Everything I Learnt About Photographing Roe Deer: (Fieldcraft, Camera Settings & Techniques)

From March to May, 2023, I tried a new approach to photographing my local Roe Deer. It was as much about changing my mindset as anything - in those 3 months I think I learnt more about photographing Roe Deer than in the past 10 years. In this video I share all the tips and techniques that helped me to get my best pictures of these fascinating animals. If you enjoyed this video, please like and give it a share! And if you've had your own experiences with Roe Deer, please let me know in the Comments Box below.
0.00: Intro & Habitat
1:00: Roe Deer Senses
2:17: Clothing
4:36: My Secret Weapon
5:50: Equipment
8:02: Focusing
8:44: Camera Settings
12:05: Capturing natural behaviour
14:37: My Mistakes
15:40: Challenges
17:24 Successes
17:56 Buy the Roe Deer book and Outro
Learn all about Roe Deer with Mark Nicolaides: www.aboutdeer.... You can also buy Mark's excellent book from his website.
Tips on Getting Close to Wildlife: • Wildlife Photography T...
My equipment: If you purchase any of these items, that I use and recommend, through the Links Below I receive a small commission which is massively appreciated and it helps me to keep creating new videos.
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Movo GH700 gimbal head: amzn.to/2y2ekCg
Canon 400mm f5.6 lens: amzn.to/2AnX8q8
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This video was filmed with a Canon M50 and 15-45mm lens.
Equipment: Canon R6; Canon EF 500mm f/5.6 Lens; Black Rapid Strap
Music:
Bright Eyed Blues by Unicorn Heads
Good Starts by Jingle Punks
Lightning Bugs by Geographer
Rocking Chari by Unicorn Heads
Rolling Heads by Unicorn Heads
Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads

[@julioamaral4391]

Thanks, Paul! Nice video!!!

[@brianchandler1365]

I agree, let the subject be aware of you as you are and let them be comfortable rather than suddenly appear as a bush that wasnt there yesterday. Always works for me. Great advice Paul as always

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's the best way if you can. Always good to try and see their reactions

[@stephenelderphoto]

This was an outstanding video Paul. So much usable information and great photos. I love deer myself and we're lucky to have quite a good population of them locally. Your tips about habituation certainly seem consistent with what I see here. A lot of people out walking dogs and the deer pretty much ignore you unless they think you are paying them too much attention. I feel your video showed this technique at a much higher level with the behavioural displays and relaxed appearance you managed to capture. Thanks very much for sharing all this.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks so much Stephen. I really wanted to try something different. A huge amount of work but nice to put something out like this. yes, absolutely the Deer can get very accustomed to anything regular that they don't see as a threat

[@_boris_zhukov]

Very helpful tips, Paul. Thanks for sharing. In my experience, a folding chair could be a real game changer. I have been using mine since May this year and it works like a charm. First, a small chair (even without a backrest) helps you stay low and motionless for much longer and increase the chance of concealing your presence. Second, there is no need to carry a tripod or a monopod, as you can put your elbows against the knees and increase stability of the lens. With this technique, my Sigma 150-600 started producing more keepers at slow shutter speeds (1/60 - 1/150). Third, using a folding chair also helps reducing encounters with ticks. In the place where I live ticks are a big problem. I wonder what precautions do you take as a wildlife photographer to avoid getting bitten by ticks.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

If you have your own technique for getting close to Roe Deer, let me know in the Comments! And if you want more tips on getting close to wildlife, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXzMeKqLq61qsJo

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Terrific video Paul ! Some great tips here learnt alot some magic pictures to, really enjoyed this one keep up the brilliant work 👏👏👏

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks so much Paul. Planning to make more of this style of video, so thanks for the feedback!

[@paulbaldwin2290]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Good really good video

[@six66red14]

Merci

[@Marleydia]

Nice work! We have white tail deer in my area. I can’t get close to them, unless I’m in a well traveled park! Thanks for sharing your field craft. I’m going to try these techniques!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

They often get used to people. But in the wild, they can be much more wary

[@junerobinson8169]

Brilliant video, have learnt a lot from this one. Your pictures are great. Thanks for taking me with you. See you next week..

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks so much for your support.

[@ianpawson1356]

Great tips and photos, will definitely look up Mark's book and website

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Ian. Mark's knowledge is incredible.

[@SkylarkFields]

A super video full of great pics, footage and info! I like the chair idea as I have back and leg problems and can't stand for a long period of time. That would make life easier!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Just find something easy to carry. It's been a game changer for me!

[@BoxerTys]

I don't know if you already have a monopod ? but i can really recommend the Benro MSD36C SupaDupa Monopod, i use it with my Canon 1D-X Mark II and the Canon EF 400mm L F/5.6, this Benro comes up for a reduces price quit often. (Amazon) 🍻

[@johnbroadley7657]

Hi Paul your technique is similar to my approach for photographing hares, instead of a chair I use gel filled knee pads and kneel. Great photos as always.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi John. Gel filled knee pads.. interesting!

[@davewaddicorphotography4710]

hi paul i live in the forest of dean and get some belting roe and fallow images , good luck they are such nice creatures keep up the good work

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Fantastic. Agreed, they are wonderful creatures indeed.

[@Andy_Thomas]

Great video, Paul. Lots of great info. I notice that you appear to be in (or on the edge of) fields. What do you do to avoid trespassing on private farmland?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Andy. I am lucky to have access to this private land.

[@CamillaI]

Photographing Stags in the New Forest Hampshire soon with a new Camera should be fun . Get in position early and let them come to you is my advice 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Enjoy my friend. I agree.. try and let them come to you.

[@EnidAgnusDei]

Excellent video as ever. What trousers are they please and are they waterproof? Cheers.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

They're actually simple combat trousers. If it's very wet I may wear other ones that are more like shooting / stalking gear.

[@EnidAgnusDei]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thank you looking for some decent waterproof light weight one yours look good. Just bought the book too!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

@@EnidAgnusDei brilliant!

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Just let deer get used to you. Buddy owned massive Woodlot with beaver pond. We worked all summer turning pond into lake. The deer would come to where we we running dozers and watch us. We eventually got really close, and they didn't care. For photos, 7Dmk2 and 70-300 L lens were my choice.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Ive heard this many times. Yes, they absolutely get used to people so long as they're not threatened, just like you've described. Thanks for sharing Eric.

[@RichardBirchett]

Great video Paul with some good Tips and regarding the subject having an idea you are they sometimes really pays off. Nice work as always mate 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

cheers. it can work can't it? Best way if possible.

[@bensmith6888]

Great tips hope to get some pics of the deer local to me. Love the camera cover made from and old waterproof? Have made one similar myself 🤟🏼

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Best of luck. Yes, it's actually a sleeve from a waterproof jacket!

[@armeniaurartu1180]

Hi Paul, what lens hoot(brand name) is attached to your Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi. Do you mean lens foot? On the bottom of the lens.

[@armeniaurartu1180]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Yes

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

@@armeniaurartu1180 it's a Kirk. I replaced the original with this as it fits into a gimbal head.

[@armeniaurartu1180]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Ok, thanks Paul