As a wildlife photographer, I’m always on the lookout for those special moments when I can capture beautiful animals in their natural habitats. During a recent trip to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I was fortunate enough to photograph a gorgeous Whitetail Fawn in a field of soybeans.
Whitetails love soybeans, and the fields on the north side of the Sally Jones causeway at Sequoyah offer the perfect browsing environment. I’ve photographed deer here before, but catching a fawn is extra special. Fawns are naturally curious, but also cautious, so getting close enough for a clear shot can be tricky.
This particular fawn was grazing on the west side of the causeway, not far from the tree line. I was sitting in my pickup with my camera and lens on a bean bag draped over the open window. With the engine off, I was able to sit quietly and photograph the fawn.
The fawn’s spotted coat stood out beautifully against the green soybean plants. Its eyes and ears were alert as it nibbled on fresh greens. I fired off several frames before the fawn sensed my presence and bounded away.
Photographing wildlife takes patience and persistence. But when everything comes together as it did with this Whitetail Fawn, the reward is an image I’ll always cherish. I feel privileged to capture these fleeting glimpses into the natural world.