Bear kiss

[Tin Man Lee]

It was a slow day at Lake Clark National Park. The spring cub was sleeping most of the time. Yet we kept waiting, believing that something good would happen. This was taken right after the cub wake up. We were glad we waited. The whole thing lasted for less than a second.

I stayed at Alaska Homestead Lodge, and Barrett was our guide. Canon 1DX, 200-400, ISO 1600, f6.3, 1/800s, RRS TVC 33 tripod, Wimberley II. Processed with CS 6 and Nik Viveza. I removed a piece of grass on the cub's lower body because it was distracting.

[Diane Miller]

This is wonderful! I don't think I've ever seen such a small bear cub -- or else the pose with the mother makes it look tiny. And I love how the OOF grass frames the bears.

I think I'd be tempter to look at variations in exposure and contrast, darkening the BG a little but holding detail in the darks. But maybe you did that and this is the best result. I can't complain about it!

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Awesome interaction in this image and the comp and details are very good! TFS.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Tin Man - a tender moment, well captured with excellent detail. All you need is one image like this to turn a "slow day" into a great day!

It would be great if you would comment on other images. It helps us all learn from each other and create a community atmosphere. As you know, we recommend posting comments on at least 5 other images each time you post an image.

TFS,
Rachel

[Tin Man Lee]

Hi Diane, thanks a lot for your suggestion. I already darkened the background quite a lot using Viveza, but you are right, maybe I should darken even more. I am not familiar with using luminosity mask to reduce brightness while holding the details. I will look into that.

This is wonderful! I don't think I've ever seen such a small bear cub -- or else the pose with the mother makes it look tiny. And I love how the OOF grass frames the bears.

I think I'd be tempter to look at variations in exposure and contrast, darkening the BG a little but holding detail in the darks. But maybe you did that and this is the best result. I can't complain about it!

[Tin Man Lee]

Yes, Rachel, I just did start to comment. Sorry about that.

Hi Tin Man - a tender moment, well captured with excellent detail. All you need is one image like this to turn a "slow day" into a great day!

It would be great if you would comment on other images. It helps us all learn from each other and create a community atmosphere. As you know, we recommend posting comments on at least 5 other images each time you post an image.

TFS,
Rachel

[edwardselfe]

Beautiful image - great composition and perfectly timed. I just played with a luminosity mask in PS and it really brings this out - look it up and you'll be into a winner with this shot. Envious!
Ed

[Tin Man Lee]

Edward, thanks for your comment. You got me really curious to try it out later today. Thanks! I will report back afterwards.

Beautiful image - great composition and perfectly timed. I just played with a luminosity mask in PS and it really brings this out - look it up and you'll be into a winner with this shot. Envious!
Ed

[Tin Man Lee]

By the way, just looked at your website. I was blown away.

Beautiful image - great composition and perfectly timed. I just played with a luminosity mask in PS and it really brings this out - look it up and you'll be into a winner with this shot. Envious!
Ed

[Loi Nguyen]

Hi Tin Man, this is indeed a beautiful moment, the BG and FG a bit bright, but you had great deals on the bears, especially the Mom. So, I'd suggest darkening the BG and FG a little bit, but not losing the details on the bears. It is great to have eye contact with the Mom. I wish the cub head angle slightly towards you, but this is a wonderful image as is. What time f the year was it?