My five nights and six days in Alaska's Katmai, proved to be the good the bad and the ugly as usual. Camping and standing all day in the rain trying to keep the equipment dry and get enough shutter speed can be a challenge. After 25 days over the last five years trying to get the classic shot of the bear at the top of the falls with the fish just inside the mouth, I was sure that with six more days and being later in the fish run, I would get the shot I was after. The main problem has never been not enough bears, but the fish were always no shows and only a few would jump the falls, so there was no reason for the bears to stand at the top of the falls. Well, this year, the problem was the opposite, plenty of fish jumping the falls but no bears to catch them. There were times when there were more than 100 fish jumping the falls per minute. For some reason the bears were late coming this year. The good news is every year I have to tell the wife, I have to go back because I did not get the shot. The bad news is that I don't know that my body will take the beating it takes to get there carry the gear over six miles a day and sleep in a rainy tent. I was lucky enough to witness to brawls this year and it is just possible to describe the thrill it it to see this. Every bear has some kind of wound, and I can only imagine what it must be like to wander around in the bush and have to defend yourself.
All whining aside, I had a great time and got plenty of great shots, just not the one at the end of the rainbow. Bruce
Welcome home brother and good to know you are back safe and sound
Terrific opening shots from this years trip and even though your subjects didn't cooperate I know we are in for some special moments
Thomas Sanders wrote:
Welcome home brother and good to know you are back safe and sound
Terrific opening shots from this years trip and even though your subjects didn't cooperate I know we are in for some special moments
Bring em on buddy
Tom
Thanks Tom, I got plenty of good shots, more to come. This lousy weather at home makes me want to go back. Went up to your hummer haven and shot some Friday and Saturday. Bruce
penpro wrote:
Wow, so did you break up the fight and tell them to go to their rooms?
Great shots.
Thanks,, I am not their mother, they can settle it themselves. It does get serious though, there was one spring cub killed and eaten while I was there by a big male. Bruce
I'm glad to see you made it back and none the worse for wear. There is something to be said about the quest for the holy grail shot....I have not found mine in Africa either...and that is part of the reason I return. I am sure you will venture back...that is the lure that we all feel and the tug on the sleeve that says..."just one more time". Nice images Bruce and looking forward to many more.
Eric
Bruce, I've been holding my breath waiting for you to get back as I enjoy very much your bear photos. Dang rain and even worse a leaking tent. Inspite of it your shots look great and I love the action, especially #3 of the two fighting. That must be a sight to behold and hear.
Hope to see some more over the next days (weeks ).
Sounds like a great but exhausting adventure.
Your first image is incredible, packed with emotion and drama.
The backward glance in the second picture is priceless. Your commitment to your subject is evident in the evocative nature apparent in each image.
such great captures of such amazing animals. i have never seen a grizzly in the wild so for the moment your fine shots are as close as i will get for a while. just great....
Great set Bruce! You may not have got the holy grail shot you envisioned but, you did very well. Personally, I would not trade the experience of getting a bunch of really good images, for the possession of one great image. Your going back - no doubt about that.
eyelaser wrote:
I'm glad to see you made it back and none the worse for wear. There is something to be said about the quest for the holy grail shot....I have not found mine in Africa either...and that is part of the reason I return. I am sure you will venture back...that is the lure that we all feel and the tug on the sleeve that says..."just one more time". Nice images Bruce and looking forward to many more.
Eric
Thanks Eric, I know what you mean. Bruce
