mattdaugherty

Mothers Milk

A very intimate moment shared with an Alaskan brown bear and her cubs in Lake Clark National Park.

A very intimate moment shared with an Alaskan brown bear and her cubs in Lake Clark National Park.
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Feb, 2014

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Awards

Contest Finalist in Alaska The Wild Photo Contest

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Peer Award

+82

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Absolute Masterpiece

+18

Top Choice

+17

Superb Composition

+14

Magnificent Capture

All Star

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Behind The Lens

Location

This image was taken in a meadow near the coast of the Cook Inlet at Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Time

The coastal brown bears that we encountered (all of which were females) were very comfortable around humans which allowed for some very candid moments. This afternoon was no different as seven of us watched this sow graze with her cubs. A call came in that there was another bear near by beginning to fish and four members of our party left in hopes of getting something more "exciting" to photograph. As soon as they left the cubs started to whine and mama bear rolled over to nurse. As everyone became relaxed we three lucky photogs crept in a little closer for a more intimate shot. The intimacy of this moment is what I remember so vividly, truly one of the most satisfying images I've ever produced.

Lighting

The passing rain that day not only gave me great muted light for this mid-day shot but also gave everything, including the bears, a rich texture and color.

Equipment

I shot with a Canon 5D III @ 500mm with a tripod

Inspiration

The countless hours I spent as a kid watching shows like Mutual of Omahas Wild Kingdom or dipping into my parents Nat Geo library gave me a healthy fascination for all things wild, and you can't get more wild than the Last Frontier, Alaska.

Editing

Fortunately this image didn't require much in the way of processing, just a run through high pass, a boost in color and a run through NIK software for some vignetting.

In my camera bag

I'm predominantly a landscape photographer and carry the Canon 24mm prime as well as the Canon 50mm for pano work, but when it comes to wildlife the Canon 500mm prime lens is fantastically sharp.

Feedback

Patience, as a beginner my approach to wildlife photography was put that baby into burst mode and hopefully I'll get lucky capturing that "one moment" perfectly. That theory is really good for filling flash cards with underwhelming photography. I have found that putting the camera down to "experience" the moment gives me a better chance of creating an image that I feel connected to, and in many cases other people feel connected to...

See more amazing photos, follow mattdaugherty

mattdaugherty

mattdaugherty

Mothers Milk

A very intimate moment shared with an Alaskan brown bear and her cubs in Lake Clark National Park.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow mattdaugherty

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