Grizzly bear sow + Col

A striking image iwth the wate rdropping and the fine detail in the fur. I like the B&W treatment but the background is very bright which is distracting. I think further processing on this image will take it where it needs to be

Wow! I don't visit this forum but saw this on the front page. This is a stunner Steve.

This makes you wonder by the physical features if this bear is related to a dog or a human, maybe a werewolf? The muscle structure is very human and the face is dog like? Gets me wondering at least.

A very striking image Steve! I love the bear's pose and the detail of the wet fur and its muscles. The B&W version works for me, yet I do wonder how the color would compare to this. I do agree with Luke that the BG is not ideal and that a bit more work on it like reducing the brightness will benefit this image.

PS - The restriction of 24 characters for the title is VERY limiting!

I agree Steve, but that was one of the limitations that came when the new gallery lay-out was introduced a long time back, although I cannot remember the exact changes. What I do remember is that this was the only negative about the change, all other were positives!

It looks so human (if it was not for the fur... even if some men...). Black and white conversion, to me, add to this version.

Luca

I am one of those who would rather see this image in color. Nature is not two dimensional and to me that is the feeling that most B&W portray. I know that it is personal taste. The image of the bear is very striking, I would just rather see it in color.

Very interesting to see the muscle features on the wet bear and the way the hair comes down the back part of the head adds to the look of being very human like at first glance. For me, I like this as is, not all B&W images need super contrast to be effective and this is certainly effective in showing a different look of a grizzly. Well done.

This has to be the most unusual and interesting shot I've ever seen of a bear, the effect of the wet fur makes this a truly dynamic image, very nice capture indeed Steve :^)

Once again, even without seeing the colour version, I like this very much as you've presented it, although I agree with Luke's suggestion that the image as a whole might be have even more impact with the BG toned down.

Thanks for sharing :^)

P.S. Been caught short a few time meself with that 24-character limitation ;^)

Alway interesting feedback & POV.

Luke/Vincent have dropped the BG back a bit so hopefully this will be more in keeping with your thoughts. I originally felt that any darker and elements/detail might get lost, hence the OP.

Will post also a colour version too.

Vincent, didn't think it was an issue a year ago about limited characters for the headings, oh well just need to be economical with the title, or creative.

And for those who like colour...

The repost is great Stephen, but to be honest, I prefer the color version. Thanks for sharing!

I like all three versions, but my preference is the third, color one. The strength of this image, to me, is the unusual look at the body conformation provided by the very wet fur. The water droplets and distant gaze are great bonus.

I like the bit more definition in the repost, but have to go with the color. It to me brings the subject more to life.
In any case, a very interesting image and well captured.