Curiousity killed the photographer? Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is a wild Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) expressing its natural curiousity. It probably helps that by this time of year they've been fasting for nearly six months, so even a tough, stringy photographer starts to look good ;-)

It's also one of favourite shots from Canada. I can't work out whether the owner of the camcorder is too frightened to move, or whether they're just caught up in the moment!

The best way to get out and see the bears is on a Tundra Buggy - imagine a school bus, crossed with a monster truck - that's a Tundra Buggy. They have big massive tyres, underinflated, so that they make a minimal impact on the permafrost. The buggy in this shot is called Deuce, and is intended for photographers because it's smaller than the others - I was on one of the other larger buggies when I took this shot.

(edited 16Sept2003 to give more information)

Nobody has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

BobTrips (1853) 2003-03-25 13:51

Great capture.

How about a bit more brightness for the shooter? He/she is sort of lost in the darkness. Maybe lighten all the interior, including the bear's head.

Looks to me as if the photographer is safe. And brave!

ornis (1271) 2003-03-25 16:19

The capture of this moment makes it a great shot. I suppose you were not able to have another one with a better view of the protagonists. Nevertheless, you were there! I like these instant shots where you only have a few seconds to make it.

adam (858) 2003-03-26 3:01

I think this is a really cool and humorous shot. It's as if the bear is having a conversation with the driver. I like the white on white colors, very pleasing.

kourosh (2368) 2003-09-09 3:41

This is an outstanding picture. i wish you could note how you took the shot, were you in another car? i agree with enhancing the contrast of the cameraman. i posted a workshop on this.

[workshop] [compare]