Bipolar Bear

[NorthernFocus]

This is perhaps the most massive bear I've ever seen. This female polar bear was as big or bigger than any male brown bear that I've ever photographed. She was certainly over 1000 lbs(450kg). She had two cubs with her. Following are two very different looks from her.

1) The innocent cuddly bear look...
Nikon D810, 500mm f4, 1/640s, f7.1, ISO1250(auto ISO), handheld w/beanbag



2) And the predatory not so cuddly bear look.
Nikon D4, AF-S 80-400mm@400mm, 1/400s, f8, ISO1250(auto ISO), handheld

[Wavelength]

Wow .Truly Majestic!!! Great captures!!!

[James G]

Wow! Great captures. I'm not quite convinced about the 'cuddly' look in the first image though.
You have caught the eye detail in the second , which is quite something.

Were you on dry land or shooting from the water?

[LePetomane]

Dan, your bear photos never cease to amaze me.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[pendennis]

Looks like she has that "What's For Dinner?" look in her eyes. Just thinkin'...

BTW - Two great grabs! Even with the 400-500mm, she looks awfully close. Are you behind something solid? They're much faster and quicker than a lot of folks believe.

[MrB]

Dan, have I missed something in a previous thread regarding how you capture shots like these? From their apparently close compositions, the thing that amazes me more than these images, is how you got away from the bears to be able to show your incredible photos on the forum. Thank you.

Cheers.
Philip

[AlwaysOnAuto]

It's obvious to me that Dan doesn't disguise himself as a seal in order to get up close to these bears.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the comments, folks. I was shooting from a boat. Sometimes as in this case the bears would walk right to the water's edge to check us out. Depending on conditions we were varying distance from shore. The guide/boat operator quickly figured out the range of our lenses. We also explained desirable lighting conditions etc. He was a quick study and for the most part he did very well positioning the boat.

[lovelife65]

WOW. Just fantastically amazingly beautiful. Man, is she one big momma. I've never been to Alaska but would love to visit.
Wonderful photos, thank you so much for sharing.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you enjoyed the photos, Sharon. You're just a quick flight away. Head on up here. But I'd wait till next June

[vaez]

Nice capture

[Saorsa]

Dan, have I missed something in a previous thread regarding how you capture shots like these? From their apparently close compositions, the thing that amazes me more than these images, is how you got away from the bears to be able to show your incredible photos on the forum. Thank you.

Cheers.
Philip

If it were me, I would always take an assistant with me. A slow one.

[NorthernFocus]

If it were me, I would always take an assistant with me. A slow one.

Better bring several. There were 36 bears at this location while we were there. Multiple of them in sight at any given time. I suppose one could hope to escape while they fought over the dinner

[KimC]

I'm glad I saw this as it's always such a treat to view your wildlife images. Spectacular as always Dan.

[Ziggy]

Need some solid ice below that girl. Nice shots Dan.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you enjoyed the shots, Kim. Thanks for commenting, Jim.

[JBW]

This is perhaps the most massive bear I've ever seen. This female polar bear was as big or bigger than any male brown bear that I've ever photographed. She was certainly over 1000 lbs(450kg). She had two cubs with her. Following are two very different looks from her.

1) The innocent cuddly bear look...
Nikon D810, 500mm f4, 1/640s, f7.1, ISO1250(auto ISO), handheld w/beanbag



2) And the predatory not so cuddly bear look.
Nikon D4, AF-S 80-400mm@400mm, 1/400s, f8, ISO1250(auto ISO), handheld

#2. is a magnificently scary shot.

[JBW]

I just make #2 my bg image t truly is amazing

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you like the old gal, Brian. Considering her clearly ample reserves she still looks awfully hungry. I guess like us appetite/desire doesn't necessarily reflect need.