Mr-Majestic (Click for Larger view)

Great shot Alf. Our buck has a dominate pose, set against a scenic backdrop, cool shot 

This is one of the wild Red Deer that I managed to photograph when

in Scotland last week. I was very fortunate as this time they didn't

bolt and I managed to get quite a few shots, including a few

silhouettes which I will post soon Your thoughts and comments are

always appreciated. Thank You!

What a supreme shot!  The aloof body stance and expression in the eyes of the  'King of the Glen' says it all.  He is totally unperturbed by your presence.  If he could speak, I can imagine him saying, "And??"

You've caught it all! - The surrounding scenery and clouds are perfectly representative of his Highland domain at this time of year and this photograph is technically first class in my book. It's a joy to look at. 

Alf,

  Wow...stunning image with amazing composition, details & colors.  It doesn't get any better that this.  Take care, Patsy

Alf,  Yes, Mr. Majestic is an apt title.  I hope your camera was your only shooting implement on this outing.  The shallow DOF, quite a change for you as most of your images feature terrific wide angles with infinite DOF.  The deer really dominates this image.  Wonderful, Alf.  The best to you and yours for the holidays.   Larry

Excellent shot and perfect title.  Aloof, regal and quite unperturbed by your presence.  The DOF works great and the fine detail in the foreground and on the deer is spot on.  Good stuff... Mike 

Wow! Beautiful!

'Wonderful, Alf. 'Couldn't have posed him better. Your color treatment is also wonderful - real looking rather than over baked. 'One to be quite proud of.

'Sans' really critiques this shot well. What a magnificent creature - the expression so 'proud' and certainly appears Majestic. Beautiful background Alf.  This capture is truly impressive - perhaps one for a 'contest' ?

Alf,

Simply put this is an excellent wildlife image! Composition, quality of light, background.. I can not think of anything that could be improved here..

Very majestic, nice composition and light, well done.

Luck favors the prepared. It's an old saw but one that in my view holds a lot of water. You never knows what opportunities the world will present you (photo opportunities in this case though not limited to that) but if you are open to them, they will most definitely come. That's a lesson I've learned through personal experience and one that I'd guess you're in agreement with.

There is awe in this capture:  both the animal and surrounding nature.  The focus on this deer shows narrowed eyes.  Are they sleepy? Do they show emotion like the downturned mouth?   And his body showcases dings of contact with his world.  His expression seems sad.  His antlers, majestic.  If his head were turned away, he would become part of the backdrop beauty.  But I like this.

A magnificent animal Alf - but what makes the shot for me is the setting with the sunlit hills.

A gorgeous photo - well done.

 

David

 

He's beautiful!

Many Thanks! No matter which direction you look in, this location has amazing scenery. I was very fortunate to get this close though!

 

Alf

 

SANS

 

You are quite right, he didn't appear to be in the slightest bit concerned. I have been to this same location on a few previous ocassions and can't get within 200 yards of these creatures. There were 2 other stags present within a few yards of this one and I think it might have been a case of not losing face in front of the others :)

Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words I'm so pleased you enjoyed viewing the image!

 

Alf

 

PATSY

 

Thank you so much! I have to agree I was in my element when taking these shots!

 

Alf

 

LARRY

 

He does look rather regal doesn't he :)

 

The only shooting I do is with a camera, I was an exceptional shot with a rifle in the armed forces, but I could no more shoot a live animal than shoot myself. I even let the fish I caught back into the water to see them swim away :) 

Thank you so much for your interest and kind words Larry!

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you and your loved ones!

 

Alf

 

 

MIKE

 

Sounds like you are describing my wife, well the aloof bit anyway :)

 

The lens is a great addition to my arsenal, works very well with hand held and VR on.

Sincere Thanks!

 

Alf

 

STEVE

 

Many Thanks Steve!

 

Alf

 

DOUG

 

Thank you so much!

The surroundings were bathed in a nice winter light, so I didn't need to change very much at all in PP.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

GAIL

 

Sincere Thanks!

Maybe one for a contest, but I find that wildlife contests have such high quality images that I'm usually in awe of them and just look and sigh :)

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

JUHA

 

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words!  The right place at the right time, and this time with the right equipment too!

Alf

 

GEORGE

 

Thank you so much for your positive feedback!

 

Alf

 

JACK

 

You are right of course, or put another way.........."The more I practice, the luckier I get"  These words from a photographer accused of being very "lucky" :)

Sincere Thanks!

 

Alf

 

DONNA

 

You are most observant, I'm not sure if the deer were sleepy, but in one of the shot I took his eyes were actually closed altogether, so it's at least a possibility!

I think all animals show emotion, but I'm not sure that humans are able to understand it all. Maybe he just had a hard day...we all have them from time to time!

Glad you like it Donna!

 

Alf

 

DAVID

 

I love the backdrop too, and the way the out of focus trees kind of partly frame the antlers, I had to wiggle into position to get that :)

 

Many Thanks David!

 

Alf

 

JAMES

 

Thank you for your interest and positive feedback!

 

Alf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, my.  The distant pastel and filigree trees are perfect backdrop to this incredibly resolved and resolute portrait.  Amazing work, Alf.

Thank you so much!

 The backdrop was one of the things that really pleased me about this shot, and that I managed to move into a position where his antlers were kind of framed by the gap in the trees.

Best Regards

 

Alf

A real show!

Fine shot. The antlers are placed in a treeless area and I like that.

Thank you for your interest and kind words!

 

Alf

 

TONY H

 

Many Thanks!

 

I managed to very slowly manoeuvre myself into a position where the antlers occupied a gap in the trees. Glad you noticed :)

 

Cheers Tony

 

Alf

Hi Alf, Perfect title, you have captured the majestic essence - not any easy thing to do with wildlife! Excellent positioning of the hills/mountains in the background and what an opportune moment to get the light, stag and mountains all lined up in the perfect position. Hats off to you!

Merry Christmas.

Best wishes. Sarah.

Thank you so much for your continued support and kind words!   I felt privileged to be in such close proximity to this beautiful wild creature!

Merry Christmas Sarah and a Happy New year

 

Alf