I’ve been working on Photography Life’s printer a lot this week, mainly because I’ve had to hide myself away from the rest of society as I try to kick a stubborn fever. I’ve now run our initial tests on about 85 different paper types, and I wanted to share some of those results for you today, starting with Epson papers.

A rectangular patch of lawn between two rows of houses. The grass is trimmed to perfection by a robotic mower. Not a single blade stands out, not a single unplanned flower disrupts the uniform green carpet. Everything is sterile, immaculate, and perfectly controlled. The scene might almost resemble a Wimbledon tennis court—if it weren’t for the lounge chair occupied by a sunbathing woman, the picnic table, the clothesline fluttering with freshly washed laundry, and, most importantly, a century-old hollow cherry tree. Half of it died long ago, and according to its owners, the cherries produced by its few remaining branches have been disappointing for years.

Most wildlife photographers instinctively head out into the wilderness. The farther from the noise and bustle of the civilized world, the better. Perhaps it’s a reflection of that ancient human desire for adventure and discovery. Yet we often forget that fantastic subjects can be found just minutes from our front door, in locations that only vaguely resemble true wilderness.

Sometimes the most memorable wildlife photographs come from being in the right place at the right time — and being ready when the moment happens.

That was the case for 11-year-old wildlife photographer Tyler DeVane of New Jersey, who recently shared a series of beautiful fox images with Outdoor Photographer. Tyler, who describes himself on his YouTube page as a wildlife photographer, birder, and artist who loves nature, discovered a fox den in his hometown and set out to photograph its residents.

“The moment we pulled up I couldn’t believe it,” Tyler wrote in an email to OP. “The 4 baby foxes (the kits) came out of the den and looked right at me. It was a moment I will never forget.”

After capturing a few images that first day, Tyler convinced his mom to return before school the next morning. The early wake-up call paid off.

“We waited a bit when we got there,” he explained, “but then, all of the sudden, the mom came from somewhere, bringing food (I think it was a rat) for her babies, and I got the best shot of my wildlife career.”

The resulting photograph at the top of this story — showing the mother fox and one of her kits illuminated by warm morning light — is a remarkable wildlife image by any standard. It’s also a reminder that patience, persistence, and careful observation are often the keys to successful wildlife photography.

We’re pleased to share three of Tyler’s fox images in this story. They demonstrate not only a strong eye for wildlife behavior and light, but also the kind of enthusiasm for the natural world that drives many photographers to pick up a camera in the first place.

Check out a behind-the-scenes video of Tyler photographing the fox family on his Instagram.

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