Tree Bear

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 29, 2013167 views9 comments

This mother black bear and her 2 cubs lingered in the high branches around their den (which is in a standing but somewhat hollow tree) for a week or so before finally settling in for hibernation. First "tree den" I've ever seen, amazing how three bears can fit into such a small space.

As always, comments & suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Black bear (Ursus americanus)
Chugach State Park, Alaska
CanonT1I
Canon 100-400 @ 400mm
1/200 sec @ f5.6
iso 1600

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Tim Butler on January 29, 2013 at 7:45 AM

I love the capture and expression of this mother bear. I also love the gray scale color of the tree bark complementing the bear's fur. I kind of wish for the larger image version to see the true beauty that I'll bet this image holds.

Registered on October 12, 2012, 17 Posts, 155 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on January 29, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Hi Guy,

Cute pose and expression! I'd say you nailed the DoF here and I like that the portion of the tree on the right is sharp (as well as the bear, of course). While overall exposure looks good, I think carefully (and selectively) drawing out some of the dark-on-dark (shadow) detail might strengthen this image even more.

Cheers...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Rick Andrews on January 29, 2013 at 9:24 AM

I really like this shot Guy, the diagonal lines add interest and the texture of the bears fur contrasts nicely with that of the tree bark. I agree that some of the detail appears to have been lost in the darkest areas of the image, but overall I think this is a great image.

Registered on December 31, 2011, 45 Posts, 222 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on January 29, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Like everybody else....I want to say "Ahhhh". Her expression is priceless,She even looks half asleep. the angles of the tree make him really stand out nicely. Good job!

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on January 29, 2013 at 2:03 PM

what cute shot with eyes of teddy bear, made me feel to cuddle with her, nice find well done

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 29, 2013 at 5:19 PM

The flattened ears fit well into the over all composition. I agree with Brad about increasing the exposure on the blacks in post. Very cute bear portrait!

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

Comment posted by Brad Clinch on January 29, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Very unique pose. The warm brown in the muzzle adds to the feeling of a cuddly bear. As mentioned, process the darker sections and it gets even better. Nice work.

Registered on January 5, 2013, 37 Posts, 261 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Runco on January 30, 2013 at 2:13 AM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I've posted a rework with your tips in mind, thoughts?

Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 30, 2013 at 4:07 AM

A beautiful close-up Guy

I really like the expressive face.

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments