One early morning on my property bordering the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, I was out photographing birds when I spotted a white-tailed doe moving cautiously through the trees. Following closely behind her were two spotted fawns, moving with that cautious but curious energy typical of young deer. It was a special encounter that felt like a rare glimpse into the life of these beautiful creatures.
Observing the Twin Fawns
The two fawns were older, with their white spots still visible but beginning to fade as they grew. They stayed close to their mother, learning how to navigate the forest and stay alert for any potential danger. Watching the fawns follow their mother, I felt a deep connection to the moment, realizing that soon these young deer would go their separate ways. This magical encounter reminded me of the fleeting nature of wildlife sightings and the importance of appreciating such moments.
Camera Setup and Settings
For this photo session, I was positioned in a ground blind with my camera and lens mounted on a tripod for stability. This setup allowed me to remain hidden and avoid startling the deer while capturing the scene. Here were the specific camera settings:
- Date: 9/11/22
- Time: 11:32:46 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm
- Focal Length: 500mm
- ISO: 5000
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
The aperture of f/8 helped achieve a good depth of field, keeping both fawns in focus while softly blurring the background. The high ISO of 5000 was necessary to maintain a fast shutter speed of 1/800 sec, capturing the movement of the fawns without motion blur. The Canon EOS R7 handled the higher ISO well, allowing for a clean image with minimal noise even in the dappled forest light.
The Importance of Ground Blinds for Wildlife Photography
Using a ground blind was essential for this encounter, as it allowed me to observe the fawns without disturbing them. Ground blinds can be an invaluable tool for wildlife photography, providing a concealed space to photograph animals up close. Here are a few tips for using ground blinds effectively:
- Set Up Ahead of Time: Position the blind well before the animals are expected to appear to minimize disturbances.
- Blend In: Choose a blind with natural colors or camouflage patterns to match the surroundings.
- Stay Quiet and Patient: Wildlife can be sensitive to sounds. Enter the blind quietly and remain still.
- Use a Tripod or Bean Bag: Stabilizing the camera helps capture sharper images, especially with telephoto lenses.
Appreciating the Experience
This encounter with the twin fawns was a reminder of why I love wildlife photography. Moments like these, where you can quietly observe animals in their natural behavior, are rare and precious. While the fawns will eventually grow and leave their mother’s side, this experience will remain a cherished memory.
Capturing these images near the Ouachita National Forest not only added to my collection of wildlife photos but also deepened my appreciation for the wild spaces that border my property. These encounters inspire a continued commitment to preserving the natural habitats where deer and other wildlife can thrive.