Congratulations to eyelaser for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 3 votes - View Previous Winners
I hope you don't mind that I decided to add one more set of images. Many people have reached out to me asking about the trip and I have tried to answer the best I could and as honestly as well. It was a true privilege to spend time with these amazing bears and frankly without my friend Don Gutoski it would have been impossible.
I suspect this will be my last trip to visit polar bears but my hope is that they survive so that others who may have the inclination are able to see them in the wild. This venue is only only way to see and photograph them but indeed a unique one in that it is possible to see them as they leave the den shortly after they are born.
Eric
5, 6 and 7 are the ones that touched my heart, Eric. Glad you were able to share these and I have lived vicariously though your eyes for many years and am a better being and I hope a better photographer because of it. Thanks so much for all these amazing shots and memories and the willingness to share unselfishly.Voted, obviously.
kdacharya wrote:
5, 6 and 7 are the ones that touched my heart, Eric. Glad you were able to share these and I have lived vicariously though your eyes for many years and am a better being and I hope a better photographer because of it. Thanks so much for all these amazing shots and memories and the willingness to share unselfishly.Voted, obviously.
Hi Eric...
KD said it much better than I. It's been a pleasure looking through your eyes in your bear adventures.
kdacharya wrote:
5, 6 and 7 are the ones that touched my heart, Eric. Glad you were able to share these and I have lived vicariously though your eyes for many years and am a better being and I hope a better photographer because of it. Thanks so much for all these amazing shots and memories and the willingness to share unselfishly.Voted, obviously.
Thanks my friend....it is quite interesting, to me at least, that my whole experience with these bears has been one of affection, family and totally non aggressive behavior. The truth however, is very different and their lives will shortly take on a much more difficult and at times gruesome course.
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KCollett wrote:
Another masterful set of bear images. Beautiful work Eric.
Thanks Kenny....these guys just lend themselves to story telling and imagery.
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morris wrote:
It has been a joy viewing your photos of the bears Eric. While these are all special, 5 and 7 are my top picks
Morris
Thanks so much Morris...I try to portray the sense I get when viewing them....I am pleased this comes across.
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Tom In Arizona wrote:
Hi Eric...
KD said it much better than I. It's been a pleasure looking through your eyes in your bear adventures.
Thanks
Tom
Thanks Tom...it has been a different kind of experience spending even what is really a very short amount of time with these bears. It is a little snippet in their lives, one that touches the heart but doesn't remotely tell their story of what they must endure going forward.
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louie champan wrote:
Another superb set Eric, never tire of viewing these images.
Thank you Louie. I do wish the clean mother bear had done a bit of a walkabout with the little ones in tow but was happy just to get the little ones playing on her and being very expressive while doing so.
I toyed about posting an 8 minute uncut video....but then I'd have to supply popcorn and slushies (or beer and pretzels) so decided against it
I've very much enjoyed viewing every one of your polar bear posts. Your genuine love of these animals comes through resoundingly in the moments you've captured and you're very fortunate to have had this experience. But you obviously already know that. I do have to say that your posts are a bit bittersweet because they bring to light how extremely sad it is that we even need to have a conversation at all about the future of these incredibly beautiful animals.
dallvr wrote:
Beautiful photos! I hope you do get to go back to shoot the bears again.
Thank you....one day perhaps but in the meantime I'd like to photograph some of their cousins....even if the scenes won't be quite as touching.
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arbitrage wrote: Very nice...time to warm up with some foxes next....
TFS
Geoff
Thanks Geoff....yes, I am most certainly looking forward to more nurturing behavior from a different species.
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OwlsEyes wrote:
So very nice Eric. I love your portrayal of the softer side of a polar bear.
I have no doubt that this was an amazing photographic experience for you.
cheers,
bruce
Thank you Bruce....I was really touched by their seemingly gentle nature. Yet, I am not for a moment fooled by a mother's nurturing behavior as that does not carry over to her standing as an apex predator. But for this split second, they are just a family and mom is doing what she must to nurture and protect her precious bundles.
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birdied wrote:
Always a true joy to see your work especially these polar bears.
Birdie
Thank you Birdie, I really appreciate you kind words. There is something so special about these bears as a family unit....the joy comes through in the playfulness of the cubs and the maternal instinct of mom
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sum1sgrampa wrote:
I've very much enjoyed viewing every one of your polar bear posts. Your genuine love of these animals comes through resoundingly in the moments you've captured and you're very fortunate to have had this experience. But you obviously already know that. I do have to say that your posts are a bit bittersweet because they bring to light how extremely sad it is that we even need to have a conversation at all about the future of these incredibly beautiful animals.
Many thanks....yes, it is truly bittersweet. It is difficult to imagine that such a powerful creature will soon cease to exist in the wild unless we make some changes very very quickly. And being able to see their family bonding and being fortunate enough to capture some images of their behavior has been a highlight of my time doing wildlife photography.
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Tim Kuhn wrote:
More greatness Eric. The cubs in the first steal the show for me. Excellent work
Tim
Thanks Tim....they are such wonderful animals to observe and "work" with....I was lucky indeed!
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quigsby wrote:
How wonderful to have this set, technically, esthetically and emotional perfect, nicely done.
Much appreciated....I have tried to convey much through the photographs and am happy that it appears that it was successful. The subjects, however, makes it much easier as they are so special
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lighthound wrote:
Yet another gorgeous set that I will be showing my wife. You are the PB master Eric and I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed all of them.
Dave
You are too kind Dave...not sure about being a master....I have learned quite a bit about photographing in an environment that I was totally inexperienced in prior. I will say, these sightings are incredibly rich....in just a short time the ability to have so many different and special poses is mind blowing....and there were many many I missed or blew because of frozen fingers or technical issues.
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surgemaster wrote:
Another wonderful set, Eric.
Rex
Very nice...time to warm up with some foxes next....
