Stoic mother bear checks the horizon for danger.
As I mentioned in a previous post this winter about shooting polar bears and ravens in black and white, “People often ask me if bears are color blind and the answer is no. They can see in color like humans, which really helps them locate certain types of vegetation and berries when browsing. Other predators like dogs and cats are colorblind, however, for a reason—color can be a distraction when locating moving or camouflaged prey. In fact, the army once used color blind troops to see enemy bunkers that were camouflaged by colors, because they could distinguish shapes more easily.” With black and white animals in a relatively colorless landscape like that of an Arctic winter, monochromatic images can hold more power and definition. But in an Alaska summer, where colors stun the eyes, they hold little value—or do they? Here is what came from playing around on Adobe Lightroom to create images that hold a unique atmosphere and mood.
A huge male takes a glance back to scan for followers.
Traveling.
A cub checks in with mom after being scolded for running too far ahead of her.
A magnificent blond female scans the tidal flats once they come into view.
Shooting into sun in harsh, midday light can impede color photography, and create shadows. One can use the strong contrast of harsh light and shadow to create a simple, dramatic image in black and white.
The journey. This image in color was flat and boring, with too much shadow, and flat colors. By changing it to black and white, the image can feature and concentrate on the bear and its posture. The simplicity can make for a sad, ominous mood, and can represent the raw struggle for survival in the animal world.
Back lit rock, glacier and bear. The rim light and shadows while shooting into a low angle sun, are enhanced in monochrome.
Back lit rock, glacier and bear. The rim light and shadows while shooting into a low angle sun, are enhanced in monochrome.
A young subadult male stares at me for a brief instant to assess my reaction as he approaches. We sat quietly, showed no reaction fear or aggression, and the bear decided we were fine and continued grazing on sedges near us.
Big Boar.
Profile of a beautiful mother bear.
Eye contact.
A mother bear, Parsnip, surveys the scene as her two cubs play in the background.
It sometimes seems a shame to take away the amazing color from the Alaskan summer landscape and wildlife. But sometimes the amazing vivid colors mask moods and atmospheres of such a harsh place and stoic animals that can be better explained through monochrome. Photography is only art, and is only what each individual taste prefers. My next post will be with color images and I would appreciate comments (left below) that let me know what you think!
Keep Exploring!
Brad Josephs
7 Comments
Love your pics as usual, one day I’ll come with you, either to cook or sit and enjoy
Awesome photos!
Hi Brad! Super photos as usual! Brings back so many memories. I think the monochrome works well with the back lit and rim lit bears and also with the silhouette frames, but my preference for the others would be colour!
The black and white somehow expresses the emotion / expression more vividly. unsure what the animal word for “humanity” would be, but is pronounced in these photos. Like the inquisitiveness of “eye contact”… confidence and beauty of “mother bear”… viewer connects rather than observe.
Lovely work
Love the black and whites, great shots !! Learn more all the time, thanks for the photography tips and for sharing your awesome pics. Definitely gives me more to think about.
Hey Brad! These are incredible. Am I able to buy a print?
Teela
Love the black & white pics, you do a wonderful service for all wildlife.