{"id":1049,"date":"2025-03-21T09:11:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T10:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/?p=1049"},"modified":"2025-03-28T12:15:32","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T12:15:32","slug":"bear-photography-a-photo-shot-list-for-your-alaskan-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/21\/bear-photography-a-photo-shot-list-for-your-alaskan-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Bear Photography: A Photo Shot List for Your Alaskan Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Alaska\u2019s wild landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for capturing unforgettable bear encounters, especially in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/alaska-northern-adventures\/lake-clark-bear-viewing-camp\/\">Lake Clark National Park<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re chasing the golden-hour light or waiting for that perfect bear profile, these moments are the essence of wildlife photography.<\/p>\n<p>Guided by experts like Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/our-story\/expedition-leader-bios\/mike-hillman\/\">Mike Hillman<\/a>, photographers of every level\u2014and with any kind of gear\u2014have the opportunity to frame extraordinary images that showcase the beauty and power of these inspiring animals.<\/p>\n<p>In the video below, Mike reminds us,\u00a0<em>&#8220;Whatever you happen to have with you is going to be the best camera&#8230; it\u2019s all about your eye as an artist.&#8221;<\/em>\u00a0Explore these essential photo tips, capture the bears in their natural habitat, and return home with a collection of breathtaking memories.<\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Photograph Bears in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, with Wildlife Photographer Mike Hillman\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RYA5-zgB-1M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p>Read on for 11 iconic bear photos you won\u2019t want to miss on your next <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/alaska-nature-tours\/\">Alaskan adventure<\/a>: From close-up details of a bear\u2019s fur and claws to dynamic action shots of bears wrestling, each image tells a story of the bears in their natural habitat and come complete with How To Tips from Mike.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bear Bums for Katmai National Park\u2019s #FatBearWeek<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As the\u00a0<span>temperature drops in September, it\u2019s time to capture a different angle\u2014bear bums! In early October,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/alaska-northern-adventures\/kodiak-katmai-grizzly-photo-expedition\/itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Katmai National Park<\/a>\u2019s Fat Bear Week celebrates the impressive seasonal preparations made by brown bears as they prepare<\/span>\u00a0for winter hibernation.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270757\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270757\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270757\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US_Alaska__DSC8890.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Brad Josephs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The #FatBearWeek competition, jointly organized by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/katm\/learn\/fat-bear-week.htm\">National Park Service\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.org\/fat-bear-week\">Explore.org<\/a>, draws spectators from around the world to participate by casting online votes for the best bear bum\u2014or the bear that has most effectively accumulated fat reserves. In 2023, AP News called the competition &#8220;Alaska\u2019s most-watched popularity contest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Keep an eye on the large, well-fed bears, and don\u2019t be afraid to capture a few humorous shots of their sizable backsides!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bear Silhouettes in Golden Hour Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alaska\u2019s extended summer golden hour provides photographers with unique opportunities to capture stunning bear silhouettes against soft, angled light. The long, gradual sunset offers plenty of time to experiment with effects and perfect your shots.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270722\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270722\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270722\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-abc_08_18_24_arthur-kampmann_334080.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Arthur Kampmann<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Even cloud cover can add interesting layers to the image. Mike explains,\u00a0<em>&#8220;Sun coming out through one of the holes in the clouds\u2026 is\u2026 great. That&#8217;ll give us some beautiful kind-of silhouette light for our bears.&#8221;<\/em>\u00a0 This provides a unique opportunity for silhouette photography, where the bears stand out dramatically against the glowing horizon.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Look for cloudy breaks<\/strong>: When the sun peeks through the clouds, it creates dramatic lighting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Position your camera low<\/strong>: Shooting from a lower angle highlights the bear against the sky.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capture multiple shots<\/strong>: Use burst mode to take a series of images as the bear moves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270724\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270724\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270724\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-abc_08_15_24_arthur-kampmann_331032.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Arthur Kampmann<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Pay close attention to how clouds interact with the light\u2014this can create dynamic shifts in tone and mood for your iconic Alaskan bear silhouette.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bears in the Landscape: Tell a Broader Story<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Incorporating Alaska\u2019s dramatic mountain ranges into your bear photography adds context and grandeur to your images.<\/p>\n<p>Capturing the interaction between the wildlife and the surrounding environment creates a more compelling visual narrative. You can tell a more complex story of the bears in their environment by including Alaska\u2019s stunning mountain ranges, for example, in the shot.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270721\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270721\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270721\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-abc_08_15_24_arthur-kampmann_331002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Arthur Kampmann<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mike emphasizes the importance of setting: &#8220;It\u2019s important here in Lake Clark National Park to not only tell the story of up-close bears but also to tell the story of bears in the landscape. We have the beautiful mountain ranges here in the Aleutian Range as well as the Alaska Range.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Frame with the landscape in mind<\/strong>: Position the mountains or other natural elements as a background to your bear subject.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a wide-angle lens<\/strong>: Capture more of the environment to give a sense of scale.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Look for reflective surfaces<\/strong>: Water bodies and fields can add a layer of depth to your images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270725\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270725\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270725\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/fishing-companions-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Staff \u00a9 Megan Brief<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Use the rule of thirds to balance the bear and the landscape, but don\u2019t hesitate to break the rule when the scene calls for more emphasis on the mountains. If the mountains dominate the scene, focus more on setting up a balanced landscape composition.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270733\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270733\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270733 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-abc_07_07_24_rylee-jensen_299490.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Rylee Jensen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Patience for Iconic Bear Profiles<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For iconic bear silhouettes, patience is key. Waiting for the perfect moment to capture a clean profile can make all the difference. &#8220;You may have to wait for those bears to move into just the right position so they\u2019re silhouetted,&#8221; Hillman advises, &#8220;so you get that beautiful bear profile.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270747\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270747\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270747\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US-Alaska-Bear-Camp-ChinitnaBay-43-1.jpg\" alt=\"A brown bear alerts while standing in tall grass.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Jessica Morgan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A clear silhouette can ensure the bear is instantly recognizable and also highlight its powerful presence in the scene.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set your camera in advance<\/strong>: Prepare your settings based on the available light and expected bear movement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wait for the right pose<\/strong>: A clear, recognizable bear profile can elevate your image.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shoot in burst mode<\/strong>: This ensures you capture multiple poses during movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>Tip<\/em>: Focus on the angle of the light, and look for moments when the bear\u2019s profile stands out against a softly lit background.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270736\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270736\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270736\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sun-seeker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270736\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Staff \u00a9 Megan Brief<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Action Shots: Bears Wrestling<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Bears wrestling or play-fighting provides fantastic action shot opportunities. To capture these dynamic moments, Mike recommends starting with\u00a0<em>&#8220;shutter speeds much higher. 1\/1000, 1\/2000 is oftentimes where you want to start.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270735\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270735\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270735 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-hsftt_06_16_24_justin-gibson_283283.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Justin Gibson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Increase shutter speed<\/strong>: Start at 1\/1000 or 1\/2000 to freeze fast movements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use continuous autofocus<\/strong>: This helps keep the wrestling bears in focus as they move.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Look for playful behavior<\/strong>: Anticipate interactions like play-fighting or sparring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270726\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270726\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270726 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US_Alaska__MG_0981.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u00a9 Ralph Lee Hopkins<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Be ready to adjust your aperture and ISO settings as needed to maintain the right exposure in changing light conditions. Quick reflexes and high shutter speeds are key to freezing the action in sharp detail.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Close-Up Shots of Bears&#8217; Faces and Details<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Zooming in on the intricate details\u2014like fur, claws, or even the bears\u2019 eyes\u2014brings an intimate perspective to your wildlife shots. This is where precision matters.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270717\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270717\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270717 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/abc_07_13_24_seth-webster_301873.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Guest \u00a9 Seth Webster<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Try close-ups of the fur or some details that make bears, bears\u2026 their claws, their ears, their teeth, even their nose,&#8221; Mike suggests.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use a telephoto lens<\/strong>: Zoom in without disturbing the bear\u2019s natural behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus on texture<\/strong>: Capture the texture of fur or the sharpness of claws.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a mid-range f-stop<\/strong>: Shoot around f\/6.3 to f\/7.1 for detailed, sharp close-ups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270744\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270744\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270744\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Large_RGB-grpp_09_16_22_dana-cama_18886.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270744\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Staff \u00a9 Dana Cama<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Keep your subject sharp by using manual focus if needed, especially for close-ups that highlight small features like the bear\u2019s nose or eyes. Balancing depth of field and sharpness to bring out small features.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bears in Tall Grass<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Photographing bears in tall grass can be challenging, but by adjusting your position and focus, you can create captivating shots.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270745\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270745\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270745\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-hsftt_06_16_24_justin-gibson_282575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270745\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Justin Gibson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mike explains: &#8220;The grass is quite tall, and if we\u2019re too low, we\u2019re going to just be mired in the grass. So we\u2019re getting a little bit higher up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Elevate your camera position<\/strong>: Shooting from a higher angle helps keep the bear in focus above the grass.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use autofocus tracking<\/strong>: Follow the bear\u2019s movements to maintain clarity in tall grass.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manually refocus if needed<\/strong>: Reset focus if the grass obscures the bear or catches the focus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: If your camera doesn\u2019t have tracking, you can reset focus manually or use back-button focus to ensure clarity in your shot. Try shooting above the bear\u2019s eye level to frame it properly against the grass.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Super Telephoto Shots of Bears<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Using a super-telephoto lens allows you to capture close, detailed shots while maintaining a safe distance. These images can offer a unique perspective on the bear\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270751\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270751\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270751 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-al_07_15_24_mike-hillman_314730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270751\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director \u00a9 Mike Hillman<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m looking for these bears as they lift their head up from grazing, either looking towards me or looking towards the open side of the frame,&#8221; Mike shares about his technique.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Adjust shutter speed<\/strong>: Use a speed around 1\/400 to 1\/600, depending on lighting conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create bokeh<\/strong>: Lower the f-stop to blur the background to create a beautiful bokeh effect around the subject and make the bear stand out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Look for moments when the bear lifts its head or interacts with the environment to create a more dynamic shot.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Vertical Bear Portrait Shots<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Switching to portrait mode is an excellent way to emphasize the height and presence of a bear, especially when they are standing or walking toward you.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270716\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270716\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270716 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/abc_06_26_23_john-wise_80097.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Guest \u00a9 John Wise<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;It can be very powerful to flip your camera from shooting a typical horizontal or landscape orientation and flipping it to vertical or portrait,&#8221; Mike advises.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><strong>Flip your camera vertically<\/strong>: Portrait orientation highlights the bear\u2019s height and stature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus on the face and eyes<\/strong>: Eye contact with the subject creates a strong visual impact.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use shallow depth of field<\/strong>: Isolate the bear from the background for a more dramatic effect.<em>\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270728\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270728\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270728 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US-Alaska-Bear-Camp-20220713-IMG_9085.jpg\" alt=\"Brown bear cub stands on its hind legs, looking directly at camera.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270728\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Jessica Morgan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Portrait shots work especially well when the bear is standing or moving toward you, as it fills the frame vertically.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270729\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270729\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270729 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US-Alaska-7P2A9038.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270729\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Jessica Morgan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Close-Up Shots of Bears Grazing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alaska&#8217;s wild brown bears\u201aand the salmon they feed upon\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/videos\/the-bear-coast-an-alaska-conservation-story\">face many threats<\/a>, but bears grazing offers the chance for more serene close-up shots. Patience is key here, as you wait for the perfect head-lift or interaction with the environment. The trick is &#8220;just patiently waiting as they\u2019re grazing, waiting for that head to pick up in just the right moment, and getting that shot,&#8221; Mike explains.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270754\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270754\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270754\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-abcph_06_15_24_brad-josephs_286584.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Brad Josephs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use continuous shooting mode<\/strong>: Capture a series of images as the bear grazes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch for head movement<\/strong>: Anticipate when the bear will lift its head for a clean shot.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep your focus on the bear\u2019s face<\/strong>: A slightly blurred background adds to the effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: A moderate f-stop will keep the bear in sharp focus while softly blurring the surroundings for a clearer composition.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bears Against the Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Bears in proximity to the camera provide the perfect opportunity to highlight both the subject and its surroundings.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270746\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270746\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270746\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-US-Alaska-Bear-Camp-AK21_435142.jpg\" alt=\"Coastal Brown Bear fishing for salmon in Geographic Harbor, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270746\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u00a9 Ralph Lee Hopkins<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Do not only think about those close-ups\u2026now you have an opportunity with a very close bear to really show off the landscape and the background,&#8221; Mike suggests.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Balance bear and landscape<\/strong>: Frame the shot to show the beauty of Alaska\u2019s natural features along with the bear.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a wide-angle lens<\/strong>: Capture more of the environment without losing focus on the bear.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Include water or mountains<\/strong>: These elements add depth and scale to your composition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270752\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270752\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270752\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-rylee-jensen_340582.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270752\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Rylee Jensen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Tip<\/em>: Keep the bear as the focal point, but use natural elements like mountains and rivers to create a balanced image that tells the full story. Include just enough of the environment to give context without overwhelming the bear in the frame.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bear Witness to Alaska\u2019s Wild Beauty with Your Iconic Shots<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there\u2019s nothing quite like capturing iconic bear photos in Alaska. From the serene moments of bears grazing in tall grass to the powerful energy of wrestling siblings, each image tells a unique story of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_270760\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270760\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-270760 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-al_07_15_24_mike-hillman_320480.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270760\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director \u00a9 Mike Hillman<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The beauty of photographing in places like Lake Clark National Park lies in the variety of opportunities\u2014from wide landscape shots framed by towering mountain ranges to intimate close-ups of bear fur or claws. Mike emphasizes that it&#8217;s not about the equipment, but developing your eye and being patient for that perfect moment.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re zooming in for a detailed shot or capturing an action-packed wrestling match, bear photography challenges you to be creative and flexible. Every moment spent waiting for the right light, the right angle, or the right bear movement can result in an iconic bear photography image.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>For more on Iconic Bear Photography in Alaska<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Check out iconic shots of bear <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\/mothers-cubs-grizzly-photo-roundup\/\">mothers and cubs in photos and video<\/a> If you\u2019re lucky, this will add a 12th iconic shot to your Alaska brown bar photo shot list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Learn more about mastering bear photography from Nat Hab Photo Expedition Director Mike Hillman in a more recent Nat Hab Daily Dose of Nature Webinar: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2BmDFtcEVzk\">Power &amp; Grace: Mastering Bear Photography in the Wild<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_270750\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270750\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-270750\" src=\"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NAT-HAB-hsftt_06_16_24_rylee-jensen_322540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-270750\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Expedition Leader \u00a9 Rylee Jensen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\/iconic-bear-photography-a-photo-shot-list-for-your-alaskan-adventure\">Bear Photography: A Photo Shot List for Your Alaskan Adventure<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\">Good Nature Travel Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alaska\u2019s wild landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for capturing unforgettable bear encounters, especially in Lake Clark National Park. Whether you\u2019re chasing the golden-hour light or waiting for that perfect bear profile, these moments are the essence of wildlife photography. Guided by experts like Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1049"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1052,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049\/revisions\/1052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ibslhk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}