Slippery Slope

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 17, 2013218 views5 comments

The tide is out and shoreline debris is available to climb and navigate. This mature Female Grizzly did not appear to have gripping issues with the moss covered log. The next step into the waters of the Khutzeymateen will allow her to swim to an island of Sedge grass, the yearling cubs are not evident in this image, but may elect to follow her! Mother bear is subtly teaching the yearling cubs about the water and about her leading up to their eventual separation with their own independence eventually. The floating bubbles are a distraction, subdued them a small amount. Cropped to about 80% of original. One of my first observations that Greens are So vibrant in the Khutzeymateen & knew it would be challenging to express them as they appear.

Nikon D700 Camera/ ISO 2200 / Nikon Lens 70-200 VR f2.8/ 1/400 speed F2.8/ handheld while in floating Zodiac boat/ -.67 Meter compensation/

Constructive Feedback Appreciated

Bill

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on June 17, 2013 at 5:54 PM

Hey Bill,

Great timing and nice reflection - love how the paw appears to be about to "test the waters", so to speak. I like the moody darkness of the image (and know that the Khutzeymateen often looks that way), but I am wondering if the bear could be slightly brightened up a tad (or perhaps just the shadowed regions of the bear?). I think your DoF looks just about optimal.

Overall composition is nice. You say this is about 80% of original - I'm wondering if a LITTLE more room on the bottom (below the reflection) - with the same amount taken off the top) might make the image a little stronger?? Just a thought (and definitely a personal preference issue).

One minor technical thing: I'm wondering if the image needs a very slight CW rotation (about a degree or so)? Two things make me think that - the overall direction of the ripples and the reflection seems shifted just a very little bit to the right of the subject. Not sure...but might be worth experimenting with?

Overall real nice...nice to look at!

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on June 18, 2013 at 12:47 PM

Nice scene and what a lovely pose of the bear staring at his reflection!

A pity the water is covered with debris/bubbles, but that was entirely beyond your control (I assume

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

Comment posted by William Bickle on June 18, 2013 at 1:42 PM

Hello Brad & Vincent

Great that you took time for Feedback...THANKS.
Brad............With the iso so high I am reluctant to get into those dark Places, with Noise hiding there! Not sure about the CW, but will look into.
Vincent........... Yes, Bubbles & Tree Stuff, (I think Poplar fluff from springtime flowering )

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on June 24, 2013 at 2:26 PM

I think this is fine work, William. Your comp works well for me.

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

Comment posted by William Bickle on June 25, 2013 at 4:24 PM

Hello Lon

Great to hear from you. The detail in shadows are difficult to pull out without adding too much noise!

Thanks for your feedback. Appreciated.

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments