Shooting on an Alaskan salmon stream can bring bears really close. My own personal style is subject isolation so when they get close I don't care for images captured with shorter lenses. When they approach inside 300mm frame filling range I tend to go back to longer FL and shoot close ups. And sometimes at longer ranges just because I like close ups. At any rate, it's not for everybody but here are a few examples.
Most shot with Nikon Z8/400mm 4.5 handheld. Exceptions as indicated with Z9/180-400TC/tripod
1) Z9; IMO the prettiest bear on the creek.
2) Z9; Bear lipstick.
3) Sneaky
4) Another pretty lady.
5) Same bear as no.4
6) Z9; Eat'em where you catch'em.
7) Bear in the grass.
8) This one was really close.
9) Red tips.
10) They've really got beady little eyes for such large creatures.
11) Deceptively docile looking.
12) Interesting hair ridge down the brow of the nose.
kdacharya wrote:
#5 is my pick, Dan. thanks for sharing
Yeah the streaming water is pretty cool. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Imagemaster wrote:
Great regardless of distance.
Tony
Thanks, Tony. On that trip there was plenty of opportunity for various range shots.
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louie champan wrote:
What an incredible set Dan, most impressive!
Appreciate the comment, Louie.
Direct eye contact in these images really puts them a cut above. I love how in the second image (red lips) it is giving you some serious side eye
-Chris
surgemaster wrote:
Top notch, Dan.
Rex
Thanks, Rex.
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cambyses wrote:
Wow, amazing series, TFS...
Glad you enjoyed the photos.
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Timkr wrote:
Excellent!
Thanks for commenting.
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Tim D. wrote:
These are fantastic! I love #5 with the water. Very well done Dan.
Appreciate it, Tim. Yes the streaming water makes for interesting possibilities.
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Ted ellis wrote:
Great looking shots Dan.
Thanks, Ted.
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cseelye wrote:
Direct eye contact in these images really puts them a cut above. I love how in the second image (red lips) it is giving you some serious side eye
-Chris
Thanks for commenting, Chris. Yes eye contact makes a huge difference. If I'd have know that big lady was looking at me that way I might have pulled up and left. In the still shot she looks a bit perturbed.
These are full frame with a 14mm 2.8 lens, right?? Absolutely outstanding portraits and I like the trace of blood in the second image and the water in the fourth.
