Bruce Benson
January 2025 - Fight
About the Image(s)
Taken at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska. I will never forget the sound of these two grizzly bears fighting over a fishing spot no more than ten feet from me. I was photographing from a platform near the falls. The sounds of them growling at each other and the flying fur made for a life experience I will not be able to forget. I cropped the image a bit and adjusted the color.
Canon 1D MK 4/ Canon 400 2,8
F5,6/ 1/640/ ISO8’00
13 comments posted
(Groups 36 & 67)
Hi Bruce. What you describe is why we shoot wildlife. The thrill of being there and capturing the moment is what keep us going back in all kinds of conditions. What separated this image from other for me is the way you have captured the touching noses and touching lower jaws. The diamond created from this is unique. Posted: 01/04/2025 01:51:04
Thanks Larry, I spent hundreds of hours at this location but opportunities to see and photograph things like this makes it all worthwhile even if you do not get the shot. Posted: 01/16/2025 16:35:15
Thanks Larry, You are right I have always said that the way to get good images is to be there when the action happens. In addition to the diamond created by the jaws, I liked the raging water in the background showing what they were fighting for. Bruce Posted: 01/04/2025 16:30:12
Bruce, it can not get any better than this. As Larry said and you replied. Being at the right place at the right time. Perhaps a tighter crop is in order. Posted: 01/04/2025 16:47:59
Thanks Isaac, I appreciate your input, I will never forget the experience of seeing and hearing this, I went to Brooks Falls five times and each time came home with great images and memories. Bruce Posted: 01/05/2025 04:11:18
Thanks Isaac, I used the wider view because I liked the way the surrounding water showed the environment they were fighting over. Posted: 01/16/2025 16:36:59
Bruce - Congratulations on this astounding image. I'm a beginner in all respects (only been photographing for about a year, just joined the PSA yesterday and this is my first group). I'll offer a few thoughts, but please recognize this is just a beginner wondering about a masterpiece. I'm puzzled about one aspect of the depicted anatomy: there appears to be a paw/claw extending from the left-bear towards the neck of the right-bear, but I'm puzzled about which paw/claw that is and wonder if increasing the contrast would help clarify the anatomy. Also can't help wondering if increasing contrast between the bears and the water might add impact to the photo. I love the captured water drops/spray! I imagine that if I had been in your shoes, I would have taken hundreds of photos of these bears. Was this your favorite? Posted: 01/15/2025 19:55:36
Richard, thanks for your comments and look forward to seeing some of your images. You have a keen eye for details which is something I do not. I remember my first years of photographing and going back to realize that I was shooting at 1/100 shutter speed for extreme action and wondered why it was blurry. I have attached a copy with some increased contrast and it indeed makes the paw stand out more. The splashing water made it difficult to see the paw. Thanks for your input, we can all learn no matter how long we have been shooting. Bruce Posted: 01/16/2025 16:57:14
Bruce - an unusual image and the better for it! As said above, the shape of the 2 jaws with the water in between and teeth makes for a great action shot. I so hope to experience this someday. Posted: 01/16/2025 14:34:27
Thanks Adrian, getting these types of images is not easy physically, or cheap, although Brooks Falls can be inexpensive if you do not mind camping. You do have to get reservations at least a year in advance and there is a narrow opportunity to get the bears at the falls since they are there for the run of spawning fish which is mostly in July and ends by the first of August. Halo Bay, Geographic Harbor McNeal River, Silver Salmon and Kinak Bay are all in Katmai National Park and provide incredible opportunities or bears. I hope you can arrange to see this some day. Bruce Posted: 01/16/2025 17:05:04
Many thank Bruce - I'll log that info in case needed! Posted: 01/16/2025 18:22:23
Bruce, this truly a spectacular capture of a rare and difficult nature and wildlife moment. Reading everyone's comments and feedback is extremely helpful to my learning journey. Posted: 01/16/2025 20:17:31
Thank you so much Maria, I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to view so many magic moments in nature and be able to capture them in a photo. Bruce Posted: 01/16/2025 20:53:08