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Thread: Grizzly and Two Bison Carcasses

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    Default Grizzly and Two Bison Carcasses

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    During Spring in Yellowstone, Grizzly Bears seek out and scavenge ungulate carcasses because they provide tremendous nutritional value at a time when their reserves are low.

    A Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) hoists a massive soaking Bison carcass from the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. During May of 2014, at least six different Grizzlies were feasting on two submerged bison carcasses near Lee Hardy Rapids; the two bison carcasses provided a windfall of nutrition for bears, eagles, ravens and many other animals. Canon 7D, 500mm f/4 IS, ISO 400, 1/640 second @ f/4.

    Just in case you have an interest in the derivation of the genus, species and subspecies name for the Grizzly Bear:
    Ursus is Latin for bear, arctos is from the Greek for brown bear, and horribilis is Latin meaning gruesome.


    Last edited by Steve Kaluski; 03-20-2016 at 06:47 AM.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Steve, I'm a sucker for bears in any shape or form, so pleased you posted one.

    An interesting scene, but for me, the key issue is the lack of the Bears face. I'm sure that a few frames later the face would have been more clearly visible, but still with the whole scene available i.e. crows around and the bear pawing at the carcass. The image looks/appears to be a little soft, going even to ISO 800 would have helped to gain more SS, however I would have also liked a bit more DoF too, hard to push the 7D IMHO. The exposure looks quite good considering the contrast of the snow and the darks of the bear, hard when you are trying to balance between the two, but your Histogram is your best friend here and avoid the screen to look for exposure, that is only good for comp.

    TFS and don't forget to chime in on other threads here too, it's a great way to learn.

    Steve

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    Hey Steve, I got rid of the 7D because I really couldn't push my copy beyond ISO 400 and this image was taken under very difficult poor light conditions. I agree with you that the exposure is pretty good considering that band of white snow and the dark water below. I did very limited PP on this image only adjusted highlights and shadows did not touch the exposure. I do have images with his face showing, hundreds actually but I am thinking outside the box for the theme. Not a wall anger or contest candidate but I hope that it conveys the reality of daily life and death struggle in Yellowstone.
    Last edited by steve torna; 03-20-2016 at 06:56 AM.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    I do have images with his face showing, hundreds actually but I am thinking outside the box for the theme.
    DOH, in the excitement I didn't see the prefix, so yes, this fits in nicely. Most people know I'm not a big fan of the 7D except in Daniel C's hands, the ISO isn't great and the exposure requires you to be spot on, not much leeway, what do you have now?

    Steve I'm away an on a laptop so I could be wrong, but I think you could get some more 'Contrast' from within the image, however don't use Contrast!!! I used Curves here and masks to get a bit more punch, likewise adding some USM to the subject. I also addeded a bit more Exposure (darkened it) in the FG to add a little more depth in the 'layering' of the image and a hint more of USM.

    Chhers
    Steve

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    Thanks Steve, all good! I shoot a 1D IV and a 5D III and enjoy both cameras very much indeed. They both produce very clean and crisp files. Your repost looks good, it added little punch to the image. Hard to get any good punch when the snow is dirty and it's just a sort of bland and ugly scene.
    Last edited by steve torna; 03-20-2016 at 07:41 AM.

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    Actually in studying the changes that you made, your repost improved it dramatically. It did add quite a bit of depth and punch. Thanks for the tips! steve

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    The ISO is good on the 5D and don't worry about pushing it, it can take it, but the reach on the MKIV I miss. 5DMKIV will be launched soon I think, always 'piggybacking' on the 1DX.

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Steve - And I thought LeHardy Rapids was known for Harlequin Ducks! Interesting scene and I like that we can see the bison's horn but I do miss a bit more of the bear's face visible even with for the theme. Steve K's rp has really taken it up a notch. I find the two ravens at the top of the frame a bit distracting and would consider more of a pano crop to eliminate them.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    BPN Member Anette Mossbacher's Avatar
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    Hi Steve,

    nice image for the theme. I do not mind much for not seeing much the bears face. I have to agree with Rachel with the two ravens, they do distract a bit.

    Steve made some great suggestions for the images, so nothing to add from my side to this.

    Have a great Sunday

    Ciao Anette

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    Hi Steve -- works perfectly for the theme , the scene reminds me of the setting from the movie The Revenant , nice RP from Steve as well must have been a thrilling experience while witnessing this. TFS !

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Steve i agree this image does go well with this month theme .
    I like the inclusion of the Ravens, adds to the story of image .
    Steve īs RP has taken it up a notch .

    TFS Andreas

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    If you see the image as a story it is fine and also ravens are ok.
    If would like it as a photo I am in trouble becouse no see the bear's face.
    Gio

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Hello Steve,

    A very dramatic scene indeed, although I admit I too secretly wish the Bear's L eye was visible. To me the presence of those ravens loads the atmosphere with a morbid feel that reinforces the story, and inspires me with another title for your frame: "Death in Spring". Mr. Kaluski's RP brings about lots of detail and sharpness, also a degree of vibrance. What I like most about this frame is the bear's struggle to hold onto the carcass - a very special image and such unique behaviour captured, I truly appreciate viewing - thank you so much for sharing!

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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