Out of all deer photos I have photographed this one is very special to me, the very first deer I photographed at Dunham Massey. I was about 15 feet away just sat in front of him, I had slowly crept up on him using very slow movements and watching him all the time, if he twitched his body I stopped. Usually most bucks when resting will let you get within 15-20 feet of them without causing them distress as long as you are very slow and take small steps, although I don't recommend it when rutting season starts.

Once I was in position I slowly sat down, I had actually forgot why I was there, did not take any photos straight away, a bit hard to describe I had never been this close to a buck before except in zoos. I just sat there for about half an hour, most of the time we just looked at each other, neither moving, he was chewing the cud and calmly just lay there. As time went on he would make the odd noise or gesture, as I took photos I moved very slowly, did not want him to move or get up. As you look at this shot It was almost as if he was trying to talk to me, maybe he was, anyway I think I captured the moment.

Fallow Deer Buck (Dama dama) at Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Fallow Deer Buck (Dama dama) at Dunham Massey, Altrincham