On the trail of the fox
On the trail of the fox
A couple of years ago, Harri Maanoja would don a camouflage suit when heading out to photograph foxes. Back then, he didn’t have a hide, so in addition to tracking skills, good camouflage was essential. Like many other forms of nature photography, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Maanoja would choose a suitable spot, then lie on the ground—sometimes dry, sometimes not, depending on the conditions. The same unpredictability applied to the wildlife—sometimes the foxes would appear, sometimes they wouldn’t. However, when the foxes came close enough to play near the camera, the experience was so rewarding that Maanoja found himself returning to the forest time and again.
Soon, Maanoja’s photos started gaining attention, and nature photographers wanted to join him in photographing foxes. However, the conditions posed some challenges. Lying on the ground for hours isn’t for everyone. Additionally, this style of photography requires caution and silence to ensure the foxes feel safe enough to approach. To address these challenges, Maanoja decided to expand his setup with a hide, where photographers can more comfortably wait and shoot – or even stay overnight while waiting for the best light. The hide also offers protection, allowing for capturing those stunning shots, no matter what falls from the sky. The hide is placed on the edge of a forest and field, where, in addition to foxes, you can also spot hawks, ravens, and deer.
Tips for Fox Photography
If someone wants to photograph foxes in their local woods, Maanoja advises learning the basics of tracking – what fox tracks look like and where to find them. If you spot a fox, it’s worth returning to the same place at the same time.
“Foxes are loyal to their territories and tend to use the same routes at the same times,” Maanoja explains. “However, the size of their territory can vary from a few hectares for city foxes to hundreds of hectares for those living outside urban areas – depending on food availability.”
Maanoja’s camera choice is Sony. He uses the A1 and A6700 bodies along with a selection of lenses, including a 70-200mm (f/2.8) and a 200-600mm (f/5.6-6.3). For remote photography, a 30mm (f/1.8) lens works best. Maanoja’s tips for remote photography, such as photographing badgers, will be shared later! In addition to the hide, Maanoja uses several photography tents and trail cameras, making it easier to track animal movements. Camouflage suits are still necessary as well.
We are proud to present Maanoja’s Fox-collection. More stunning images can be found on his Instagram. Contact Harri Maanoja to ask more!
