Fishing the Rapids

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 22, 2017129 views6 comments

This particular large male black bear was very patient. He would stand for long periods in the same spot waiting for a chance at one of the many pink salmon. I too was patient and waited for him catch a salmon. He never caught a salmon. So, I decided to try something different. I set my camera on my tripod and aimed it at him. I chose a narrow aperture to get as much in focus as I could. I also experimented with slow shutter speeds. The only thing left was for him not to move while the shutter was open. While he was virtually still, his head would usually move a bit as he scanned the rapids. It took me quite a few attempts, but I managed a few images where he was totally still. Processed with Lightroom, Photoshop and Lightzone. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 1DX Mark II
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS
f16
1/6s
Focal Length 105mm
ISO 250

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on October 22, 2017 at 11:13 AM

This one is great Jerry. Love the water flow. It may have taken a while, but you caught him still and sharp in this one. I even like the surrounding greenery which gives a nice sense of setting. I thought it might work to cut off some of the top, but don't think it rally adds anything , and doesn't take anything away as is. Beautiful.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on October 23, 2017 at 11:20 AM

Jerry: well done. I like the effect of the slow shutter speed and the end result is a very good environmental portrait. When I opened the large version and scrolled, I "cropped" most of the lower bank. Doing so makes the bear more prominent. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Moreau on October 23, 2017 at 3:17 PM

Jerry, I like the thought process that led you to this image, and the final is very nice. I like the flow around the still bear, and I think it's a good illustration of the events you describe: the bear remaining calm in the chaotic river, waiting for his chance. The only thing I would suggest would be to try burning down the highlights in the bare branches up top, as they are a bit bright.

Registered on April 21, 2015, 64 Posts, 584 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 25, 2017 at 12:55 PM

With the slow ss treatment of the water you have come up with a more unique image of a black bear fishing. Well done to come up with this image. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on October 26, 2017 at 8:15 AM

Congratulations on thinking out of the box on this one, Jerry! The slow shutter speed is really what this image is all about. It might fit into the landscape section, too, in my opinion!

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 27, 2017 at 10:40 AM

Fine as posted, for sure. You have crop options to offer real but subtle compositional effects. Great job with the slow shutter!

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