This male Black Bear came cruising through up north last weekend and afforded me a surprise photo op! I assume he was out looking for females as this was in the middle of the day.

Thanks for looking!


Al

Nikon D300s, ISO 400, +.7EV, 1/160 sec. Nikkor 55-300 @f/8 and 125mm. Hand held VR on.

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Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Looking for C&C on this shot - it's had 58 views. Definitely doesn't need to be positive.

Thanks - Al

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Composition, sharpness, are excellent. I do see a little halo around the back of the bear, don't know what that is from. Either a compression or sharpening artifcact, maybe???

You did a great job getting the exposure right on the black coat, which is not easy, in an impromptu situation.

It's not the most striking pose ever, but he's just being a bear cruising through, and they don't exactly take direction.

I'm envious of your cabin & wildlife opportunities! How close were you to him?

working on it in Middle TN
Nikon D3100
18-55 mm Nikkor VR
55-200 mm Nikkor VR
55-300 mm Nikkor VR
150-500 mm Sigma OS

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Thanks for the comments Diane -

You're right the pose could definitely be better- it was impromptu for sure, I'm not seeing the artifact you're describing, I need to go back and check the original capture and review my PP settings.

I was about 20' from him in my vehicle.

Thanks for taking the time to comment.



Al

Edit - the light was primarily behind him off his right shoulder. Not direct light but the sun was out creating a very bright sky- although he was in a shady area. The bush behind him wasn't all that tall - perhaps 15' or so. I think the lighting on the back is more of a rim light.

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That makes sense. I've seen those on my images from over-sharpening and the compression makes it worse, but the rest of the bear didn't really look over-sharpened.

Too bad those bears won't always stop and pose prettily for us!

That is still a very good photo, much better than the blurs most people are proud of!

working on it in Middle TN
Nikon D3100
18-55 mm Nikkor VR
55-200 mm Nikkor VR
55-300 mm Nikkor VR
150-500 mm Sigma OS

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

First, I'm envious that you get these photo opts. For an impromptu shot it is well done and you did a good job on the blacks. not to be critical, and I'm no expert but I would have liked a lower angle rather than shooting down on the bear and I would have reduced the f-stop from 8 to something lower as it would help throw the background out of focus a bit more. When I ride with my camera in the truck I usually set the lens to f4 and use aperture mode then I'm ready for the grab opportunities.

Still, it is a better bear photo than I've taken this year

Larry

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Al, He's in focus, there is good detail in his coat, you've stopped the action, looks good to me. Next time get him to sit down and put his front paws over his eyes That will get some comments!!!

Thanks for sharing,
Rick

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LOL that's a good one Rick!! Thanks for commenting.

Al

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