Thank you very much for your input, Marv.
I really appreciate feedback from intelligent forum users. It’s especially great to know that not every reader of my previous post has misinterpreted my recommendation to use dog food as a means of encouraging the cub (s) to travel a short distance away from the Den’s entrance and where I would have remained at a safe and tolerable shooting distance away from it.
Clearly you picked up on the fact that photographing something as large as a fox cub at full 600mm focal length means we can stay at least 15 meters away from it and still have the subject fill the frame. Anyone who even remotely interprets that as an implication that any animal can be ‘hand-fed’ from 15 meters away must have exceptionally long arms. Ultimately I would never encourage anyone to hand feed any truly wild creature or to remotely habituate it to become tolerant of humans. After all, arguably, we’re by far the most destructive creatures on the planet. So why would I encourage any feral creature to drop its natural instinctive guard against us? I just wouldn’t!
In further defence against any would-be critics, I could have sworn I’d included a PS clarifying that the idea should only be used on a temporary basis and only until more satisfactory images than the OP had posted had been obtained during three or four visits maximum. At the time of posting, I seem to recall making a small edit, so maybe I deleted the rider in error. Either way, it’s gone now.
Ultimately, though, no other wildlife photographer could possibly hold more respect for any of their subjects than I do, and I hate to think I could possibly have led some idiot to abuse the situation simply because they put their need for a nice photo before the welfare of any animal, be it a fox or any other. I sometimes forget just how many fools are lurking on the internet and it truly pains me to think at least one may have passed through here. Hopefully this will clarify things for those who aren’t quite as astute as you, Marv. And of course you’re right to outline that so many of those who preach how wrong it is to feed wild foxes or other animals constantly supply food to birds and various rodents in their garden. Very well said on that note.
As for your view that I deserve thanks for my efforts to educate, I don’t really see it that way. When I post, I do so in hope that far more than the person I’m addressing will read my contributions and that is enough for me to continue occasionally visiting here. I’m especially pleased that you popped by and then saw fit to respond in the absence of any reply from the opening poster. Clearly he has nothing to add at this time and that’s fine. But responses like yours remind me of when I used to teach photography a number of years ago in a college environment. The reward comes purely from the contribution but responses such as yours are always a welcome bonus, so thanks again so much for creating the opportunity for me to clarify the intentions laid down in my earlier post.
Thank you also for the compliment in regards to the images I included above. And whilst I’m inclined to agree that the right hands are capable of bringing out the better results from any camera, the right tool for the job always comes in handy. Plus of course, the right tool for job so often turns out to be virtually any camera we’re holding at the most appropriate moment.
I’m glad to learn that you also own the FZ330 and I hope it serves you at least half as well as mine appears to work for me. I truly love this camera!
In closing, I’ve no problem at all with your sending me questions relating to the FZ330 via PM, but please be aware that my time is limited and my visits here are spasmodic. Hence it could be days or weeks before I respond, assuming I can be of any help at all. In between time you could always post your questions here, but I respect that you’ve already said you’re not keen on forum participation. Perfectly understandable especially with so many critics around, who of course can always be ignored in the way I normally ignore ‘em. ;-)
Much obliged for your time and input. I’ll look out for your PM when I’m next on line, maybe in a week or two.
‘til then, kind regards and happy shooting to ya.
Cheers for now…
