Ever wonder what is going on behind the scenes with other blogs? This is a little snippet in the life of The Backdoor Artist. If you are a follower of my blog, you probably already know that I am married to The Backdoor Artist, Mary Livingston.
Mary has a front row seat to our backyard with a large window facing out from her work space. It is a wonderful view. A view which often provides for visual treats. Yesterday she spotted a large buck across the pond. She posted this adventure complete with beautiful pictures here at, http://thebackdoorartist.com/2012/12/11/animal-attraction/.
Spotting this big old buck prompted frantic camera grabbing and stealthful sneaking out into the yard to photograph the buck. When he didn’t run away, we plotted to stalk our subject for more and better shots. More frantic activity ensued with changing of clothes and getting shoes on. We came around the garage and started approaching our prey, all the while, keeping the trees in between to hide our approach. Next, we used the dam of our pond for cover and climbed to the higher ground. Once, on top of the dam we had to stay low to stay out of sight.
Mary crawled to the edge of the dam to have a clear shot of the buck with her Nikon D200. I hung back a recorded the moment. I Let her go first. Wasn’t I considerate. She was kind enough to soak up the water in the grass, leaving me a little less wet. We laid there together shooting pictures of the big buck for quite some time.

Patience and opportunity pay off. The big fellow started to leave, but he could still smell the doe.
We continued taking pictures together until they left. We would have stayed in the wet grass for as long as the deer were willing to stay. At a moment like this, I didn’t even notice the cold and wet. It was one of those great times with my best friend. We headed back to the house soaking wet and with Mary’s light colored pants looking more like camouflage. All well worth it.
The old buck trotted off with the doe over the hill. I’m with you brother.
Great shots,one of the most graceful animal I think, so elegant and powerful. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.
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Beautiful creatures, I love watching them here as well! Also enjoyed seeing this here and on Mary’s blog 🙂
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Thank you Erica. I’m glad you visited Mary too.
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Wonderful moments!
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Indeed
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this was a beautiful post. that first pic of the buck is unique: a keeper! thank you for sharing this moment.
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Thank you Christina. We sure had fun getting those pictures.
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A graceful, very real sequence. After the Colorado Springs fire last summer, deer came into our westside neighborhood searching for fresh water and garden nibblings. They moved in a natural, nudging search, foraging among flower beds. Mary would have captured amazing images.
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The deer ebb and flow in and out of our neighborhood over the seasons. This time of year is when we enjoy the most activity. However, I think I enjoy photographing my dear even more than the other deer.
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Wonderful!
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Thank you.
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Reblogged this on The Backdoor Artist and commented:
Thought you might like Tim’s side of our morning photo shoot. His inclusion of a “backside” might deserve its own post response.
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Terrific to experience the other point of view. And, I must say that Mary is truly lovely.
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I couldn’t agree more!
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I think the most beautiful thing is that you called her your best friend. That is a true gift. Here is wishing you a very long lifetime with your best friend. 🙂
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Thank you so much Felicia. A greater gift I couldn’t not receive.
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Beautiful photos! You must have been so quiet. I love the way you & Mary are such a great team. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you so much Marian.
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This is a great behind the scenes. Makes me smile. What a team you two are! Love your last line.
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Thanks Annerose. We do have fun.
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I did not know!!! I follow both of your blogs and enjoy every post and comment! How exciting to know the “behind the scenes” story….
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Yes, a peek behind the curtain. She is a lucky girl! Just ask me.
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😀 😀 😀
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… all for the sake of art! Lovely photographs and nice background story. I enjoyed it. Thanks for adding me.
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Thank you Anne, and thanks for the visit. I enjoyed your sites very much. Your artwork is beautiful!
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Thank you very much – so pleased you liked my artwork.
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You two make a dynamite team. Thanks for sharing a great nature story as it unfoled.
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Thank you Linda for the kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I certainly had fun showcasing my better half.
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I really love and appreciate these words about Mary’s front row seat. The first picture is so amazing – with the light on her face. Very well done. Well spoken, too. This blog paints a picture of Mary doing what she loves. I like your site’s background. I haven’t visited for a while and am pleased with what I see. Change can be good.
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Thanks Shelley. I’m glad you enjoyed the site. I agree with you. I think that change can be very good.
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Wonderful post. I felt as if I was right there on the cold earth, getting my pants and jacket muddy and enjoying the scene.
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Glad I could put you right in the action. Just a typical day with Mary.
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Great to see how you got the photos 🙂
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It was fun. Nothing like crawling in the dirt to get the great shot.
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Wow. I didn’t know that you were married to Mary. Congratulations.
*whispering* ….. Out with it. What’s your secret ?
By the way, a great post with great photos. Well done. Ralph
*walking off, shaking head in amazement*
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That’s okay, I shake my head in amazement everyday.
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May I wish you both a very, very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year 😀 Ralph. PS Have fun !!
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Thanks Ralph, and the same to you. I look forward to hearing about your New Year.
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Gosh these are gorgeous creatures! You and Mary make a great team ~
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We do have fun.
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What a great post! Our deer are a lot more flighty here… have never been able to catch them on film when they’ve wandered through the yard. And it was great to see Mary in action with a paint brush too! 🙂
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Thanks Kim. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I had fun getting behind the scenes with Mary.
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Such darling animals. Great catch & great post!!
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Thank you so much Deborah!
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Great post, love it. Amazing how one real encounter with a wild, beautiful animal is worth more to the soul than a 3 course meal in the best restaurant in Paris. Just no substitute for it.
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Well said! I couldn’t agree more.
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We are fortunate to have lots of deer on our property.
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We certainly enjoy them when they visit us.
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Reblogged this on lost creek publishing.
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Thanks again JK!
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