Spring Shower
Male polar bear is seen here shaking off the remains of an early spring bath.
Male polar bear is seen here shaking off the remains of an early spring bath.
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Dec, 2016Views
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo early one morning at Toronto Zoo. Seen here, Inukshuk was bathing in his small pool, which gave me a chance to get a portrait of him with the sun streaming through the backscatter as he shook off the water.Time
The time was early in the morning, perfect for backlighting, right after the Zoo opened, a time when I used to head immediately for the polar bear exhibit.Lighting
Because of its location, it's impossible to get a backlighted shot of the bears from their large pool, but from the small pool it's possible to do so - and the lighting here with the bright sunshine looked dazzling as it was filtered through the water being thrown out by Inukshuk.Equipment
I shot this photo handheld with a Sony Alpha 850 and a Sony G 70-400 mm zoom lens. No flash was needed.Inspiration
The year I took this photo I was constantly hanging around the polar bear exhibit and constantly on the lookout for favourable light with one of the bears bathing in the small pool. On this day it all came together and I couldn't believe my luck.Editing
The only post-processing I did was for contrast, brightness, and sharpness.In my camera bag
The equipment I carry in my bag is the Sony Alpha 850, the 70-400 Sony G zoom, and a 2.8 24-70 Sony G zoom lens. This gear along with a circular polarizer and cleaning equipment is usually all I carry.Feedback
You have to watch for the light. It is the light which will distinguish the photo, no matter what the subject, and backlighting and side lighting are particularly beautiful.
