Total respect

[Steve Kaluski]

Contrary to my last posting and it's shooting POV, this animal requires total and full respect, especially in light of the sad, and tragic death of a young teenager last week in Svalbard.

These guys are truly awesome animals, with their power, size and huge strength, and should never be underestimated. Curious, this guy came to investigate the ship, when he stood up on his back legs the front paws just reached the railings of the ship, approximately some 12-14 ft from the pack ice he was standing on.

Steve
Subject: Inquisitive Polar bear on pack ice (Ursus maritimus)
Location: Svalbard
Camera: Canon MKIII
Lens: 500f/4 handheld
Exposure: 1/800s at f4 ISO400 +0.67 stop compensation
Crop: Slight crop for presentation (original capture horizontal)

RAW convertor, exported to Adobe PS: Saturation/Levels/Curves/USM

[jack williamson]

Awesome polar bear image Steve! I like the sidelight in this. Excellent exposure. Contrary to what some believe or want you to believe these are among the most dangerous animals on the planet. TFS

Jack

[Steve Kaluski]

Contrary to what some believe or want you to believe these are among the most dangerous animals on the planet.

They certainly are Jack and very unpredictable. A classic example was in Longyearbyen, a hub for all who travel to Svalbard, parents with strollers would carry a rifle in case a polar bear would venture into town and shops display signs requesting all firearms to be left outside. Saying that, they are still a magnificent animal, which is wonderful to see and watch, sadly, who may not be on this planet for too long.

[Jeff Dyck]

Absolutely fantastic image Steve - the detail in the fur and the combination of warm and cool whites is magnificent.

I also agree with Jack - I am not sure if those that have never seen a live polar bear up close appreciate the size of them. It is not an exaggeration to compare a big boar to a compact car for size...

[Morkel Erasmus]

Stunning IQ and pose here Steve, exposure handled very well...sad to hear what happened, and just as sad to know that their numbers and habitat are dwindling.

[Steve Canuel]

Steve,
This is an excellent shot and IMO one of the best you've ever posted here. The light and atmosphere of this one are almost palpable, the detail in the fur and snow are sharp but not too crisp, the pose makes it more than just a static shot, and there's a hint of life in the dark eyes that brings it all together. Very nicely done.

[Hilary Hann]

Steve, love this image. Beautiful detail and I love the pose with the raised foot even showing the hair between the toes. Really love this.

[DanWalters]

Love the pose and the raised paw. Like the soft light highlighting the bear as well.

[Grant Atkinson]

You know Steve, you don't always make it easy for the rest of us, that is for sure
The detail and subtle colours in this shot are totally exquisite. The bears pose is excellent, as if it has just noticed you and is swinging your way, and the sharp areas around the nose and face just catch my eye. Only way you could have improved this one would have been to have shot from ground level, and then we might no longer have the benefit of your help here at BPN
Totally well done on this shot..

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks a stack everyone, really, very much appreciated.

Hi Morkel, yes like a lot of our wildlife, it's very much in decline and this isn't a soap box call to arms, but to be privileged to see not just these animals, but others, that are so close to extinction is a very tragic indictment, although people like Harshad are doing their best on here to try and help/promote.

Steve, in honesty I did have to retrieve a bit to get something out of those eyes, as they can, like their nose and tongue go 'coal' black.
Fact of the day...
Interesting that their skin is in fact black, to absorb as much of the sun's rays as possible. Their densely packed transparent hairs makes polar bears look to be white. The almost transparent fur is made up of hollow hairs called guard hairs, these air-filled guard hairs help transmit heat from the sunlight to the polar bear's black skin like a solar heat collector. In turn, the reflection stops the heat being lost from their black skin.

Grant, praise like this is not good for an old man.

Seriously, totally agree about the POV and really there are flaws IMHO to the image, but... Seeing the way he stood up, paws through the railings, you can easily understand that he could pull you down with one swipe of those paws. In fact, all camera straps were remove from the cameras as soon as we left harbour as another safety measure. I would love to know how Sid got his shots, I assume from a zodiac, because on land with these guys is just to difficult at times. best to just enjoy what you can get, however the grizzlies were a different kettle of fish and where possible, allowed me to get the POV I wanted.

cheers guys

Steve

[Todd Frost]

Great look at this guy Steve. IQ outstanding as usuall, nice exposure. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[Dumay de Boulle]

Just adding my "congrats on a fine image' message...A little late!

[Rachel Hollander]

Steve - you're making it hard for me to hold out to 2013 for these. Awesome image with your usual great sharpness and detail. His size and power come through here.

TFS,
Rachel

[Craig Kerr]

The exposure, detail and composition is outstanding Steve... Love this !!

[Arthur Morris]

Beautiful light, colors, texture, and bear. How many photographable bears on the trip? Any birds? Where can I see more of your polar bear images?