Having swum over to investigate us and the vessel, this gorgeous Polar bear just then sat down and waited, as if someone was going to throw a stick or some tasty morsel of food. The original had a slight blueness to it, so I have cleaned the look & feel a bit on the whites, as I can't remember if there was a filter dropped in, or not?
Wished I had had the trusty 1Dx for these, hey ho...
Steve
Subject: Polar bear waiting on pack ice (Ursus maritimus)
Location: Svalbard
Camera: Canon MKIII
Lens: 500f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/800s at f/6.3 ISO400 +0.33 stop compensation (metering off the snow)
Crop: Cropped slightly for presentation, about 10% [i](original capture horizontal)[i/]
Posted by Neil Burton on November 26, 2012 at 11:14 AM
1Dx is quickly becomming a "trusty" body, even for Nikon shooters! Never got on with my 1DIII, unlike the 1DIV! The ice does look a bit under saturated, especially the reflection in the sea considering the blue sky, but the bear's warmer tones stand out better. detail and compe is all there!
Posted by Bob Johnson on November 26, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Very smart Steve and the colour of the bear looks spot on to me
Bob
Posted by Andy Shepherd on November 26, 2012 at 12:24 PM
That's one relaxed looking bear, and a very cool animal ( pardon the pun ), excellent work, Steve.
The large version looks great.
I was looking at AR's blog this morning and dreaming of a trip to this place
Andy...
Posted by David Sewell on November 26, 2012 at 12:41 PM
A grand shot, with the whites handled extremely well. Agree with Andy that the large version is well worth a look.
Colour balance looks nicely handled too Stevo - had a good teacher Mr A, 'look & learn oh Grasshopper!'
Posted by keith mitchell on November 26, 2012 at 4:21 PM
Steve top quality as always
Keith.
Posted by Paul Whippey on November 26, 2012 at 4:44 PM
Top banana Steve! Superb details, especially in the biggie.
Posted by Jeroen Stel on November 27, 2012 at 7:47 AM
Wonderful colors and relaxed pose.
Would love to head out that way some day!
greetings,
Jeroen Stel
Posted by Phil Ellard on November 27, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Think thats the first polar bear i have seen here, looks spot on like the Andys would love to do one day myself
Posted by Nick Mckeown on November 27, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Cracking bear image Steve. Very lucky to have got so close and remained off its menu!
Nick.
Posted by Barry Southon on November 27, 2012 at 2:11 PM
Steve
I always revisit posts in order to catch up on all the comments and points raised. Strange as it may be I have a question if I may.
Such a expedition as this must involve careful planning and preparation. What precautions do you take in respect of equipment protection? Clearly the use of inflatables and a hostile environment have their respective dangers, the question is asked for good reason.
Hi Barry, always happy to expand on things if it helps.
Firstly, to set the scene the vessel was a 1952 Ice breaker with, I think eight berths. Small, yet homely with everything you need. The trip was in September when the ice pack just started to form. Whilst occasionally setting foot on land it was the only time I have been with a guide that carried a fire arm, a rifle in this case. Personally I would say, Polar bears are up there with Hippos as being highly dangerous.
All camera gear once on board, is stowed on deck to the rear of the ship in our own camera bags, plus the ultimate piece of kit, a black bin liner! The only items to be taken inside are batteries and CF cards, otherwise you will find you camera and or lens will fog. All gear used, is then cleaned and wiped after each sortie. I have never used camera covers ie Aquatech or Lenscoat housing here, but the 500 has always had a lenscoat neoprene just to avoid knocks & scrapes of everyday usage. Ensure your batteries are always charged and a spare is kept inside your jacket pocket to avoid the cold draining it's life. Likewise cards are backed up and subsequently formatted ready for the nest adventure. Whilst on a zodiac or skiff you may wish to use a camera strap, whilst on board all straps are removed. If you lean over through curiosity and a PB stands up and lunges with a paw, your strap can take you and your beloved camera overboard, [i]'Good night Vienna!'[i/]. They are quicker than you are, believe me, and when on land cover ground at an alarming rate.
Hope this helps to answer your question, if not, drop me a line and we can have a chat to fulfil your questions with more 'specific' answers.
Steve
Posted by Ian Haskell on December 6, 2012 at 4:18 PM
Discussion
16 repliesWished I had had the trusty 1Dx for these, hey ho...
Steve
Subject: Polar bear waiting on pack ice (Ursus maritimus)
Location: Svalbard
Camera: Canon MKIII
Lens: 500f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/800s at f/6.3 ISO400 +0.33 stop compensation (metering off the snow)
Crop: Cropped slightly for presentation, about 10% [i](original capture horizontal)[i/]
Bob
That's one relaxed looking bear, and a very cool animal ( pardon the pun
The large version looks great.
I was looking at AR's blog this morning and dreaming of a trip to this place
Andy...
David
Thanks Bob, Andy just do it, he will always get you into the right location, at the right time, trust me!
A cracking image but, the large version really enhances the WOW factor.
Colour balance looks nicely handled too Stevo
Keith.
Would love to head out that way some day!
greetings,
Jeroen Stel
Nick.
I always revisit posts in order to catch up on all the comments and points raised. Strange as it may be I have a question if I may.
Such a expedition as this must involve careful planning and preparation. What precautions do you take in respect of equipment protection? Clearly the use of inflatables and a hostile environment have their respective dangers, the question is asked for good reason.
Firstly, to set the scene the vessel was a 1952 Ice breaker with, I think eight berths. Small, yet homely with everything you need. The trip was in September when the ice pack just started to form. Whilst occasionally setting foot on land it was the only time I have been with a guide that carried a fire arm, a rifle in this case. Personally I would say, Polar bears are up there with Hippos as being highly dangerous.
All camera gear once on board, is stowed on deck to the rear of the ship in our own camera bags, plus the ultimate piece of kit, a black bin liner! The only items to be taken inside are batteries and CF cards, otherwise you will find you camera and or lens will fog. All gear used, is then cleaned and wiped after each sortie. I have never used camera covers ie Aquatech or Lenscoat housing here, but the 500 has always had a lenscoat neoprene just to avoid knocks & scrapes of everyday usage. Ensure your batteries are always charged and a spare is kept inside your jacket pocket to avoid the cold draining it's life. Likewise cards are backed up and subsequently formatted ready for the nest adventure. Whilst on a zodiac or skiff you may wish to use a camera strap, whilst on board all straps are removed. If you lean over through curiosity and a PB stands up and lunges with a paw, your strap can take you and your beloved camera overboard, [i]'Good night Vienna!'[i/]. They are quicker than you are, believe me, and when on land cover ground at an alarming rate.
Hope this helps to answer your question, if not, drop me a line and we can have a chat to fulfil your questions with more 'specific' answers.
Steve
Ian