Was driving through Arsenal, late evening, very overcast. Dark enough that we’re looking at f/2.8 at 8000 iso. I catch mama and bebe to my right through the passenger window. I turn around to get them on the good side. Mama knows what’s up; some looky-loo with a big lens wanting to make some pictures. Baby? She’s still new to this. She’s interested and excited, but also unsure. She’s nudging mom to run, jumping up on top of mom, darting in front of her to ask what’s up. But then, in this moment, right between these trees, she pauses to look at me. To see if I really do mean no harm.
Deer don’t look with their eyes. They might see you with them, but if they’re properly interested, it’s those two big radar dishes on their head that show it. In this moment, with these two big trees between her and me, she *looked* at me. It’s not one of the best pictures I ever made, but I sure as hell do love this moment.
The Zootographer 