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Intensity
On a September 2020 bucket list trip to Katmai National Park in southwest Alaska, I was able to spend 20+ hours with countless Coastal Brown Bears who were focu...
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On a September 2020 bucket list trip to Katmai National Park in southwest Alaska, I was able to spend 20+ hours with countless Coastal Brown Bears who were focused on bulking up for their long winter hibernation. I was with a very experienced guide, along with another guest who happened to be a professional photographer (he taught me so much and my photography skills improved tremendously over the course of four days). The bears we came into contact with couldn't care less that we were there - - they would walk within a few feet of us and only give a sideways glance, as they knew we were no threat, and their sole focus was catching salmon. This particular bear ("Scarbutt") was very busy fishing... then he happened to turn my way as he was scanning for fish -- the intensity in his eyes was incredible! My heart raced with excitement as he continued walking toward me, then suddenly veered to the left and pounced on an unsuspecting silver salmon. Worst day for that salmon, but one of the best days of my life!
390mm, 1-1250s, f-7.1, ISO 640
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390mm, 1-1250s, f-7.1, ISO 640
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Oct, 2020Views
912
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Spring 21 Award
Winner in Your favorite photo of 2020 Photo Challenge
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Genius
All Star
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Top 30 rank week 1
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Vash01Photo
November 26, 2020
What an amazing experience! I have Katmai park on my bucket list. Some day I may get such great shots of bears.
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ToddGrivettiPhotography
November 26, 2020
Beautiful detail all around here Jenny. Katmai is on our bucket list as well. Maybe next year. Sounds like you have a great time! Well deserved Winner in the "Your Favorite Photo of 2020.
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on a river that fed into Geographic Harbor in Katmai National Park, Alaska. I am a self-taught amateur photographer, but was lucky that another guest on my tour was a professional, who taught me a few tips on perfecting my focusing ability. I was beyond thrilled to capture this moment in time!Time
This is my favorite out of almost 4,000 photos I took while spending four days in Katmai National Park. After a couple mornings with temperatures in the low 40’s, this day was a bit warmer, with crystal clear skies. This photo was taken at 8:52am on September 10, 2020.Lighting
I happened to be in the perfect location to capture this bear walking directly towards me, and it was early enough in the day to take advantage of the natural light of the morning. The bears were in constant motion as they fished the river for silver salmon, so many of my shots were taken directly into the sun. In this particular instance, I was at the right place at the right time, with the right bear.Equipment
This was shot on a Canon 80D using a (rented) Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L at ISO 640, 390mm, f/7.1, 1/1250s, using a travel tripod.Inspiration
I have had the opportunity to visit Alaska many times in the past, and visiting Katmai National Park with its famous "big bears" had been on my bucket list for many years. I have visited Denali National Park countless times, and had the opportunity to photograph bears, but only at a distance. After having to postpone a trip to South Africa because of the current pandemic, I found myself with a few opens weeks, so I started doing some Alaska research. I booked the trip just a couple months in advance, feeling lucky that others had postponed their trips by a year, leaving an open slot! Katmai was better than I ever could have imagined, and I can't wait for a return trip!Editing
The post-processing on this photo was minimal. I made slight adjustments to exposure, highlights and vibrance, but otherwise did not need to do any major editing.In my camera bag
I love my Canon 80D! As far as lenses, my go-to for wildlife photography is my Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3. (On this particular trip, I rented the Canon 100-400mm since I had heard nothing but positive things about it.) I also carry a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6, which I use when animals are close to my vehicle. For astrophotography, I carry a Tamron 10-24mm F/3. Finally, I am never without my travel tripod!Feedback
It's not easy to get to Katmai National Park, but well worth the time and expense. Being able to safely photograph these huge bears with a very experienced guide was a life-changing experience. I can highly recommend Adventure Kodiak as a small group, boat adventure - - a really cool way to visit Katmai! Friendly people, comfortable staterooms, knowledgable bear guides (and really good food!). Never give up on your dreams!
