Young grizzly bear on the springtime tundra, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 5D Mark III, 500mm f/4L IS, 1/125 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400
I’ve had a few exceptional grizzly bear photo encounters in Denali Park over the years, and the session I recently had with this bear ranks up there with them. There are many factors that play into what distinguishes an interesting and enjoyable wildlife sighting between a good photographic one. While I’ve photographed countless bears, they are often traveling across the tundra in search of food or roaming to another location. Rarely, do they relax close to the road, in good light, at the time that you are there, and most importantly, express casual interest by making frequent eye contact-as this bear did. This is partly because there was another larger bear nearby sleeping on a hillside, and this younger bear stayed very attentive by frequently looking at the other bear, making sure all was safe.
I used my 500mm and the 100-400 primarily, preferring the 500 for its sharpness and clarity, but it was slightly tight based on my orientation. Although 1/125 sec is a pretty slow shutter speed, I wanted a enough depth of field for the face and nose to be in focus. Once again, I love the sunroof in my van, as it put me at a near level position with the bear, and served as a great shooting platform, with me contained within the vehicle. To quote a photographer friend of mine who was envious of a similar bear encounter I had in 1995, he said, “you owe that bear donuts!”
Awesome Patrick, love the eye contact…beautiful young bear.
Very nice indeed, Patrick! Like you, I have a large number of bear photos depicting bears with their faces buried in blueberry bushes and otherwise not providing a good view of their faces. Nice job on this one!
I love the pattern in his fur, must have recently been in a stream or river as the fur on his legs was still wet-great pic Patrick!
What a great picture! The pattern and contrast in the wet fur is wonderful. And, the depth of field is just right!
Patrick, Im glad you were using a 500mm lens. Its a wonderful photograph.
A really good nature photographer spends years and years gathering images. Right!? By working the same subjects (moose, bears, sheep) over and over one will eventually have sharp, clear, close images without having used a TC. Some of my best moose shots have been taken with a 16-35mm. (Gotta get close to the subject by earning their trust). The loss of image quality with a TC is not worth their use- in most circumstances. Add the loss of AF and that is the icing on the cake.
I do recommend the 800mm lens by Canon. It is lighter than the old 600, and it is especially good for wildlife; birds in particular.
As far the the 5D Mk III, the camera works well. The high ISO capabilities are remarkable. The NL shots from late this winter with the 5D MK III are the best I’ve ever captured.
@m,
I agree, besides ephemeral luck, there is no substitute for time in the field in acquiring consistent and good imagery.
For me, there are many factors that play into my choice of lens. Circumstances in the field and the type of image sought generally dictate that. Both of Canon’s teleconverters produce excellent quality when used properly and in the correct circumstances. I have many files that support that statement. Converters are often judged wrongly by people who attempt to use them when shooting subjects a long way off, which introduces atmospheric factors like heat, air, haze for example, that degrade image quality more than the added glass does. All compromises require the appropriate evaluation in executing the choice.
Super klasse Bilder, das nenne ich Künstlerische Fotografie.