Polar Kiss
On a trip with a small group to Kaktovik, Alaska we spent most of the day following the antics of these beautiful cubs. They had been wrestling and then turned ...
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On a trip with a small group to Kaktovik, Alaska we spent most of the day following the antics of these beautiful cubs. They had been wrestling and then turned and gently touched noses.
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Apr, 2016Views
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scottwickward
December 28, 2016
Kaktovik is a magic place isn't it!!! I loved every breathing moment there!! I spent the last week of September there and met amazing people and got to photograph these wondrous animals!! I couldn't be more greatfull for the experience . You captured the bears beautifully!!!
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was on a trip to Kaktovik on Barter Island in Alaska and we went out each day in a very small boat and in a blizzard to capture images of these amazing creatures.Time
We had not been out for long and it was mid morning when these two youngsters started exploring on their own and generally engaging in some bear cub communication.Lighting
There was no way to control the lighting as the sky was leaden and a blizzard was howling. I do love the snow swirling past and the creamy white of the bears against the grey sky.Equipment
Shot on a Canon 7D with a 100-400mm lens. The focal length was only 235 mm as we were not far from the cubs.ISO 400, f5.6 and 1/500th sec enable a sharp shot hand held.Inspiration
Polar Bears are my passion - I have seen them in Svalbard, Alaska and Canada. I believe they are the "canary in the coal mine" as far as climate change and global warming is concerned. I don't have the attitude of needing to see them before they are gone but want people to see their images and realise we need to do so much more to slow up this devastating global threat.Editing
Mostly lightning the image, applying noise reduction, sharpening the fur a little and adding a little clarity to make the snow stand out and a very light vignette.In my camera bag
My gear varies according to my goal but for wildlife it's 2 canon bodies - 5D MkIII and 6D, 100-400mm lens, wide angle lens and perhaps the 70 -200. Of course a tripod.Feedback
Dress for the cold, be prepared for extreme weather, don't expect 5 star hotels and remember this is wildlife - sometimes you see them, sometimes you don't. Respect the animals - don't invade their space, don't feel you have to get your shot at any cost and take time to just look at these beautiful creatures.
