Take Advantage Of Fox Poses
It’s exciting to watch Foxes in the wild. If you’re lucky enough to see Foxes with your camera, follow these tips for better photos.
My first tip is to seize the opportunity when a Fox poses. While Foxes don’t actually pose, some of their behavior seems like it, especially when they hang out in the Sun to keep warm, as shown here. Whenever a Fox “poses,” cash in with your camera.
I took this shot in late October on a chilly morning. This Fox pup was sitting in sunlight to warm up. Though I’m far away, I made the most of that depth by framing the Fox pup with Fall colors: from leaves to trees to brush. While the Fox blends in, you can’t miss the white neck— or those piercing eyes!
Catch Them In Sunlight
This wild encounter didn’t last long, because she soon continued on her hunting expedition without worrying about me. However, I suspect she wanted to see how her portrait came out!
Take Family Portraits
Record Childs Play
Fox pups have as much energy as human kids. You must always be ready for the next jump, trot, or tackle. That means you’ll need a fast shutter speed of at least 1,000th second. They’ll stalk anything… especially their siblings. You quickly notice their predatory instincts while they play.
On a Summer morning, this Fox pup sauntered up the side yard in the shadows. I caught some cool shots of the Fox pup peeking in and out of the sunlight. Finally, my persistence paid off when the Fox pup broke cover. I love this portrait, because I made sure to catch both eyes in sunlight.
The stark contrast between light and shadow dominates this photo. The Fox pup really pops against the darkness behind. The photo is three-dimensional, like a View-Master.
While Fox pups can be skittish, they haven’t developed the situational awareness of their parents. Sometimes, they come out into a clearing adult Foxes would rarely traverse. Fox pups might not spot you, or even forget you’re there. This enables you to take your shots without spooking them. This Fox pup never noticed me.
Behold A Fox In Snow
While capturing contrast between a Fox and dark shadows produces great shots, it’s equally rewarding to photograph them in Winter snow. They’re easier to spot, because their fur no longer blends in with the brush. With any snowscape, it’s vital to use a narrow aperture for detail (in my case f18). A wide aperture would wash out the white snow.
This photo and the next photo each reveal so many footprints. The ground has texture, instead of just appearing all white. The contrast between Fox fur and snow is super!
Tune Into A Fox's Killer Instinct
If you’ve read my Photo Blogs, you know I spend so much time in the wild with my camera that the wild gets to know me. I was carefully standing on my icy deck as this vixen, whom I named, Buddy, approached. I’ve taken many photos of Buddy. This is one of my favorite Fox photos. Here is a prime example of capturing a primal moment.
She was hunting during the Golden Hour, as the Sun was about to set. Through the snowscape, sprigs of grass surfaced to create color, depth, and texture. The centerpiece was Buddy herself.
Though the Sun came from low and behind, I used my Camera Jedi Mind Tricks to get super color and definition— particularly of her eyes. The sunlit snow is golden, while the shaded snow is blue— reflecting the blue sky above. Bits of snow and ice are glistening. And the Fox’s backlit hind paw glows orange.
She looks determined, yet her left paw is hesitant as she plots her next move. While her light weight enabled her to stand atop the snow the day of the snowstorm, this next day’s snowmelt made the ground unsteady. She’d walk gingerly on top, but sink during certain steps. We all know how unsteady that feels. It was thrilling to see a wild predator tentatively navigate un-solid ground.
What a wild shot!
Whether in Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, it’s always prime time to photograph a Red Fox. Savor that front row seat, and use your camera to capture super shots of a fascinating predator!
General Settings
Settings varied with each of these photos, so here is a good starting point for you to use when photographing Red Foxes.
ISO 640, Aperture f13, Shutter Speed 1/1,000th Second (or faster)
Photo Tips
Keep your distance. I took all of these shots from my deck— and far away. Use your biggest zoom lens to bring them closer. If you don’t have a porch or deck, shoot from an open window or door.
Your best photos will result from observation. Spend time photographing Foxes, and they’ll reward you. Your best chances happen in early morning (when your light is often great) and late afternoon/early evening (when your light is dwindling, which means you’ll need to push up your ISO to 800 or higher).
Photograph Foxes in all kinds of light. But be sure to snap away when they’re in brilliant sunlight. Fox fur is so vivid when it catches rays.
See them as they see the World. Several of these photos show the impact of Foxes looking at you. Most of the time, Foxes are looking elsewhere, like in one of my Fox pup photos. Wherever they look, Foxes look intently. Hit your shutter button to record their glimpses.
Review & Refine! Keep checking your shots to see if your settings are good enough. The more you’re willing to improve your settings, the better a photographer you will be!
See Foxes Throughout The Seasons With The Foxes 5 By 30 Inches Storyteller Photo.
Want To See More Wildlife? Check Out The Wildlife Gallery.
