Polar Bear - a reflection

[John Angulat]

Hi all,
Although I spend most of my time as a street shooter in NYC, I try to escape now and then.
One of my favorite places to relax (and shoot, of course) is New York's Bronx Zoo. Here's a shot of a very contented Polar Bear:

Best,
John Angulat
http://www.lightsimage.com

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

... Here's a shot of a very contented Polar Bear:

Nice one John!

The horizontal structures enhance the bear's horizontal position, suggesting relative tranquility/rest. But with bears, looks may deceive.

Bart

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hi all,
Although I spend most of my time as a street shooter in NYC, I try to escape now and then.
One of my favorite places to relax (and shoot, of course) is New York's Bronx Zoo. Here's a shot of a very contented Polar Bear:

John,

Thanks for sharing this creative shot. I can see that yonkers has a film star. What a handsome animal!

It's so hard to get good pictures without the concrete and walls of zoo enclosures. The use of the reflective water helps mitigate this problem. I think a long lens and wide aperture is one useful technique. I do hope you will share more from this series.
Is this it's winter coat or that's it the whole year round?

Asher

 

[John Angulat]

Hi Asher,
Thank you for the kind compliments, they are always greatly appreciated. I agree with you as there always seems to be a degree of difficulty attached to photographing captive animals. Although I realize most zoos try to replicate a "natural" surrounding, it generally fall short aesthetically. I guess that's why I lean towards very tight crops.
As for the question regarding the polar bear's coat, you have me stumped there. I checked the exif and the image was shot in June. I'm going to assumed he's still wearing a semblence of winter coat. The second image I've posted was taken in early August. He is definately looking a bit threadbare (no pun intended). Poor guy, the summer heat has really got his spirits down! It's also interesting to see his black skin poking through.

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

John

I have seen this now 3 times and each time it becomes more poetic-
what you have capturd is a reflection of life-self
all-
beautiful really
what I love most! is the reflection-
such a poetic shot*


Charlotte-

 

[John Angulat]

Thank you kindly Charlotte, I truly appreciate the compliment.