Bear Portrait w/repost2

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 16, 2010134 views9 comments

This female was feeling along the bottom of the stream with her back paws searching for decaying salmon. When she would locate one, she would reach down and retrieve it with her front paws, give it a sniff, and either take a few bits or drop it. It had to be aged just right. Only about 1 in 3 passed the test.
The overcast sky made for a nice soft light, but left the reflections on the surface of the water monochromatic.

Canon 20D Canon 400 2.8 1/320th @ f3.5 iso 100 FF

Comments always welcome.
Thanks for looking.
Neil

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 16, 2010 at 3:02 PM

Neil,

I like the detail in the fur (especially where the wet matted down area meets the dry part) as well as the remnants of fish around the snout.

The water I believe can be adjusted (through decreased exposure) to allow for much more detail and as such, depth in the photo. Just be careful of creating halos.

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on August 16, 2010 at 3:49 PM

I've vacillated on this, Luke.
The entire background was brought down a full stop here.
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 16, 2010 at 9:16 PM

I must say I'm a fan of the repost

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on August 16, 2010 at 11:09 PM

And a sweet portrait it is! Nicely done. Overcast lighting works well here.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 17, 2010 at 12:48 PM

I really liked your little accompanying story Neil, that must have been very interesting behavior to observe. Luke's suggestion of toning down the water was an excellent one and the repost shows that. Maybe increasing contrast on that water will enhance it even more? Did you get a shot of the bear with a decaying salmon in its mouth?

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 17, 2010 at 1:34 PM

I have nothing to add for suggestion, but want to say that overall this is quite pleasing.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on August 17, 2010 at 5:36 PM

Yes, I did find one Vincent.
You can see how mushy it is here.
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Wong on August 17, 2010 at 5:46 PM

The bear looks intense. I like the "steely" look to the image.

Registered on February 2, 2006, 79 Posts, 2629 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on August 22, 2010 at 3:21 PM

The first shot is very nice but I like the mushy salmon shot more. Good shot of animal behavior.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments