Bears
As I entered 2024 with my new Nikon Z9 in hand, my wildlife photography goals were quite simple:
1) Improve my ability and skill as a photographer,
2) Work on my Small in Frame technique,
3) Shoot more often, and
4) Photograph bears!
Whether I achieved my first goal is for all of you to decide. I definitely worked on my second goal every time I was in the field and number three was waylaid by a backyard landscape project.
That takes us to number four. As you can tell from the headline photo or if you visited my Wild West page, that goal can be officially checked off. Yay!
My first bear was late April just two weeks before heading to Wyoming. It was fairly deep in the bush and not particularly interested in a photoshoot, but I managed a couple of salvageable photos and was able to check American Black Bear (ursus americanus) off my list!
My first bear ever as a photographer. An American Black Bear in Algonquin Provincial Park.
With my first bear photo now under my belt, I felt optimistic heading to Wyoming. Although I never imagined my first “bear jam” would be for the most famous Grizzly Bear (ursus arctos horribilis) in the world, Grizzly #399 and her yearling cub Spirit. I struggled with taking photos due to equal parts fatigue from travel and pure excitement! This experience is exactly what I was looking for when I took up wildlife photography, and man, it did not disappoint.
During the balance of our leg in Grand Teton we had one missed opportunity with a Black Bear sow and her cubs. But things got better in the GYE (Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem). We saw several out of range grizzlies during our time in Lamar Valley including one boar chasing an adult bison during an amazing day with our guide.
On our way to the campsite after our time in Lamar Valley we came upon another bear jam for the Beryl Springs sow and her two yearling cubs. The three of them were grazing in a meadow just inside 100 yards (91 metres) away and put on a little show for all of us. This time I was also able to keep my excitement in check and was more used to shooting during a bear jam.
The cubs were as fun to watch as you would expect. I didn’t get a photo of both of them with their mom, but I was definitely happy with the xperience.
During one day just minutes apart, I saw a Grizzly that Barbara felt was WAY too close for her comfort followed by a Black Bear equally close.
Fast forward to August and my first time back in Algonquin since late April and I had an absolutely amazing encounter with a Black Bear Sow and her two cubs feeding on wild blueberries.
Mom and her cubs were very cooperative and provided some of the best looks I had all year.
Visit the link below to see these and other bear photos.