Sow and Cub Grizzly

[Mike Robinson]

I was having a really good shoot on this pair this morning when the sun popped out and the light got harsh. Of course they both immediately stood up and gave me this shot. I applied a reverse contrast curve in LR2 then a little structure in Viveza2 to get back the detail in the fur and I think saved a shot I would have had to reluctantly delete.

Canon 1DM4, 800f5.6 + 1.4 TC2, Gitzo, Iso 1600 f11 @ 1/2000

[Morkel Erasmus]

just love their poses and the colours here, think you salvaged it quite well! @ 800mm they must've been a fair distance from you - how much of a crop is this?

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Mike A keeper in my book !! Love the poses and overall feel Did real well in PS for this one !! ... sending PM !!!

[Andrew Merwin]

Great pose. I like the yearling' s crossed paws & the BG. I also think this is a keeper.
Andrew

[Hilary Hann]

Salvaged well and the poses of the bears put it in the 'keeper' folder for me. Well done.

[Robert Amoruso]

Mike,

Nice work in LR to soften the harsh light. Nice juxtaposition of the poses make this one a keeper.

I suggest selecting the eyes, lightening them and moderately sharpening them to add pop. I do this with most of my bear images.

[Rachel Hollander]

Mike - Great shot and timing. Was this taken just outside the East Entrance to Yellowstone? I saw a similar photo posted on the YNet forums.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Mike

Yep, certainly the pose is a good one, especially with having two bears. Would like to see a fraction more foreground if possible and would suggest running some form of NR only on the BG down to the grasses. The closest bear has really good, sharp focus on the paws can you tell me where the FP was set to, you can find this in DPP, just curious? Overall, nice job.

TFS
Steve

[Tom Graham]

Nice. Like RA would work on eyes. (and rear paws :) )
Tom

[Mike Robinson]

"Thanks for the comments everyone. This is nearly full frame with only a very slight crop on the right side only for composition. I was really lucky that they fit in vertically and had no time to take off the converter. No FP shown. I focused with the * button and then recomposed and fired. I presume I was focused on the sows head, but I don't remember. Yes, this was shot outside the East Entrance near where I live..

[Steve Berkowitz]

A keeper for sure. Super background too. what a great place to live.

[Harshad Barve]

lovely pose by both grizzly
TFS