Yes, there are colour images in this blog. The sunrise / sunset are some of the rare times I embrace colour.
Few experiences compare to watching the world wake up under a rising sun, and for photographers, sunrise is a magical time to capture the natural world at its most serene. Dagnam Park near Romford in Essex offers a unique opportunity to photograph one of Britain’s most elegant and elusive creatures, the fallow deer, in a setting that is tranquil, atmospheric, and often bathed in a soft golden light during early autumn mornings. Here, we'll explore what makes photographing fallow deer so special and how to make the most of a sunrise shoot at this picturesque park.
The first hour of sunrise is known as the "golden hour," when the sunlight is soft, diffused, and warm, creating perfect conditions for nature photography. In Dagnam Park, the landscape is awash in amber hues during this time, providing an ideal background for wildlife photography. Arriving about 30 minutes before sunrise allows you to set up quietly and catch the very first light as it filters through the trees, illuminating the deer and the surrounding fields with a gentle glow.
On this occasion I actually left my house at 5.30am to arrive at 6.30am for a 6.45am sunrise. Alas, the clocks had gone back and I arrived at the same time I left the house, so had over an hour of darkness which was actually immensely wonderful. But I don’t recommend.
Tip: Check the sunrise time the day before, and be prepared to walk to a suitable vantage point in semi-darkness. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, but keep it dimmed to avoid startling the deer.
For photographing fallow deer, having the right equipment makes a significant difference. Consider the following essentials:
Telephoto Lens (200-400mm): Deer are naturally cautious, so a telephoto lens will help you maintain distance without disturbing them while capturing close-up details.
Tripod: With lower light at sunrise, a stable tripod is key for sharp images, especially if you’re aiming for slower shutter speeds. Personally, I take a monopod as I find it easier to walk with.
Wide-Angle Lens (optional): If you're interested in landscape shots with the deer in the foreground, a wide-angle lens can add depth and context to your photos.
Remote Shutter Release: To avoid camera shake, especially in low-light conditions, a remote shutter release is helpful for achieving crisp shots.
Tip: For those using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider shooting in manual or aperture-priority mode to control depth of field and allow more light.
Dagnam Park has several open areas where fallow deer are known to roam, particularly at dawn. Quietly scan the fields and edges of the woodland areas, where they are more likely to appear, often grazing or moving slowly in groups.
Best Practices:
Move quietly and avoid sudden movements.
Always stay downwind, as deer have a keen sense of smell.
Respect the deer's space; if they seem startled, you may be too close.
Wear neutral colors to blend into the environment.
Composing a memorable wildlife shot often means more than simply centering the subject. Here are some composition ideas for photographing fallow deer:
Use the Light: Backlit shots work beautifully at sunrise. Position yourself so that the deer is between you and the rising sun, creating a rim light around their silhouettes, especially if the deer have large antlers.
Rule of Thirds: Position the deer slightly off-center to create a more balanced and natural-looking photo.
Include the Environment: Dagenham Park’s woodland and grassy expanses make beautiful backdrops. Capturing the deer within the broader setting adds depth and context to your image.
Focus on Details: A close-up of the deer’s face, or even just the antlers against the light, can make for a striking shot. Watch for moments when they pause, perhaps with a side glance or while grazing, as these intimate moments can be very expressive.
At sunrise, light levels change quickly. Using the correct exposure settings helps maintain the natural tones and details in both the deer and the landscape:
ISO: Start with a low ISO (100-400) to reduce noise but be prepared to increase it slightly as the light fades before the full sunrise.
Aperture: A medium to wide aperture (f/4 to f/5.6) allows for a soft background while keeping the deer in sharp focus.
Shutter Speed: Deer can move suddenly, so a shutter speed of at least 1/200s or faster is advisable to avoid motion blur.
Tip: If you’re dealing with a very low-light situation, increase ISO instead of reducing shutter speed to avoid motion blur, especially if the deer are moving.
There are times I embrace black and white, this is one of them.
Wildlife photography is as much about patience as it is about skill. Fallow deer are wary creatures, and approaching them requires calmness and respect. By waiting quietly and observing their natural behavior, you’ll not only increase your chances of capturing compelling shots, but you’ll also find the experience deeply rewarding. Let the deer’s behavior guide your photography; some of the best moments happen when you’re simply watching and waiting for them to interact with each other or react to the environment.
