Tuesday, 25th August 2009
Rocky
by Stephen Oachs
This young North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) is peeking out at the intruder holding the camera, completely oblivious to the temperatures of Montana in January. Considering his very dense undercoat, he doesn't care how cold it is, however, being nocturnal by nature, he probably isn't too happy to have his slumber disturbed. Fortunately, at the moment this photograph was captured, he was bright-eyed, very curious, and making direct eye contact.
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: Website
Rocky by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Tuesday, 25th August 2009. It is tagged Alaska, Wildlife. You can leave a comment below.
25 Comments
Katherine Lee Strassburg
What a beautiful portrait of such a common creature.
I love the glint in his eyes–raccoons are known for their mischievousness! A perfect shot of a critter in his own element……….which you do oh, so well.
Leslie Parsley
So sweet with that little paw resting on the edge and those curious little eyes staring out. I could walk thru the Rockies for a year and never see anything like this. Everything about this shot is perfect.
Marie Dunphy Harding
Ohhh, sweet baby !
Su
Fantastic, everytime I look at your site I have hoped this was going to be a POTD, I just love him. The texture of the log, the pine needles and snow are great but Rocky is beautiful
Herman
So cute!!!
Malta Photography
As ever stephen your shots have always that element of surprise. Great clear shots.
Mara
What a sweet little guy! Not so common here in Europe, this shot is very appreciated!
Pauline Jones
Absolutely lovely; this would make a great painting.
Catrin Hinrichs
Hello again – it’s summer time !
Hanna
So sweet! I loved him “at first sight”…
Congrats on your POTD, Stephen. You did it once again!
Rajib Singha
Its so cute Stephen. Nice shot!
Marjorie Wallce
Great Capture! Just perfect coming out of the log.
Nicole
ADORABLE
Renee
Very cute!
nikhil kumar
I..havent..seen..a..cuter..pic..in..my..whole..life!!!
I am just a student and still learning the art of photography along with my studies.Such shots just make you run for photography and leave everything else …Thank you for sharing sir
MG
huge fan of your work stephen, another great shot!
sue gagnon
Stephen, you never cease to amaze me with your photographs, capturing candid, lovely shots of life in action. Excellent, as always! What a face this critter has!
mike
He is nice.
Carlo
Yes out of a childs dream So Hobbit like
Glynn
Fabulous image. We don’t have racoons in Aus. but I think here you captured their “rebel” nature preferctly – the eyes say he is plotting the next adventure (or trouble).
Laurie
How cute! It definitely put a smile on my face!
Very well done!
João Ganhão
Outstanding! A perfect shot! Congratulations!!!
Cory Marder
What a fabulous wildlife photograph. I love everything about it! Great shot.
Renee
I like this shot, precious!
Deborah Flowers
Absolutely precious and adorable! Not a common sight for me!
Excellent subject, exposure, focus and composition!