THE Bear

I've been living and playing around brown bears for the last 35 years, photographing them on and off for the last 25 or so. Yeah, I've accumulated some memorable images, but never quite got where I wanted with them. My quest was all about finding the right bear in the right circumstances. I wanted it in great light, aware of my presence and unconcerned. But each time all those conditions were met, my camera was far, far away.

I finally found THE bear last week. He was lolling on a sandbar near home and could give a big fat hoot that I was watching from 30 yards away with my 500 f/4. The sky was muted overcast, and THE bear continued to relax and pose for the best part of an hour. I shot every imaginable framing, pose, exposure and expression.

This is but a sample of the several hundred new images I proudly added to my files.

Me? Happy? Nah, I'm ecstatic!!

Congratulations Hank - sounds like a great experience!

Hank,

Wonderful photo! The bear's look conjures up many wonderful captions. Show more!

Karen

"Ecstatic". I can see why Hank! Great look on that bear's face, and great lighting. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks folks. I'll be watching this bear for years to come! I can't resist posting one more, just to illustrate the possibilities when "bracketing" for framing and changes in a subject.

Excellent, Hank!
Sandy r

Wow - lucky you! Wonderful images, thanks so much for sharing them, Hank.

Superb shots! TY for posting these.

Great images. Talk about a "model bear". Gives you the impression that you could go right up to him and give him a bear hug

Both excellent shots. IMO the bear looks even less concerned in the second one. Any wild animal comfortable enough to be lying on the ground in your presence is definately not worried. Thanks for posting.