The HiddenI cannot imagine anything other than providence that allowed me to spot this regal eight-point buck hidden in the tall grass. Having left the house at 5:30am, I was returning from shooting the Christmas Day sunrise. In a passive driver's daze ceded by early hour and the empty road ahead of me, my thoughts focused on crawling back into bed for a couple of hours before starting the day's festivities when out of the corner of my eye, a random change in reflection brought me to full awareness. Slowing down, I expected to see a Harrier deftly gliding along the grasslands flowing ridges. Instead, I saw the copper-colored rack of this buck contrasting just enough with the pale flaxen hues of grass to make them visible. I believe he thought he was utterly camouflaged and, if not for the good fortune of an errant beam of light, he was.

I am continually awed by natures adaptations. The world that surrounds us can easily mingle into a smooth amalgam of sameness that hides its wonder and beauty when we do not take the time to examine its secrets. Seeing the sometimes stark but often subtle differentiation that allows creatures to merge with their surroundings offers a glimpse of the masterful artistry of Gods creation. I am blessed to be its witness and humbled to be His scribe.
Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 500

I cannot imagine anything other than providence that allowed me to spot this regal eight-point buck hidden in the tall grass. Having left the house at 5:30 am, I was returning from shooting the Christmas Day sunrise. In a passive driver's daze ceded by early hour and the empty road ahead of me, my thoughts focused on crawling back into bed for a couple of hours before starting the day's festivities when out of the corner of my eye, a random change in reflection brought me to full awareness. Slowing down, I expected to see a Harrier deftly gliding along the grasslands flowing ridges. Instead, I saw the copper-colored rack of this buck contrasting just enough with the pale flaxen hues of grass to make them visible. I believe he thought he was utterly camouflaged and, if not for the good fortune of an errant beam of light, he was. 

I am continually awed by natures adaptations. The world that surrounds us can easily mingle into a smooth amalgam of sameness that hides its wonder and beauty when we do not take the time to examine its secrets. Seeing the sometimes stark but often subtle differentiation that allows creatures to merge with their surroundings offers a glimpse of the masterful artistry of Gods creation. I am blessed to be its witness and humbled to be His scribe. 

The Hidden
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄500 sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 500