Bear reflections
by Mark ~ October 28th, 2009. Filed under: Destinations, nature photography, wildlife.
Bear reflection
I was fortunate enough to capture a few scenes with some nice reflections of these coastal brown bears (aka. grizzly bears aka. ursus arctos ). It seemed to be a rare occurrence when a bear would walk along the water’s edge and at the same time have the water calm enough for a reflection, AND be in a good position to anticipate their walking. The bears were obviously always in control of where they were headed. But once they started in a certain direction, you could predict some possible opportunities like these.
Walking bear
Let me tell you – salty seawater muck with algae, decaying jellyfish, mud, bear scat, and fish heads has a particularly nasty smell to it. Go figure! :-) Ahhh, the smell of nature.
These reflections represent to me the interconnectivity of the bears with the water in this area of Kinak Bay, Katmai National Park.
October 28th, 2009 at
Amazing images! The “walking bear” image is especially impressive… such a powerful animal captured brilliantly.
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October 28th, 2009 at
These are truly gorgeous, Mark! I’ve really been enjoying your Katmai posts. In addition to the interconnectivity of the bears with their environment, to me, the reflection speaks to the fragility of that connection. The way the reflection of the walking bear is clear near the feet, and fades so beautifully as your eyes follow it towards the head gives me the feeling of how if we aren’t careful with our resources we can watch even the most magnificent of creatures fade away. Breathtaking work!
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October 29th, 2009 at
Hey Mark,
Very nice. I’ve shot bears at Katmai a number of times now, and still don’t have a really nice reflection photo. These are great.
That smell is something else, eh?
Cheers
Carl
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October 29th, 2009 at
Awesome photos. How wonderful to be able to watch them in this way, aside from the smells.
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October 29th, 2009 at
Excellent shots! I did a slideshow of our video and photos of bear viewing and told everyone that watched it the part they were missing was the smell. It’s, shall we say, memorable!
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October 29th, 2009 at
lovely photos Mark
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October 29th, 2009 at
These images are impressive.
The shot of the walking bear is a class in itself. Perfectly framed and composed it radiates the power of these magnificent animals.
How close were you to the bears?
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October 30th, 2009 at
Mark, these might be some of my favorites–the reflections really make them.
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October 30th, 2009 at
The reflections add another lovely layers to this story that is unfolding. As this tale builds I wonder how you can continue to top yourself!
I am betting that most everyone is grateful that we don’t get smellavision with these. The descriptions of the odor would seem to be adquate.
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October 30th, 2009 at
Walking bear is stunning. I can imagine the smell, but it’s all part of the package.
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October 30th, 2009 at
Hey Mark,
Re; the smells.
Bears probably make similar comments about photographers and neoprene and polycarbonate materials, eh?
Cheers
Carl
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October 31st, 2009 at
Carl – I have no doubt about that. I noticed a sniff and a strange look once in awhile. It wasn’t exactly easy taking a shower on that boat.
Thanks a lot everyone.
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November 2nd, 2009 at
Images with impact as all from your trip to Alaska. The image no.2 is really powerful but I like also the first one and mainly because bears are very rarely captured in still position, at least in documentary movies which I’ve seen. Great work!
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Mark Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at
Thank you Tomas.
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November 7th, 2009 at
Beautiful shots which we can sit here with our cup of tea and enjoy without the smell. Oh the luxury we have…
Thanks for sharing these great reflection shots.
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November 14th, 2009 at
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November 15th, 2009 at
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