I love deer and nature - this was taken at the ashram I was invited to visit back in 2018.
The story behind this image, I had heard stories of this mythical beauty weeks before I made my arrangements to visit. Then I heard the story of how everyone had spotted her while on the highway. Days went by, and a number of visits to friends using the mountain road to and from the cabin I was staying.
Then, on my very last day and hours away from departure, I said to my friend that I was so disappointed that I would never have another chance to see the white deer. Then, suddenly as we turned the cover — I spotted a white image in the distance. My friend driving pulled the car over, and I reached into the back and grabbed my bag with my Canon Elph inside it. I had already packed my regular camera and lens in my suitcase back at the cabin.
I walked slowly towards her, and he remained cautious. Being a vegetarian, I must have smelled safe to her and not like something that might devour her on impact. As I got closer, the brown deer started to eat behind her while she stood guard. Then I got this close to her, and she looked at me, gave a gently nod and proceeded to enjoy her green grass brunch. Yes, I have video of her looking at me and nodding .. then I snapped some photos, and this was one of many.
I was mesmerized by her elegance and beauty. Her eyes were light brown and not pink, so she isn’t an albino.
I learned that most white deer exhibit a condition commonly known as leucism, a recessive genetic trait found in about one percent of all white tails. As with albinism, leucism can be found in nearly all mammals. I also learned that white deer are very rare and, in some cultures, very auspicious.
West Virigina 25 Nov 2018 photo by Lucinda Lewis
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