“Out for a Walk”
“There are times when nature becomes intimately close. I revel in those moments and hold them sacred. I become part of the natural world, not merely an observer.” – Ed Lehming
Yesterday was a big change in weather for us in Southern Ontario. We have had over a week of mild, almost summer-like conditions, with lots of bright sunshine. The shift to autumn norms has began and the day started out like a typical November: dull, cold, and just a hint of rain in the air.
Given that the light was not ideal for my standard forest photography, I ventured into an area that is a bit more open and is adjacent to a forested area. As I walked along the edge of the field I noticed movement on the far side, I saw a flash of white and realized that a large buck had just emerged and the white was the reflection from his antlers. Knowing how skittish bucks can be this time of year, I quickly shot a few images, figuring this would be the best I could get.
He stood at the edge of the field and then, to my surprise, started heading directly towards me. The breeze was in my favour, blowing from my left o my right and he did not catch my scent. Again, thinking he would soon notice me and bolt, I made a few more photos of him in various poses, including looking straight at me.
As time progressed he continued to walk towards me, seemingly unaware of my presence. I actually got a bit nervous because bucks can be aggressive and unpredictable during rut, or mating season. Eventually he passed within a few meters of where I stood, to the point where he no longer fit into my camera frame!
He still did not seem to notice me and wandered into the forest behind me without a sound or backwards glance. I truly felt amazed at this close encounter. It felt like I belonged there, for that moment, simply part of the environment. this moment will not soon be forgotten.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400
Ed Lehming Photography 
I love such encounters. We’re fortunate to have many in Ashland. We’re a small place, entwined with nature. Once while walking in town, down a residential street, I came across a doe and fawn. The fawn was so tiny, its white spots so vivid, it seemed to have just been born. I stopped and let them do their thing and move to another part of the yard before going on.
Someday it just happens, if you are patience.
Great shot. This summer at our summer house a moose started to wonder into our yard, I did not have a camera on hand and as I moved it turned and ran away. It would have been nice to capture it.
What an amazing experience.
Extraordinary experience – and maybe a reminder that we’re all part of nature.
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