Happiness

Gallery: WildlifePosted May 3, 2015138 views7 comments

Katmai, Alaska
Nikon D4s, Nikkor 500mm f/4G VR + AF-S TC-14EII @ 700mm on a Gitzo tripod and Wimberley gimbal head
F/11, 1/1250s, +0.3EV Exposure, Auto ISO (1100), Focus Mode: AF-C, AF-Area: Single, VR: ON

What is going through a (mama) bear's mind when (s)he is looking straight at you? Or: what is going through your mind? I haven't figured out both and I don't think I ever will...(bear psychologists out there who speak 'bear': please enlighten me ;)

All I know is that's it something special when a bear looks at you... In this case mum was playing with her 2 cubs, or rather the cubs were playing with her as she visibly enjoyed the action... until about a couple of minutes or so when she felt it was time to move on. Obviously she was aware of us while the play was ongoing, and when she briefly looked up I hit the shutter on my D4s at 11 frames/second.

I'll continue to post images from Katmai and other places from around the world from my website (http://www.fliek.com), whenever I manage to free up some time to do so (which is not as often as I'd like!)

As usual, comment & critiques welcomed! - perhaps better to click on the image for a larger version.
(but please don't make copies and make it look like a red bear from Mars ;)

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on May 3, 2015 at 3:45 PM

A very cute moment!

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on May 3, 2015 at 4:48 PM

Hi Henk,

I'm in agreement with Morkel that this is a very cute moment. And I'm in agreement with you that there's something unique about looking into a bear's eyes...it's a special thing to do!

I like the image as posted, but I'd recommend experimenting with two things. First, to my eye it looks slightly overexposed globally - the first thing I'd do would be to reduce the exposure by 1/3 to 1/2 stop and check it out. Secondly, I think a selective bump in contrast to the bears themselves would really make this image pop (and reinforce how darn cute of a scene you have here).

One thing confuses me? I thought all bears from Katmai were blue? enlightened

Cheers...and thanks a bunch for sharing this one...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on May 4, 2015 at 1:14 AM

Henk,

A vey tender moment.

I agree with Brad rhat it looks a little overexposed.

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on May 4, 2015 at 2:44 AM

Great moment !

N processing is not so difficult to improve.

Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on May 4, 2015 at 11:03 AM

Great moment, Henk. I agree with other comments but wanted to add that you composition is noteworthy. The overall trianular shape is strong, of course, but the downturned angle of the mother's face provides an nice inverted triangle (mirror of shape) at the top ...and then the little guy with nose up adds a compelling interest point for the eye to rest.

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

Comment posted by John Launstein on May 7, 2015 at 12:47 AM

Fantastic image, Hank! Reallly love this one, and had noticed the triangles that Lon mentioned as well. This has a lot going for it...a tender moment, a wonderful look, and great overall graphical feel. Top shelf IMO.

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

Comment posted by William Bickle on May 10, 2015 at 4:39 PM

Hello Henk

Welldone to show an excellent scene, appropriate for any mothers love showing through!

The fur coats are rich and full, leaving a gentle softness to the intimate scene!

Thanks for sharing

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments