Close Encounter

Gallery: WildlifePosted July 14, 2014141 views6 comments

Brad's recent post inspired me to post this image from a grizzly encounter I had in Yellowstone last September. The image quality is so-so, but the encounter was pretty special to me. I was driving through the Lamar Valley and I noticed everyone looking across the valley at something. When I stopped I noticed a large grizzly making his way down the valley quite a ways away. Even with the 500mm lens, he was just a spec. I decided to jump ahead about a mile and I parked my vehicle. I noticed a large bull bison bedded down on the opposite side of the Lamar River, all the way across the valley. I decided to walk out and see if I could capture a few images of the bull. In the back of my mind, I knew the grizzly was headed toward the bison from my right. I figured I might see him a bit closer if at all, once I got to the bison. I managed to get pretty close to the bison (already posted the image of him). I took a few images, always looking to my right to see if I could see the grizzly. I kept shooting images of the bull and he finally tired of me and walked off to my left. I took a few more images and then looked to my right. That is when I saw the grizzly and took this image and a few more. It was an exhilarating experience, to say the least. I was a bit nervous, as he was pretty close. He passed right in front of me and followed the trail of the bison. I believe that this was a male grizzly. He seemed pretty big, and old, to me. He looked similar to Yellowstone's infamous old grizzly named Scarface. Can't be sure, but it sure looked like him. It was a very special few minutes. Something I will never forget.

Processed using Photoshop CS3, LightZone and NeatImage. Comments and critiques welcome.

I managed to shoot a short snippet of video between image captures. If you are interested, the video can be found at the address below.

http://www.jerryaustinphotography.com/p604274459/h73d54663#h73d54663

Canon 7D
Canon 500mm f4 L IS II
f4.5
1/640s
ISO 100

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on July 16, 2014 at 12:48 AM

Hi Jerry. Nice looking grizzly all right, looks like he is focused on something in the grass, vole? A part of me wishes to see MORE of the bears environment, since Yellowstone is so picturesque. Not sure how video works on the 7D, but the Nikon D4 has the option to shoot full rez at 2.7X; a 600 mm lens is cropped to 1620 mm; works great for capturing behaviour with distant subjects as long as the air is still and clean. Congratulations on the experience and thanks for sharing!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on July 16, 2014 at 9:13 AM

Hey Jerry,

Thanks for sharing this one - both the image and the story! I think I can imagine how it felt to be alone with the bear...

Great how photography can serve multiple roles - not only as a creative endeavour, but also as a great reminder of experiences we've had.

Cheers...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on July 16, 2014 at 5:29 PM

He would have had my attention! Cool experience and I think the capture is pretty decent, too. Indeed, he does look like an old warrior.

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 16, 2014 at 6:18 PM

That grizzly "hump" on the back is so recognizable here, nice setting and congrats on the experience. If you have more room on top I think I would include it and crop some from the bottom to make the bear less centered vertically in the frame.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on July 17, 2014 at 3:02 AM

Jerry,

Nice feeling to this one and a great tale.
Just one thing why ISO 100?

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on July 17, 2014 at 7:39 AM

Ken,

You will notice, I was shooting with a 7D. The 7D is not forgiving at high ISO's . Yeah, I could have gone up to ISO 640 and the 7D can handle it. I usually don't push the 7D any higher than that. Right before I saw the grizzly, I was shooting a stationary bull bison. I had the ISO at 100 because the subject was dead still. When the grizzly came along unexpectedly, I just started shooting. In retrospect, I should have bumped up the ISO for a faster shutter speed, as the grizzly was walking. I think it would have given me a better capture, because the image is not as sharp as it could have been.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments