Thursday, 12th February 2009
Wary Arctic Fox
by Stephen Oachs
This enchanting arctic fox (alopex lagopus) is well-suited for frigid weather, from its short muzzle and ears, to its furry soled paws and thick, bushy tail. It uses its tail to snuggle under, to guard against arctic winds, and its beautiful fur adapts to the seasons acting as superb camouflage.
This photograph beautifully illustrates the camouflage effect of the winter white fur in the snow. The stance shows the fox is poised to dart away, yet his curiosity holds him in frame for a perfect moment, just long enough to capture those vibrant, piercing eyes staring warily into the camera lens (or at the photographer), making for a dramatic, unforgettable photographic capture.
Equipment: Canon 1D Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first SLR camera. Ever since, his lenses have focused on the inspiring majesty of mother earth and the unflinching beauty of the animal kingdom.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic Magazine for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard.
Stephen has received many other awards and his work has graced the pages of on and offline publications worldwide, such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.lighttheexpedition.com
Wary Arctic Fox by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Thursday, 12th February 2009. It is tagged Foxes, Snow. You can leave a comment below.
26 Comments
Pam Wood
Oh Goody,
I get to be the first to congratulate you on your
absolutely stunning image of this amazing Artic Fox.
Again, another phenomenal image from a first rate photographer. I personally believe its the direct eye contact with you that makes this image so unforgettable.
ziggy
I agree with Pam, superb job of capturing the scene and the foxe’s expressive eyes. Congrats Stephen on showing us that all earth’s creatures are vessels for heaven’s souls.
James and Kelly Stone
Wow, wow, wow and wow. I ditto both responses so far. Amazing image and perfectly captured!! Look forward to seeing this one live, hanging in your booth at one of the festivals we’ll be meeting up at! Congratulations Stephen.
Anurag
Really a formidable shot in all respects.
Su
Congrats on another wonderful shot, what a gorgeous creature.
Srikar Boddu
What a Great Capture!!!!!! …..WOW… perfect capture!!!!! Congrats
Malta Photography
As ever Stephen your shots rock. although there is a lot of white it adds to the atmosphere of the fox, it gives it more attention. very nice shot indeed.
Mimsha
How cute this animal is ! I love the way its back legs walk
I agree with everyone, this shot is wonderful !
Bart van den Bos
Verry nice
Regina Williams - EM Photography
This is truly a magnificent capture!
Jacob
Wonderful eyes..great shot all around.
Chamika
Wow! What a great shot! You have done it again Stephen.
Ellie
This should be in a magazine or published book!
One of the best if not the best on this site, ever!
Renee
Wow is right! Excellent photo Stephen! Looks like it is just smiling away posing for its wonderful shot you have captured!
Katherine Lee Strassburg
You’ve definitely captured the spirit of the animal in this shot. It’s a perfect balance of serenity and tension–we know he could be gone before we blink! I truly envy your ability to travel the world and come home with photos like this. (Not the money, but the physical strength to walk, carry equipment, and ignore extremes of time, heat, cold, rain, wind……….what a guy!)
Marie Dunphy Harding
He looks ready to take off, but not before giving us the honor of his presence!
Thank you Stephen for sharing that moment.
Stephen Oachs
Thank you everyone. This is one of my newest images so I’m very pleased to hear it’s well received. Personally, I’m very fond of it for all the same reasons everyone conveyed they enjoyed it.
And to Katherine Lee, thank you for recognizing the effort. Most people don’t understand how much time, patience, shivering, sweating, cramping, starving (ok, I don’t starve, haha) planning and waiting goes into this type of work.
Again, thank you!
António Vaz
Is a half Fox , half Dog…!?
James Kyle
Very good photograph – Exposure and Composition right on track
)
Pauline Jones
Phenomenal, this is a beautiful picture; as an artist I would love to paint it.
Mandy Kilpatrick
What a gorgeous photo! I am sorry I didn’t see it yesterday. It is just breathtakingly beautiful. Looking at your photos always makes my soul smile! Thanks for happiness – again!!
Congratulations on your POTD!!
Sue Gagnon
Another stunning photograph. Well-deserving of POTD!
Thank you.
Sue Gagnon
Stephen, you are an amazing photographer. our website is stunning, and I love the animals you have captured. This Arctic Fox is fabulous!
k libby
You can see he is ready dart away with that back leg getting into position. He is so beautiful – congrats for capturing him so perfectly!
mike
He is a cute one.
su
This is a fantastic shot and his wariness of you is shown in his eyes.