David Element
Wildlife
Photography and Digital Video Images
__________________________________________________________________________ Mammals 8 - Red Foxes
RED FOX Vulpes vulpes
RED FOX Vulpes vulpes
RED FOX Vulpes vulpes
RED FOX Vulpes vulpes
RED FOX Vulpes vulpes
·
These intimate portraits of a Red Fox Vulpes
vulpes 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 (Fox-height!) 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
‘angle-poise’ 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) but the
photographs perhaps not surprisingly would not tolerate any significant
enlargement without appearing grainy – more modern cameras can now produce
excellent results at these high ISO settings). 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 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, one attempt at which ended up with a
snot-mark on the lens! 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 the
right eye is also unknown - this may be a consequence of a skin growth or 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.
·
A playlist of over 30 of David’s films
illustrating the behaviour of Red Foxes in intimate close-up may be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AirIEc0Noe0MUItMCsgolXpQ0sr_Vx9.
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