I think it might be good to talk about what was going through my mind while taking a specific photograph. From time to time I will do this, to share with you my thoughts and feelings as they occurred when the shot was taken.

Camera: Canon 1D Mark II N
Lens: Sigma 50-500mm
Exposure: 1/1000, f/8, ISO 400 at 500mm
Support: Manfrotto Monopod

The experience of walking on foot while photographing brown bears is different, one might say the experience is spiritual. And this photograph has a permanent place in my memory for it is special. Special, because all of the elements that make a good photograph an outstanding photograph, came together in a short space of time.

It was early in the morning and my field guide, Drew, said it was low tide and that we should explore the beach near Silver Salmon Creek Lodge to see if any of the bears were there digging clams. It was very misty that morning, but we could make out a large bear on the beach about 200 meters from where we stood on the shore. So we started walking toward the bear at a slow and steady pace, sometimes wading through small puddles of salt water and little streams that were still moving toward the sea as the tide was still receding.

The bear was lying down on it’s stomach, relaxing. And I was concerned that I would not be able to get a good shot because of it’s posture. But, as we approached the bear stood up and turned facing us as if to say, “good morning.” And, just then the bear turned slightly and the light changed dramatically, providing a perfect window of time to shoot. I was totally excited and filled with joy as I shot frame after frame.

But this frame was special. In fact, it has won several awards: Wildlife Photo of the Week at Nature Scapes Net, featured photo of the day, featured photo of the week, and finalist as the people’s choice award at Photopoints, and it won photo of the week at Inspiring Photography!

But for me, recognition for the photograph is not important, what is truly important to me is the memory of how the bear, the mist, the light, and the opportunity all came together at that second in time.