Uh - I think he was after something other than food...

It is the rut - when deer are out looking to mate. Rubbing the antlers on a branch like that is territorial marking behavior. So though it looks like it ruins the shot, it actually is a very nice capture of natural behavior. See the wikipedia article for more info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rut_%28...eproduction%29

Which means it is a really good thing you backed off relatively quickly...

- Bill

[jeeperman]

Yep, surley in the rut with that swelled neck. Nice capture, James.

[Steve S]

Very nice , james. This would be an example of a very nice 'typical buck', not a non typical. A typical buck , has symmetrical antlers.

On a side note, i would like to see more forground ,as to not clip the feet. Even though you can't see the feet beneath the grass , you should crop it as if they were there. Just a little more pleasing crop, IMO.

[ggt]

They branch doesn't bother me. It provides a nice balance and shows the animal interacting with the environment. I think it gives a nice perspective (or depth of field?).

It's a lovely composition because of the branch.

thanks for posting!

[jamn4ex]

Hi all I would have loved a little more space all around,( but he came up to me quick not shy like usual) and I had my 200 mm prime on . His manners let me know I was in his space and he didnt like it.( I think I was crimping his style) once I put a little distance between us he went about his routine(if I had brought my 400mm with me I couldve got better pics from further. I might make a camo cover for my 400 and wear it on my belt in future.
I will check the other shots to see if a better crop can be done . I was just trying to fit him in frameand obey rules.