**** Ok boys and girls, I think it's time to add a few more details about this shot given some of the replies:
1. I took this image while being part of a tour.
2. The tour had a professional guide.
3. The guide followed very specific rules and guidelines for the safety of the participants and equally important, for the safety of the bears (yes, they can handle themselves but should any kind of accident occur, it would not be good for anyone - bear included).
4. The bear approached to this distance, we did not.
5. Particulary with grizzlies, you do not run away. After giving us a quick glance, this bear went about it's business as usual.
6. These bears do not have any more than a passing interest in humans....unless you smell of salmon.
7. No photograph is worth endangering your own life for or the life of what happens to be at the end of your lens.
8. This is not something I'd EVER suggest you do on your own.
9. While we were there, we saw a film crew from either the BBC or NG (can't remember which). That team took the same precautions we did as did members of other groups. Katmai has been a destination for bear watching and photography for decades - just like Brooks Falls and other places.
10. Before making assumptions, please do some research or send me a PM. I'm usually a reasonable person and while I may not agree with you, I am certainly open to other points of view.
11. Since I've perhaps stirred the pot for some by posting this image, I shall refrain from posting other Katmai images. No, I'm not pouting Besides, I've lots of other Alaska images to share.
So, I will say a big thank you to those who have questioned the manner in which I got this shot. I think that while the delivery may have been a bit aggressive (thinking of one guy in particular without naming anyone), the intent of such a comment is positive. Hopefully the information above clarifies things a bit but if not, feel free to contact me.
p.1 #3 · **UPDATED: Katmai, Brown Bear and a 24-105.
Wow!!! 105mm!! That bear must be well fed! What did you do after you took the shot? Hopefully stayed veeeerrrrryyyyy still. Thanks for sharing an awesome image.
p.1 #4 · **UPDATED: Katmai, Brown Bear and a 24-105.
Henrik...is this the one about being faster than the guy next to you?
Super shot and glad you made it home to post it. Interesting parallel with the grizzes back humps and the mountains in the distance.
Eric
p.1 #6 · **UPDATED: Katmai, Brown Bear and a 24-105.
angel manguel wrote:
Wow!!! 105mm!! That bear must be well fed! What did you do after you took the shot? Hopefully stayed veeeerrrrryyyyy still. Thanks for sharing an awesome image.
Alan
The Katmai bears are indeed well-fed---it's salmon running season and they are fattening up nicely about now. They have never seen humans as a food source so they basically ignore us.
105mm!! 
