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Wading In Khuzeymateen
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Wading In Khuzeymateen

by William Bickle

Gallery: WildlifePosted February 13, 2013474 views12 comments
Young Female Honey Coloured Grizzly wading into the water to escape from the Male Bear , who is interested in Breeding. She has Not reached her acceptance yet for the Male but allowing him to get closer each day. She is preparing to swim the Estuary waters to elude him for awhile.
Nikon D700 / Nikon Lens 70-200mm VR F2.8 taken @ 200mm/ 1/320.../F5.6 / ISO 500 / -.67 Meter compesation /
Hand Held from Zodiac, Constant raining Conditions with Overcast Sky.

Appreciate Feedback with your Constructive Critique.

Thanks for looking

Bill

Comments

12 comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on February 13, 2013 at 5:40 PM
Nice looking bear. I like the good look at the front foot and the claws. I found myself longing for a better look at the eyes. Blame Brad for that. (smile) I think the shot captures the essence of Khuzeymateen, at least from all of the images that I have seen. Very nice capture. One to be proud of.
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Beth Huebner on February 13, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Really like the detail the larger image offers. The bear really stands out against the dark background and your composition appears to have him nestled between the branches of the trees. A front shot would have been nice but I am always amazed when images such as these are captured, full face or not. The greenery in the image is also a pleasing framing for the bear.
Registered on January 28, 2013, 19 Posts, 56 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on February 13, 2013 at 8:43 PM
The effect of the brighter bear lifting from the dark background makes for good drama. I like the tension in the pose and the claws showing with bright highlights. As presented I think I would crop a little from the left to about where the diagonal limb goes into the water...because I feel it minimizes the sense of linear distraction in that part of the frame, and other lines lead nicely to the bear.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by William Bickle on February 14, 2013 at 9:53 AM
Hello Jerry

Yes, A Very Special Place for sure. Was some distance away at this time using the 200mm. & the one Eye was evident but with that head turn the other eye is seen but not direct and full .

Hello Beth
Thanks, Yes the brighter colouring does Snap out from the background nicely, & I prefer the Head position to a Full Frontal view.

Lon
Thanks, Cropping suggestion Noted, Thanks, I will look into this.

Appreciate the Constructive suggestions from All.

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments
Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on February 15, 2013 at 12:41 AM
As others have mentioned, the grizzly against the vast dark greenery really stands out. The raised paw and the fixed look makes one wonder - what is it looking at? Is the raised paw a prelude to move forward rapidly, or to turn back from perceived danger? Mystery.... mmmm!
Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments
Comment posted by William Bickle on February 15, 2013 at 8:55 AM
Hello Ajit

Thanks, It's Springtime in the Khutzeymateen & this brings out the Boys to play. Breeding time is Very Intence for the Bears, Always looking away & over their shoulder for intruders. This young female was being followed by a large male bear during my time in the Khutzeymateen. Each day they appeared closer together, as this Blonde Coloured female was coming into her season. She is about to enter the waters of the estuary and swim a short distance to a small Grassy island where she can ChoW down on the Sedge Grasses. These bears have just emereged from their Winter Dormancy and are Extremely hungry.
Hope this sets the Scene ?

Thanks

Bill
Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments
Comment posted by Guy Runco on February 15, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Nice shot Bill - I agree with Lon's crop suggestion, no other nits from me.
Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 16, 2013 at 1:36 AM
Excellent exposure Bill. I agree with Lon on how nicely the honey colored bear stands out from the darkness. If there is room, might look at cropping down from the top to exclude the light-colored rock at the top and add just a sliver more water at the bottom. There is a definite gritty realism in this bear photo; she's wet, there are rocks and stumps and dirt and she's watchful and precariously posed on the limbs of a nasty old snag. Cool!
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by William Bickle on February 16, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Hello Clint and Gary

Thanks for taking the time to submit.

Gary
I see the rock up higher and can probably adjust for it. There is an island of sedge grass between us and any lower crop would
not work here. This is a Very Wild place with many obtrusive shoreline entanglemnts , especially when the tide is receding ( up to 20 foot tide) . But makes for interest and timing the opportunities to capture! The guides (Tom & Brad) were Spectacular
with their knowledge and tenacity to stay with it , the weather ( Rained each day , sometimes all day) was not an issue for me and really appreciated being able to endure the extremely long days( 7am until after 10pm) sometimes, This is an Adventure to Remember !! Very Special time:)

Bill
Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 20, 2013 at 3:42 PM
Congrats Bill, great image :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Murali Santhanam on February 20, 2013 at 10:40 PM
What a setting. Great Photograph. Congratulations.
Registered on July 31, 2008, 43 Posts, 331 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Andrews on February 22, 2013 at 9:44 AM
Agree with Lon and Gary re the cropping, great contrast and detail in this shot.
Registered on December 31, 2011, 45 Posts, 222 Comments