I had an intriguing encounter with a Whitetail Doe while parked on the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The doe came running directly toward me, slowing to a walk after passing by. Perhaps she was startled by a distant noise or movement that I couldn’t see, or maybe she was simply adjusting her pace as she approached a quieter area. She didn’t seem to care that I was there, leaving me curious about her brisk movement.
Photographing the Doe
This image was taken with my camera resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my truck. This simple yet effective setup provides stability and allows for quick adjustments, making it ideal for wildlife photography from a vehicle. Compared to handheld shooting, which can introduce unwanted motion blur, this method ensures sharper results. Encounters like this remind me why it’s essential to always have my gear ready.
Equipment and Camera Settings
Here’s a breakdown of the gear and settings I used:
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Camera: Canon 7D Mark II
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Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II
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Focal Length: 400mm
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Mode: Aperture Priority
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Aperture: f/5.6
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Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec.
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ISO: 800
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Exposure Compensation: +1/2
The high shutter speed ensured sharpness even with the doe’s movement. The aperture and ISO settings provided a solid balance between depth of field and light for the morning conditions.
Location and Timing
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Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
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Date and Time: February 24, 2019, at 9:07 AM
The early morning light was perfect for capturing details in the doe’s coat, highlighting its subtle textures and tones, and casting a gentle glow over the surrounding environment. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its auto tour road offering excellent opportunities for encounters like this.
Reflections
This moment highlighted the unpredictability of wildlife photography. Every experience is unique, whether it’s observing an animal’s behavior or working with the light and environment. The doe’s relaxed demeanor after passing me was especially memorable and left me pondering what might have caused her initial movement.
If you’re visiting Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, keep your camera close and your eyes open. The opportunities to capture wildlife in action are abundant. Moments like this remind me to appreciate the unpredictability of nature. Always stay ready—the next Whitetail Doe might be just around the bend.