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Black Bear
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Black Bear

by Ian Mason

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 13, 2012186 views9 comments
1D Mk iv, 500mm f4, x1.4, 1/125s, f6.3, iso 400, tripod, mirror lockup.

I recently had my first (hopefully not last) visit to a few of the USA national parks. It was a truly memorable trip. This handsome chap seemed quite content whilst several people admired him from the adjacent roadside in Rocky Mountain NP. He had apparently been sitting there, yawning from time to time for 4-5 hrs before I got there.

Comments

9 comments
Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on October 13, 2012 at 2:43 PM
What a handsome black bear! I love the expression on his face, and his fore leg wrapped around that one broken branch. Adds character IMO. I wonder, if you had taken a couple steps to the right if the branches in front of the bear would be clear? It could have put more branches in front of him, though...hard to tell! Great image, nonetheless!!
Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on October 13, 2012 at 3:41 PM
Sounds like you had a nice time in the US! This bear looks awfully comfortable and casual in the tree. The sky behind the bear is less than ideal - but the bear is a strong subject and nicely in focus. Good exposure on the blacks and a nice look at the eyes
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Nall on October 13, 2012 at 6:01 PM
Ian, you really have a prize in this image! I've been to the western national parks many times and never had an opportunity like this one! Wonderful lighting and detail on the bear. Super, super pose! My hearty congratulations!!!
Registered on October 5, 2012, 45 Posts, 168 Comments
Comment posted by Nathan Apodaca on October 13, 2012 at 7:42 PM
Wow---a sight indeed! I'm up in Rocky Mountain NP from time to time and have never seen a bear up there. Don't know if it's rare or not, so a 'congrats' from me also for capturing this!
Registered on November 16, 2011, 67 Posts, 1127 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 13, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Very cool pose here Ian, looks like a very laid back kinda bear. He is nicely framed by the limbs and leaves in this composition and I like the slant of his body. I might try to get a little more detail in the blackest areas of his fur, adjust black point or contrast, etc. Congratulations on a super shot and nice find. :toast:
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Tim Downey on October 14, 2012 at 4:50 AM
Love the pose. This guy looks like he's leaning on the bar waiting for his beer.

Wonderful image. :toast:

Tim Downey
Registered on December 8, 2009, 0 Posts, 28 Comments
Comment posted by Mike Ramy on October 14, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Ian,
This is a great image and a fantastic moment you captured. This is classic. :toast:
Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments
Comment posted by jack jaeger jr on October 14, 2012 at 8:11 PM
He looks right at home, Great capture and color.
Registered on April 2, 2012, 26 Posts, 355 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 14, 2012 at 8:39 PM
Beautiful capture, nicely isolating him it what can be a really busy setting. I love the "just hanging out" pose and the nice look at his eyes.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments