Red Deer stag

I saw this shot while taking an hour out in London's Richmond Park. I got plenty of other shots of Red Deer stags and hinds, but was drawn to this one because of the quality of the light and the sense it gives of getting a glimpse into the private world of this most majestic beast. I also like the swarm of insects caught in the evening glow and the gentle highlights which reveal the presence of velvet on the still-growing antlers.

Canon 1Ds MkIII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/80th sec, f/4.5, 210mm at ISO 500

Canon 1Ds MkIII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/200th sec, f/5, 210mm at ISO 500