Larry Treadwell  


Rim Light on Velvet by Larry Treadwell

November 2024 - Rim Light on Velvet

About the Image(s)

Deer with Rim Light
Nikon D850, Nikkor 200-400 f4 lens, ISO 500, f4, 1/1250. Handheld while laying in thick brush.

I have lots of photo of deer but I’m always looking for an image that will be just a bit different. Having been to this particular area many times I know that groups of buck often come out of the forest to graze in the evening before heading back into the forest to shelter for the night. Having watched them the night prior I knew that as the sun set they would travel up the hillside and in so doing would travel through an area where the light would be somewhat behind them and would therefore illuminate the velvet on their antlers. I arrived early, while they were still below my intended position and crept into the thick brush without ever entering the meadow or the route they would likely travel. I laid down in the brush, using a black garbage bag to keep me dry after a rain shower soaked the ground. Knowing the sun light would be coming from the left at an angle that would likely strike the glass of my lens I made certain my lens shade was firmly attached. The setting sun, sinking behind the trees that were my background meant the travel route of the deer would be mostly in shadow. If I metered the scene my camera would suggest a much slower shutter speed so that the shadowed area not be dark. This would not allow the rim light to be vivid. I therefore spot metered a small area where the sunlight struck a grassy patch. I was metering just for the sunlight, nothing else. Therefore as the buck bounded through the brush heading up hill I had only to wait for them to pass through the area where the sunlight illuminated the velvet of their antlers and then take the shot. There were 5 bucks in the meadow. The first to pass my position was too close to the far trees and remained completely in shadow. The second passed by as planned but kept his head too low for a good shot. Bucks three and four came by together and while they were rim lit they were too close together for a good composition. The final buck suddenly realized he was alone in the meadow and quickly bounded up the hillside. He perfectly passed through the patch of sunlight that not only lit up his velvet, but the yellow flowers also caught the low angle light. Planning and patience have their own rewards.

In post I slightly darken shadows (the trees) and used a mask to select the body and very slightly opened the shadows on the body of the buck.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted




Michael Weatherford   Michael Weatherford
I love shots like this. What makes this image special to me is that he's going uphill - not just standing flat and looking at you (boring!). The flowers are wonderful and all backlit.   Posted: 11/12/2024 14:38:57
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks Michael. I agree the up hill makes this more interesting. When I am out shooting I look for something different. I wanted some action but those flowers were a special touch.

Thanks for commenting.   Posted: 11/12/2024 15:49:30



Bud Ralston   Bud Ralston
Hi Larry, there are many things to like about this photo. I love the backlighting on the buck. I love the colors highlighted in the wildflowers. I like the diagonal of the uphill shot. Knowing the noise of the D850 shutter, I think you would really enjoy the silent shooting of a Z9. ;-)   Posted: 11/20/2024 16:35:59
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks for the comment. As to the noise---I do not even notice it. Too busy thinking about the shot. :-)   Posted: 11/21/2024 01:45:45



Susan Cifaldi   Susan Cifaldi
If it's a dramatic photo, it's got to be Larry's :-) Everything about it is just perfect.

I want to be you when I grow up :-)

  Posted: 11/20/2024 16:55:24
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks. Think of it as an example. You could do this with birds.   Posted: 11/21/2024 01:47:25



David Kepley   David Kepley
Larry,
As always, your descriptions of how to capture an image are at least as good as the image itself! Thanks for you stalking advice!! Love the shot! The buck headed up hill makes for a great composition. Love the rim light. About all I might suggest is opening up the shadows on the buck's body a bit more.   Posted: 11/21/2024 22:39:21
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks David
The point of rim lighting is to light the rim and not the entire subject, It is a maker's choice to keep most of the buck in shadow. I allowed for some detail to show, but kept most in shadow for the sake of drama.   Posted: 11/28/2024 01:13:36



Cindy Marple   Cindy Marple
I am more and more drawn to different types of images, I love the backlight in this. All the elements really came together for you. Thank you for the detail description of the preparations!   Posted: 11/28/2024 01:07:17
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
My pleasure. I really agree with your comment. I have been shooting for so long (that's because I'm old) that I have lots of deer images. Not I find myself trying to do something different. It is a challenge for sure and sometimes it just dopes not work. But that is OK>   Posted: 11/28/2024 01:16:16