The Bear Hugger BW
Embracing the "inner child" of a bathing grizzly bear separated by protective glass.
Embracing the "inner child" of a bathing grizzly bear separated by protective glass.
Read less
Read less
Oct, 2018Views
1925
Likes
Awards
Amateur Winner At The Zoo Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Behind You Photo Contest
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Photo Contest Vol 46
Contest Finalist in Thankful Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Virtuoso
All Star
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minn.Time
This photo was taken in late afternoon.Lighting
The subject (s) were back-lit. As the boy was the subject of the photo, I used the back of his head as a spot to set the exposure...and hoped for the best.Equipment
Used a Canon 5D Mk IV with a Canon 24-105mm lens. No flash, hand held.Inspiration
This photo is the result of being in the right place at the right time with a camera in hand. The bear viewing area features covered, cave-like enclosures that allow visitors to view grizzly bears as they play in the water. When I entered this enclosure, I watched two small boys playing up close with the bear that happened to be at the glass at the time. The boys were having fun, and the bear really looked to be enjoying himself as well. I picked up my camera and quickly took a couple of shots that captured the "bear hug."Editing
Yes, I used Lightroom for post processing. I chose to process as a black and white photo due to some of the light issues that surfaced with color and the fact that the B&W photo simply had more impact than that color. Interestingly enough, it wasn't until the post processing that I clearly see the reflection of the second boy in the window. It was one of those unexpected things that I think added to the photo instead of detracting from it.In my camera bag
My Canon 5D MkIV with 24-105 and 70-300 mm lenses and monopod was all I had with me that day.Feedback
My advice to anyone looking to capture something similar is to have an idea of the shots you want, but always be prepared for the unexpected. The zoo enclosures can be dark, so it's a good idea to boost your ISO to allow for a fast shutter speed to capture movement. The Minnesota Zoo has large outdoor enclosures for many of its large mammals. On this day, I was just hoping to take some nice shots of animals. But the magic happened when kids and the animals interact. Whether at a zoo or in the wild, always be ready to capture spontaneous moments when shooting wildlife. Animals- even zoo animals- rarely stop and pose for the perfect shot. Patience is also important. This was only the second time in my life that I took a camera to a zoo. I had a good time viewing the animals and was lucky enough to take a story-telling photo along the way. If I can do it, you can too!
