These magnificent snaps capture a stag’s “glowing” silhouette as it is bathed in golden light during a hazy sunrise.
The breathtaking photographs capture the sharp edge of a powerful male red deer and his tremendous antlers, bathed in an autumn morning light.
The sun-kissed and dewy ground appeared to be gilded by the gold hue of the early morning sun displaying the noble nature of the stag as he strolled through Wollaton Park, Notts, last week.
While other photographers at the park tried to combat the unusual light that morning, Steve Adams recognized an opportunity to make use of it.
Steve, 56, a semi-retired builder, said he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to combine his two favorite things: stags and sunrises, into one stunning image.
“It had been quiet throughout the rutting, and all of the deer were beginning to go their separate ways,” said Steve, from Kimberley, Nottinghamshire.
I was standing at the edge of a wooded park, watching this stag as he made his way across it. The light mist began to roll in, and the sun started to rise behind him.
“There were a few other photographers there, and I could see them all scurrying about, attempting to catch the light behind him.”
“But the sunset was such a stunning golden color, and I could see this stag glowing. It really caught my attention.
“I had an image of the stag bathed in a golden glow in my head, so I stayed put and began taking photographs.
“They were exactly how I imagined them; it’s incredible. I consider myself really fortunate. It doesn’t happen too often that everything comes together so nicely.”
“I took a risk thinking all the other photographers were going for the wrong shot, but I’m so glad it worked out.
“There won’t be many occasions in life when a stag is so beautifully illuminated, especially with that golden hue. It was fantastic; it was unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
“I went back inside to check the photographs after, and I was sure I had discovered something no one else would have. That’s when I decided to call it a day.
“This shot combines two of my favorite things to shoot: wildlife, particularly stags, and sunrises. It’s an incredible feeling.”
The brilliant shots were taken by Steve using a Canon 7D MKII and a Canon 100-400mm zoom lens.
Steve’s interest in photography began when he was a youngster, and he got seriously into it five years ago, when digital cameras started to appear.
“I got into photography while at school, but then I let it go for a while. When digital cameras started becoming available about five years ago, I was interested again.”
Now I’m constantly out and about shooting photographs. Otherwise, I’d go insane if I stayed indoors.
“I’m a big animal lover, and I enjoy being in close contact with nature and animals.”
