Snackin' In A Tree

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 1, 2014666 views4 comments

Hi everyone! This image was taken in Waterton Lakes National Park (shocking, I know

) this summer. We were driving along when my mom and I simultaneously spotted a sow with two cubs. Of course, we just had to photograph them! I mean, who can pass up the opportunity of photographing adorable cubs?

One of the cubs decided to climb a nearby tree, and found something to snack on. I didn't want to be shooting straight up at him so I sat in the truck window and shot over the roof of our vehicle. Of course, I was still shooting up at him, but the angle was certainly an improvement.

I'm still trying to figure out what that gunk on his head is. His sibling and mother also had it, and it gives the appearance of crusty fur once it dries. This is the only time we've seen something like this this year.

I like how in the image you can see his teeth, claws, and eyes without trouble.

Please view the larger image attached, as it shows the image off better.

Thank y'all for lookin'!

Nikon D7100
Nikkor 300mm f/4 IF-ED VR lens
ISO 1600
1/1250sec @ f/4

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on August 2, 2014 at 3:03 AM

This is a cool shot Jenaya, nicely framed. I would try and recover a hint more detail from the dark fur (I can imaging this being an exposure challenge with the bright background). Would work well as a high key B&W conversion too!

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 2, 2014 at 10:04 AM

Jenaya, you did an admirable job of getting a black bear against a bright sky without blowing all highlights, yet retaining decent shadow detail. I really find myself trying to understand the mud (or whatever ) on his/her head. You framing and the pose make for good composition, too.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on August 3, 2014 at 7:39 PM

Nice one, Jaye! You pulled off a great frame here. Because I was there and remember the scene well, I can say this is a testament to you "finding" the right comp in what was really not that interesting of a view. When I saw this picture, I immediately realized you had seen a lot more potential than I had, and it shows. Great job dealing with a wide range of exposure values without losing detail in either the DARK shadows (it is a black bear, after all!) and brightest background highlights. I really like the translucence, texture and sharpness of the leaves and character of the branch the cub is on. But as you stated, it's the uplifted paw, the visible claws and teeth, and the seeds in his open mouth that make this one stand out. Two thumbs up!!

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on August 4, 2014 at 11:32 AM

Nice job getting some details out of this dark subject (especially with that lighter background... not the easiest exposure). I really like your composition choice given the diagonal contour of the leaf line.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments