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Thread: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

  1. #1

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    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Coastal brown bears each have their own style of fishing. Some stand in the water or on the bank and wait for fish to swim by, some walk down the middle of the creek, some run through shallow water scaring the fish into motion, etc. This particular large male stood up and walked on his hind legs in the water in order to get a better view then lunged after the fish. It worked for him pretty well. He's a little goofy looking with all of his fur shed down to summer length except for the back of his head/neck.

    It was a tough day of shooting with varying volumes of rain falling with corresponding changes in thickness of overcast. By the end of the day all of the rain gear had soaked through on both me and the equipment.

    All shot on a rainy day with Nikon D850/200-500mm f5.6 handheld. Images are posted to fit the narrative and not necessarily in the same order that they were shot.

    Uploaded large for viewing in the light box.

    1) Here he is walking up at the creek to his favorite fishing spot.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    2) His uncommon style of fishing, more specifically how he spots fish. Check out the muscles in his "arms".

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    3) Going for it.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    4) Score.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    5) Some bears eat the fish right there in the water. This guy preferred to take it onto the bank all the while looking around to make sure no one was going to try to take it from him. He has a chum salmon also known as a dog salmon because the natives dry them to feed sled dogs over the winter.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    6) And a portrait opportunity albeit not of the most photogenic bear, what with the hair style.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    7) And an action portrait. Unfortunately I clipped his hump. I've never been much good at zooming during action and it is even more difficult with the 200-500mm. This was shot at 410mm.

    Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

  2. #2

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Good set, Dan. The expression on his face in the first shot makes me think of Bruce Willis for some reason. But the 2nd is the hollywood muscle actor.

  3. #3
    Shadowman's Avatar
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Nice series.

  4. #4
    Digital's Avatar
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Dan, very nice images, and narrative.


    Bruce

  5. #5

    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Totally impressed and envious!!!

  6. #6
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Another great series Dan. Every time I see one of your sets, getting back to that part of the world goes up in my "to do" list.

    My previous trip was shortly after the bears got out of hibernation, well before the salmon were running. Watching bear fishing is definitely something I want to see and photograph.

  7. #7

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Thanks for commenting, everyone. Glad you enjoyed the post. I've got a lot of culling and processing to do from that shoot. As time allows I'll post up a few more.

  8. #8

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Having looked at your bear shots over a number of years Dan, it makes me think that you should include them all in a book. It would be an impressive read. Another nice set of captures.

  9. #9

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    They are all great captures.
    Cheers Ole

  10. #10

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Thanks for commenting, John and Ole.
    Quote Originally Posted by John 2 View Post
    Having looked at your bear shots over a number of years Dan, it makes me think that you should include them all in a book...
    I don't think I'd ever finish one. I can't even stick to a project long enough to make a calendar.

  11. #11
    Stagecoach's Avatar
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Superb series Dan.

  12. #12
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Wonderful set of images as always...

  13. #13
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Terrific shots! It always amazes me how close you are to these huge creatures! Much braver to do this than I'd ever be. I really appreciate your photo work! My favorites are always ones with water splashing in all directions but I'd hang any one of these on display in my home! Thanks for sharing!

  14. #14
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    A highlight of my day indeed, when I see a thread from Dan with the label of 'image heavy' & this one is no exception.
    It is a wonderful opportunity for this of us from down under, to witness the majestic creatures in your part of the world.

  15. #15

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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    My goodness. Thanks for the kind comments, folks.

    Sandy, there weren't many fish in the creek this year therefore far fewer shots in the water. Still got a bunch of them but nothing like last time I visited this location. But that was balanced by more variety this time.

    Kay, it is interesting how the human mind works. We think the critters that you folks have down there are exotic.Not to mention the birds.

  16. #16
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    All good Dan - great narrative, super shots, and full of interest.

    Love it!

  17. #17
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    re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    I always look forward to your bears fishing. Consistently well done and fascinating.

    I envy you the opportunity for these

  18. #18

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    Re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Thanks, Guys. Glad you enjoyed the post.

  19. #19
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    Re: Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

    Nicely done.

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