The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
We were up in Margot Creek in Katmai about 10 miles south of Brooks Falls (as the bear walks) when we came upon this mom and her four cubs. They were frolicking about together when they looked across the creek. They were taking it all in when mom peered around the bush to make sure everything was okay. She was very relaxed and went back to fishing for salmon. Very fun to see these four after mom moved to this area to keep her cubs away from the other bears at Brooks Falls.
Specific Feedback
Looking for thoughts on composition and framing. Appreciate any and all comments that you all have to improve the photo. Thanks.
Technical Details
Canon 7D m2
EF 100-400 f4.5-5.6
ISO 3200
176mm
F5 1/2000
Great shot! I like the centering of the cubs. They definitely take the focus and have plenty of room to breathe. Maybe just a little more off the right to the black curl right on the edge of the frame. I think you could also bring it in to the darker grass on the right and a little more off the left to really bring some more attention to the bears. Then it is like mommy is peeking in on the cubs. Nice work!
Single moms face challenges. Bears know everything about that. But raising 4 (FOUR!) cubs! But this is much more than a lucky shot. Although you could play around with the cropping, I would leave the picture as is. The focus lies neatly on the cubs and the peeking mom completes the story very nicely. I wish her good luck. (And you too for your next encounter).
Timothy: I don’t get over here very much but this is an attention grabber. I don’t think I’ve ever seen bear quadruplets and to catch them all looking in the right direction with mom hovering nearby is just magical. Great capture of a unique and special family and moment. >=))>
Four cubs are exceedingly rare. A special moment. It must have been dark to need ISO 3200. Based on the relatively high shutter speed, you probably could have traded off shutter speed for a lower ISO. I shot the 7D and 7D, Mk II for many years. Great cameras, but not great high ISO performers. The image looks a bit soft, probably due to the high ISO. Regardless, a once in a lifetime capture to be proud of.
Jerry, great suggestion. I was shooting fast as mom was splashing up and down the creek fishing but it definitely would have been helpful to trade off shutter speed for ISO for this shot. Thanks
Great shot Timothy. It’s moments like this that make wildlife photography so rewarding. The mama bear’s face being half hidden by the grass makes this image special.
