Photographing the enigmatic Red Fox in the wild

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the world's most iconic and adaptable mammals, often captivating nature enthusiasts and photographers with its striking appearance and elusive nature. Whether spotted trotting through a meadow at dawn or standing alert in a forest clearing, observing and photographing a red fox can be a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into the life of this resourceful creature. This article provides some things I’ve learned over the years through my pursuit of finding and photographing red foxes. The intent is to give some insight into how you can increase your chances of spotting one and capturing it in an unforgettable photograph.

The best way to do this is to break it down into the following subjects:

1. Understanding behavior and finding the right location

2. Patience and Stealth

3. Photographing the red fox

4. Respect for wildlife – Ethics

5. Final thoughts 

Understanding Red Fox Behavior and finding the right location

Red foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. These are the prime times to observe them hunting for food or patrolling their territory. Red foxes are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments from rural fields to urban parks. Their diet is equally varied, ranging from small mammals and birds to fruits and insects, making them opportunistic feeders.

Foxes are known for their keen sense of hearing, which allows them to detect even the faintest rustle of a mouse beneath the snow. They are solitary hunters, so you're more likely to see a single fox rather than a group.

When seeking to observe a red fox, it’s crucial to visit the right habitats. Open fields, meadows bordering forests, and even rural farmlands are great places to start. Red foxes prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover but are often seen venturing out into the open in search of food. In more suburban areas, they are sometimes spotted near edges of woodlots or even in backyards. Scouting areas early and knowing the lay of the land will increase your chances of an encounter. During colder months, foxes are often more visible due to the lack of foliage and their need to hunt more frequently to sustain themselves. Look for signs such as tracks or scat, which can point to active areas.

The images below are shown as examples of sightings - on alert just outside a wood line at dusk, moving along a fence line at dusk, and in the woods with very little foliage. The bottom two I am quite sure they heard and saw me way before I saw them! In all of these examples, I made mental notes of the place and time for future reference.

Patience and Stealth

Foxes are naturally cautious animals, often fleeing at the first sign of a human presence. To increase your chances of a successful encounter, patience and stealth are key. Move slowly, keep noise to a minimum, and if possible, position yourself downwind to prevent your scent from alerting them.

Camouflage clothing and blending into your environment can also help. I usually wear a camouflage shirt and some kind of work pant. Once I get in a good position to photograph, I generally lay down to get a ground level perspective. If you spot a fox from a distance, observe their behavior quietly without approaching too quickly. Foxes often exhibit a mix of curiosity and caution, and if you're lucky, one might investigate your presence, offering a perfect photo opportunity. The series of images below shows an example of that. I was laying down on my stomach with a telephoto lens (Nikon 200-500mm) which allowed me to observe quietly and calmly from a distance. The red fox kept its distance for a bit and I just laid there very still. Just enjoying being in its presence.

Eventually, it got curious and made it’s way closer to me. I remained still and the red fox got to a point and stopped. I will admit that as it was getting close, when it put its head down (bottom left photo) it can be a bit unnerving. To many, it looks like an aggressive posture. But I’ve learned over time that most, if not all, will lower their head at some point as they are walking. Sniffing the ground, getting a different sight angle. Also, note the ears are facing forward. Using all it’s senses as it makes its way closer. Once the red fox got closer, it gave a few sniffs my way and then sat down. It’s at that point I grabbed a few quick portraits. One of which is displayed here. It’s these types of encounters that really make all the prep work, all the time in the field coming back with nothing, so worth it. Yes, I got a great portrait but the experience is just as or more rewarding to me.

Red fox portrait captured after it became curious and eventually comfortable with my presence. 

The Art of Photographing a Fox

Photographing a red fox requires preparation, particularly if you want to capture its elusive and majestic essence. A telephoto lens at least 200mm is essential to get clear, sharp images without disturbing the animal. I would venture to say a 300mm lens is probably the shortest focal length for all practical purposes. The images in this post were all captured with a Nikon 200-500mm lens on a Nikon D500 camera. Patience is key — wait for the right moment when the fox is engaged in natural behavior, such as hunting or exploring its surroundings.

Natural light during early morning or late afternoon provides the best conditions for fox photography. The light during this time creates soft, warm tones that enhance the fox’s reddish fur. Keep an eye on the fox's body language — their ears, eyes, and tail often tell a story. Try to capture these subtle movements to convey emotion and the fox’s alert, intelligent nature.

Another important tip is to use a fast shutter speed to avoid motion blur, especially if the fox is on the move. Settings around 1/1000 to 1/2000 of a second should work well, depending on the light. Adjusting your aperture to create a shallow depth of field can help blur the background, making the fox stand out. One downfall here is the likely need to use a high ISO which of course creates a noisier image. Many of today’s cameras handle high ISO way better than cameras from even a few years ago. As well, software has improved so much over the past few years that greatly assist with removing or at least minimizing noise.

Red fox photographed at the edge of a forest. 

The Ethical Approach

While the goal is to photograph a red fox, as with all wildlife photography, always prioritize the animal's well-being. Never bait or attempt to lure a fox closer, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and even endanger their safety. Respect their space and habitat and be content observing them from a distance if the opportunity to photograph doesn't arise. I can’t stress this last point enough. Enjoy the moment. I always feel so fortunate to just see a fox in the wild. Getting photographs is truly the proverbial “icing on the cake.”

By staying patient, respectful, and prepared, you not only increase your chances of capturing an amazing image but also ensure that the fox can continue to thrive in its environment undisturbed.

There has been plenty of information published on this subject. I encourage everyone who is either already actively involved in photographing wildlife or just beginning the journey to read up on ethical field practices. Here are a couple of links to help get you started:

1. From the North American Nature Photography Association - Ethical Field Practices

2. Melissa Groo, a professional wildlife conservation photographer and writer. One of my favorite wildlife photographers who actively speaks and writes on the subject of photographing wildlife ethically. Here is an article she originally wrote for National Geographic Magazine - How To Photograph Wildlife Ethically

I laid in the grass for quite a while just taking it all in. The fox eventually laid down and took a sleepy rest seemingly recognizing I wasn't a threat. I like to think the fox enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed its company. 

Final Thoughts

Observing and photographing a red fox is more than just a photographic pursuit; it's a chance to connect with the wild. Watching how a fox moves through its world, alert and yet at ease, reminds us of the hidden stories in nature happening all around us. All of the images posted in this article were captured in my local area. You don’t need to travel far for wildlife photography. I encourage you to grab your camera, head into the wild, and let the red fox lead you on an adventure that’s as much about presence and observation as it is about capturing the perfect shot.