Posted by Brad Hill on September 21, 2009 at 7:38 PM
While I really enjoy making the "Pick of the Week" for the Fauna Gallery every other week, I have to admit that this week it was a very difficult task. We had our usual share of excellent images this week, but two images absolutely stood head and shoulders above any of the others. And this isn't just my opinion - if you check out the number of views and comments, plus the rave reviews each of these images received, you'll see that virtually everyone who viewed them thought these were absolutely spectacular shots. The two images I'm referring to are:
I faced a major dilemma in choosing between these two images. In fact, I honestly wish this week I could award TWO "Picks of the Week". Marsel's image has already won 3rd Prize in the Nature category of the 2009 International Photography Awards (IPA) - so obviously it's a winning image. But, I have no doubt that Danny's shot would, if entered, place exceptionally high in virtually any wildlife photo contest.
Compounding my challenge in picking just ONE Pick of the Week is my own predisposition for photographing Brown Bears. No matter which way I swung I could easily set myself for an accusation of bias. If I selected Danny's shot it could be argued that I was favouring bear images. However, if I selected Marsel's shot, some could accuse me of being unwilling to honour a bear image captured by another photographer. Arrggh - what to do??
In the end, I decided to simply go with my gut. And, it told me that I simply enjoyed looking at Danny Green's "Brown Bear in a Snow Shower" far too much NOT to give it this week's EP. Between the composition and moodiness, this is simply an unforgettable image. Congratulations Danny - not only did you take this week's EP, but you did it against amazingly stiff competition from Marsel van Oosten - an outstanding wildlife photographer by anyone's standards.
My thanks are extended to ALL who posted images or commented on images during the past week in the Fauna Gallery! Keep up the great work.
Cheers...
Brad
PS: I'm off this Thursday (the 24th) through to October 6 leading an Instructional Photo Tour (chasing Spirit Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest of BC). During this time I'll have no internet access so won't be able to comment and/or post images. See you in a few weeks…Brad
Posted by Carol Nichols on September 22, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I feel for you Brad. I think these two images are my 2 favorites that I have ever seen in the Fauna Gallery. Glad I didn't have to choose.
Posted by Nathan Buck on September 22, 2009 at 3:15 PM
I am in awe at both pics Brad. You had a tough job and I think you did fine. WOW!
Nathan
Posted by Danny Green on September 23, 2009 at 4:10 AM
Hello Brad
Wow what can I say, this is a great honour indeed but I think you made the right decision No seriously Marsels shot was truly amazing and he deserves all the success that is coming his way as his images are fabulous. The fauna gallery also produces some wonderful images and long may it continue. NPN is a great place!!!!
Discussion
3 replies1. Danny Green's "Brown Bear in a Snow Shower" and…
2. Marsel van Oosten's "On the Lookout".
I faced a major dilemma in choosing between these two images. In fact, I honestly wish this week I could award TWO "Picks of the Week". Marsel's image has already won 3rd Prize in the Nature category of the 2009 International Photography Awards (IPA) - so obviously it's a winning image. But, I have no doubt that Danny's shot would, if entered, place exceptionally high in virtually any wildlife photo contest.
Compounding my challenge in picking just ONE Pick of the Week is my own predisposition for photographing Brown Bears. No matter which way I swung I could easily set myself for an accusation of bias. If I selected Danny's shot it could be argued that I was favouring bear images. However, if I selected Marsel's shot, some could accuse me of being unwilling to honour a bear image captured by another photographer. Arrggh - what to do??
In the end, I decided to simply go with my gut. And, it told me that I simply enjoyed looking at Danny Green's "Brown Bear in a Snow Shower" far too much NOT to give it this week's EP. Between the composition and moodiness, this is simply an unforgettable image. Congratulations Danny - not only did you take this week's EP, but you did it against amazingly stiff competition from Marsel van Oosten - an outstanding wildlife photographer by anyone's standards.
My thanks are extended to ALL who posted images or commented on images during the past week in the Fauna Gallery! Keep up the great work.
Cheers...
Brad
PS: I'm off this Thursday (the 24th) through to October 6 leading an Instructional Photo Tour (chasing Spirit Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest of BC). During this time I'll have no internet access so won't be able to comment and/or post images. See you in a few weeks…Brad
Nathan
Wow what can I say, this is a great honour indeed but I think you made the right decision
Danny