How to photograph Red Foxes
For most wildlife photographers getting decent Red Fox photos is high on the agenda, as one of the UK's most recognised and controversial inhabitants they provide an attractive photographic challenge. Here we provide some background information to the Red Fox species and a handful of useful tips regarding achieving great photos of them...
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread and abundant species of Fox in the Northern hemisphere and still remains a formidable adversary for even the most experienced wildlife photographer. Its sly and cunning reputation has resulted in many a keen enthusiast running around like a headless chicken trying to obtain a photo of ‘fantastic Mr Fox’! Their legendary adaptability and opportunistic behaviour has led them to successfully infiltrate our towns and cities providing photographers with additional scope for photos of urban Foxes.
Red Foxes can often be found out in the open at anytime of the day and breed between February and June, resulting in vixens being most active during this period as they endeavour to raise litters of between three to five Fox cubs, by themselves.
Foxes are related to dogs although cannot interbreed with them like other canine species such as Wolves and Coyotes, they do however share particular similarities in behaviour and intelligence which helps in observing and judging their mood and routines. Baiting can help to attract Foxes, although do consider that they are regarded as vermin by many so do avoid causing a potential problem by over baiting and putting the animal at risk. Baiting is most effective in helping to compose photos of Red Foxes.
If in the country checkout railway lines or perhaps abandoned commercial buildings and spaces in towns or cities, these are the kind of backdrops that will help to create that added atmosphere and interest to your pictures. For those wanting more than a cute snap try photographing from interesting angles, perhaps low level or wide angle shots. This will also add to their commercial appeal for those looking to sell their Red Fox photos .
Although they will generally keep their distance from humans Foxes are known for their boldness. It‘s quite possible, albeit with time and patience to cultivate an affinity and understanding with an animal that can help you get fantastic Red Fox photos for your portfolio. I have experienced this myself when photographing a young vixen that grew to tolerate my presence so readily that she would even appear at the sound of my voice and relax just feet away from my lens. It was not only very humbling and thrilling to having a wild animal let me into its space but also taught me that wildlife photography was not all about big cameras and long lenses.
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