Inspiration with a Capital "I"

January 28, 2006 | 1,227 views | Trackback | |

It's no secret that I dabble in a little wildlife photography from time to time and I think most people are aware that I made this current trip to Canada partially to provide me with the opportunity to get out and photograph some of the beautiful wildlife that this country has to offer. So far I've only managed to track down a Raccoon or two, a little brat of a skunk named 'Pepe' and a few squirrels and chipmunks here and there, but I have BIG plans for the upcoming Summer (providing my VISA extension is granted). Make no mistake I WILL photograph a bear before I leave these shores and hopefully retain my 4 limbs in the process.

Having said all that, it's great for a photographer to have someone else's shots to aspire to. Unbeknownst to me I've had an amazing photographer, and potentially his knowledge, at my fingertips the whole time since I have been in Canada. Ron Thiele, the head guy at Xpan Interactive (the guys that host our websites for work) worked as a professional photographer for an assortment of magazines. He spent many hours on the North Coast of British Columbia taking some absolutely stunning shots which you can view on his website. He suggested to me that the work wasn't anywhere near as fun as it seems, "Most of my time was spent either sitting on a boat, a rock or a log in the rain. Not too glamorous, but the experience was awesome."

To show you what I mean, here's a pic from a series he took of what are called Kermode or 'Spirit Bears'. These beautiful white bears are not in fact Polar Bears, nor are they albino as most people assume. They are actually a sub species of the Black Bear. There is a recessive gene which both parents have to have to make the black bear white. There can be a family with white and black bears at the same time!

How amazing is that photo?!?! Ron tells me that most of the Bear shots he has taken were snapped while traveling Tom Ellison on the Ocean Light. There is NO doubt that I would LOVE to also take advantage of the access that Tom is able to provide his customers to the wilds of BC's North West Coast. But at something like $3,000+ for a 4 day cruise excluding transfers etc, this little black duck won't be sailing those seas in a hurry.

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2 Responses to “Inspiration with a Capital "I"”

Comment by Jordan on January 30th, 2006 @ 9:15 am

Having shot some really bad amateur video of brown bears myself, I offer just this one bit if advice: The trick (i learned the hard way) is in keeping still and not scaring the bear away, since he'll freak at the site of you. (They outweigh us by several times over, but they're terrified of opposable thumbs, I guess) Oh, and don't get between momma and cub, that bit is true, I hear.

The advice above does not apply whatsoever to grizzly bears. You're on your own there, mate.