This is a continuation of my previous post, sharing some special mom and cub moments to help you maximize opportunities the next time you encounter a bear family, which is one of the most amazing things to capture in nature. All images taken while guiding expeditions on the Katmai Coast for Natural Habitat Adventures.
Moments of Action- Mother bears are under a tremendous amount of pressure to feed while raising cubs. Not only do they have to gain enough weight to get them through the long season of sleep in the den, they must do the same for the cubs, and provide enough calories to sustain the rapid growth rate of the cubs. Cubs will double their weight from 15 lbs to 30 lbs between the months of May and October!
Cub Portraits– To capture the perfect cub portraits, be ready for the moments of eye contact. It is also very important if possible, to be at eye level perspective, but ONLY if you make sure to never interfere with their actions. You must think of the wellbeing of the bears first and foremost.
Composition is very important for portraits. Always try to shift the cub in the frame so that there is more room in the direction that the cub is looking. This can be very challenging, and I rely on my speed of adjusting my focus point quickly with a toggle switch using my thumb which is always dedicated to the task.
Nursing Moments–
To be continued…..
Merry Xmas guys! Thanks for checking this out.
Brad
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