The Deerhunter Photo

Photographer’s Note

When I was younger I was a first class shot - now I'd rather confine my shooting to wielding a camera - this deer was shot in Bradgate Park - once a huge hunting estate on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest and home to the Grey family. Lady Jane Grey was the famous teenage Queen of England for nine days before being de-throned, imprisoned in the Tower of London and then beheaded. A sorry story from British history - her house in Bradgate Park is now little more than a ruin but the park retains its beauty and is now one of the most visited parks in the UK.

Tradition has it that there is always a white hart kept in the park - I once knew a ranger here who worked to ensure there always was. I don't know why - perhaps it's to mark the innocence and memory of the teenage queen.

rigoletto, MarcT, Dpbours, Merline has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gbeli (2026) 2007-12-23 10:22

Hello Kev
Beautiful photo of the small dear in black and white.
Nice POV and atmosphere.
Regards

rigoletto (26812) 2007-12-23 10:29

The Britland has so many beheaded ladies in her history, i guess all of them wandering now in the woods disguised as gentle deers. An unexpected varience in your gallery again Kev, quite shocking to see. Yet i am relived easily from the sudden shock, thanks to the softness of the image. That dark, deep bokeh is so inviting...
Best wishes,
Deniz

MarcT (21103) 2007-12-23 11:47

Hi Kevin,
You made me smile. This was kind of unexpected in your galery but it's a fine picture with a sad story.
Best wishes
Marc

bantonbuju (48796) 2007-12-23 14:09

there is a lot of secrecy in the darkness of this image...the deer - looking with trust into your camera, has it recignized a good man who will not hurt it? i think so!...
merry christmas, kev, to you and to yours...
j.

everlasting (10942) 2007-12-23 23:44

This is an image that any nature lover would like to have in his/her gallery! A peaceful atmosphere absorbs the image as the young deer stands bold enough to stare into the lens, I am sure I would have captured the tail running through the wood. this says soemthign about the calmest of the photographer.
Happy Christmas Kev to you and your family!!

Dpbours (220) 2007-12-25 9:07

Hi Kev,

Wonderfully sweet note about the teenage queen. Funny, the story about a teenage queen, de-throned, in the Tower and beheaded later on reminded me about Idols. :-) Not that I'm watching it, but just the idea of so many people hoping to be a teenage queen for some days, just up to the moment of being de-throned and beheaded in the media...
Very nice shot. Combines nicely with your note. Thanks for sharing!!

Greetings, Dennis

Merline (6578) 2008-02-04 7:14

Hi Kev,
I am glad you have switched to a less bloody shooting activity, I have to admit I abhorr it...
The title attracted me as I am a fan of the film. The image ravishes me as I adore nature and wild life. It is just so beautiful. Great choice of b/w, not everybody would have done that. I love the darkness of it, yet plenty of details and the delicate deer in all its innocence. I add it in my favs theme.

TFS
Best regards
Michèle