Imagine seeing the world outside your den for the first time.
This little Arctic Fox was only about three or four weeks old when we spent time with it during my photography workshop on Saint Paul Island in Alaska's remote Pribilof Islands.
Arctic Fox pups begin emerging from their dens at about three weeks old, so this youngster was at that wonderful stage when the world outside the den was still very new.
Everything seemed worthy of attention.
So were we.
We were on Saint Paul Island primarily for its extraordinary birds — Tufted and Horned Puffins, auklets, murres, kittiwakes and Red-faced Cormorants — but we're always watching for opportunities with the island's Arctic Foxes.
When this little one appeared, there was no need to rush. We had time to watch, photograph and occasionally put the cameras down and simply enjoy the experience.
At only three or four weeks old and just beginning to discover the world outside its den, it was pretty special to spend that time with it.
Light, Eye Level and a Simple Background
There is a lot I like about this photograph.
I particularly like the rim light outlining the ears and fur. The dark volcanic rock and sand of Saint Paul Island made a naturally simple, clean background, and that thin rim of light was all I needed to separate the little fox from it.
Getting low was equally important.
Getting down to — or even below — your subject's eye level can make a wildlife portrait feel much more intimate. Instead of looking down at this tiny fox, we're right there in its world, looking across at it.
But it's the expression that makes the photograph for me.
There's such curiosity in those eyes — particularly appropriate for an animal just beginning to discover the world outside its den.
Composition With a Purpose
I chose to keep the composition relatively tight.
I could have made the fox smaller in the frame and left more room in the direction it was looking, but I think that would have sacrificed some of the visual impact — particularly when the photograph is viewed on a website or small screen.
There's enough room for the fox's gaze without the composition feeling cramped, and keeping the youngster large in the frame puts the emphasis exactly where I want it:
Those eyes, those enormous ears and that wonderful expression.
Composition isn't about blindly following rules. Think about what attracted you to the scene, what you want the viewer to see and how the finished photograph will be viewed.
Then compose accordingly.
We go to Saint Paul Island for the birds, but we're always keeping an eye out for Arctic Foxes.
This little one was only three or four weeks old and just starting to explore the world outside its den. We had plenty of time to photograph it, watch what it was doing and simply enjoy the experience.
Pretty special stuff. Smile.
Photograph Saint Paul Island With Me
My Saint Paul Island Photography Workshop puts us in the field for an extraordinary week among the birds and wildlife of Alaska's remote Pribilof Islands.
The birds are the main attraction, but we're always watching for whatever photographic opportunities Saint Paul gives us.