Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Cooling Off
‹ PreviousWildlife GalleryNext ›

Cooling Off

by Ron Richins

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 13, 2010131 views11 comments
Here's my contribution to the Moose-Wilson bears. These bears are amazing. They spend almost all day feasting. To do so in the middle of the day, in a fur coat, demonstrates how determined they are to prepare for winter. Here, one takes a break to cool off.

Pete Bengeyfield was right to describe it as combat photography. It seemed like I was always in someone's spot or shot. It was the least enjoyable part of the experience. Still, it was thrill for me to see these bears.

Comments

11 comments
Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on October 13, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Well done Ron. I really like the reflection and DOF in this capture.
Bob
Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments
Comment posted by Carol Nichols on October 13, 2010 at 4:03 PM
Very nice image Ron. I really like the reflection and the exposure and DOF you used are just perfect. Would you mind telling me what equipment you used to get this shot? I was also a part of this combat photography. I hope I never got in your shot!
Registered on November 7, 2007, 161 Posts, 1420 Comments
Comment posted by Ron Richins on October 13, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Taken with a Canon 5D2 and 100-400mm lens. I can't remember the settings, but I do remember that it was taken at 320mm which is quite sharp at 100%; I've noticed that things are a little soft at 400mm with this lens.
Registered on March 6, 2008, 113 Posts, 1009 Comments
Comment posted by Carol Nichols on October 13, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Thanks Ron. I did my shooting there with the 300mm f/4.0. I want to get a telephoto zoom so bad for wildlife photography, but I've heard conflicting reports on the 100-400. Would you recommend it for this type of shooting?
Registered on November 7, 2007, 161 Posts, 1420 Comments
Comment posted by Ron Richins on October 13, 2010 at 4:36 PM
I'm not entirely satisfied with it. I'd like to get the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 lens. But, that's a good chunk of change. Plus, I'd need to buy a Nikon body, different storage cards, an extra battery or two. This all adds up to $$$. So, I guess for the money, it'll do. I'll just have to shoot below 400mm.
Registered on March 6, 2008, 113 Posts, 1009 Comments
Comment posted by Charles W. Melton on October 13, 2010 at 11:32 PM
The versatility of the zoom is nice with large mammals. I agree with your assessment of the softness at 400mm with the 100-400mm lens. I would recommend against shooting wide open at 400mm if at all possible. It would have been nice if the bear had turned its head slightly more toward the camera.
Registered on February 17, 2004, 31 Posts, 36 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Archer on October 14, 2010 at 1:44 AM
Sweet One Ron!!! (I love my 100-400mm)

Ken Archer
Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Teller on October 14, 2010 at 7:43 AM
Interesting image. The reflection adds a mystical feel to the image. The only very small nit is it would have been nice to have had a little more eye contact.
Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 14, 2010 at 1:48 PM
This is pretty cool! :cool: The reflection is a great addition and I like the warm brown colors. I think you might be able to crop differently, with less at the bottom (where there is not much to see) and with some more space for the bear to look into, if you have it in the original capture. A little head turn to the camera to show some eye would have made this very special! Thanks.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Canuel on October 15, 2010 at 12:02 AM
NIce warm colors. Wish for a bit of a head turn but I really like how the body reflection disappears in the rocky bottom of the creek while the face reflection is just a little bit more distinct.
Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments
Comment posted by Roger Hayden on October 19, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Ron,
You got one of the shots I was seeking. Probably rubbed elbows, or lenses, with you. Very nice shot.
Registered on November 21, 2009, 41 Posts, 201 Comments