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Our Favorite Images from Brooks Falls
Our Favorite Images from Brooks Falls
by Keenan Hursh
Brown bears are some of the most magnificent, fascinating, and intriguing creatures on earth. These powerful mammals survive in harsh climates and in some cases have learned to thrive with abundant territory and sources of food. Many coastal brown bears, especially those in Alaska, experience a feasting frenzy every year with the salmon run. This is one of nature’s most interesting natural phenomena and to observe and photograph this creates a truly special experience.
Over the years we’ve run countless trips to the iconic Brooks Falls. This is one of the best if not the best, locations on the entire planet to photograph brown bears in their natural habitat. Photographing the bears as they interact with one another, interact with their environment, and catch flying fish out of the air is something you’ll never forget. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that anyone passionate about nature and wildlife photography should add to their bucket list.
Here at Backcountry Journeys, this is one of our favorite places to visit and we run multiple Brooks Falls Photo Safaris throughout the year. And with all these trips, as you might expect, our guides have come back with some absolutely stunning and exceptional images. In today’s article, we’re going to focus on a select few images that really capture the beauty of brown bears in Brooks Falls. And what's amazing is that you don't have to be a world class photographer to capture images like those you're about to see. With the access that this location provides, the abundance of bears all around, and the variety of shots that are easily obtainable, you can capture photos just like these. So, let’s get into it and take a look at some of our favorite Brooks Falls images captured over the years.
Over the years we’ve run countless trips to the iconic Brooks Falls. This is one of the best if not the best, locations on the entire planet to photograph brown bears in their natural habitat. Photographing the bears as they interact with one another, interact with their environment, and catch flying fish out of the air is something you’ll never forget. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that anyone passionate about nature and wildlife photography should add to their bucket list.
Here at Backcountry Journeys, this is one of our favorite places to visit and we run multiple Brooks Falls Photo Safaris throughout the year. And with all these trips, as you might expect, our guides have come back with some absolutely stunning and exceptional images. In today’s article, we’re going to focus on a select few images that really capture the beauty of brown bears in Brooks Falls. And what's amazing is that you don't have to be a world class photographer to capture images like those you're about to see. With the access that this location provides, the abundance of bears all around, and the variety of shots that are easily obtainable, you can capture photos just like these. So, let’s get into it and take a look at some of our favorite Brooks Falls images captured over the years.
This image captured by BCJ guide Tom Turner might have to be my personal favorite. Perhaps it doesn’t capture any lightning-fast action or freeze a split second in time, but the way this image captures the essence of the place and the overall environment is absolutely incredible. The longer shutter speed beautifully portrays the motion and energy of the water while the bears stand perfectly still waiting for their next meal. On top of that, the lighting and colors that come across in this photograph are absolutely stunning with the golden light on the bears and the water in the top left beautifully contrasting the aquamarine, blue, and turquoise water of the falls. All in all, I absolutely love this image, nice work Tom!
On the other end of the spectrum, this breathtaking image from Ben Blankenship perfectly freezes the action. There’s so much chaos and energy in this photograph but at the same time, we can see exactly what’s going on in crystal clear detail. From the bear’s facial expression to the salmon clasped in its jaws to the chaos and energy of the splashing water, this photo draws you in and makes you feel like you’re up close and personal with the subject. The way Ben has managed to freeze the droplets of water in the air, and the texture of the bear’s fur is top-notch. This is an incredible image, great work Ben!
This is another one of my personal favorites captured by Kenton Krueger. What I enjoy so much about this image is the way Kenton has managed to capture the emotional state of being or the personality of this bear. The slight grin and curious look on its face, the way it’s perched up on its hind legs, and the overall body position and posture create a very engaging and enjoyable image. On top of that the addition of the blurred foreground foliage and the way the bear pops with this composition and lighting add so much to this photograph. Great job Kenton!
Here we have another incredible image from Tom. This is the iconic Brooks Falls shot with the bear’s jaws open wide ready to catch an airborne salmon flying up the waterfall. When I think of Brooks Falls this is the image that pops into my head and Tom has managed to deliver both an iconic and exceptional image at the same time. The contrasting colors between the golden fur and the blue water, the way the bear’s head and salmon are perfectly illuminated, and the crispness and sharpness of all the elements in this image all contribute to a gorgeous photograph.
And, to continue on the train of iconic Brooks Falls images, this one captured by BCJ guide Russell Graves is picture-perfect, to say the least. The sharpness and crispness of every part of this photograph are exceptional and I love the composition as well. The way the waterfall diagonally intersects the image and the placement of both the bear and the fish are pleasing to the eye. I really enjoy seeing the whitewater being caused by the bear, showing just how powerful the forces of nature are and portraying what the salmon is fighting against in its perilous journey to spawn. This is a great image, and I would expect nothing less from one of our best, Russell Graves. Great work!
And finally, to cap off our trifecta of the classic and iconic Brooks Falls photograph, here is another exceptional image from Ben Blankenship. Once again, the timing of this image is superb. The way the salmon is perfectly framed by the jaws of the bear, the razor-sharp and crisp details, the contrast of a dark bear and salmon in front of a light background, and the portrayal of energy and action are all exceptional. Great image Ben!
This is much more of a unique image captured at Brooks Falls and portrays the vast variety of shots one can obtain in this place. This is yet another gorgeous and interesting image captured by BCJ guide Tom Turner. The thing I love the most about this photograph is the way we are observing and experiencing water as an element of the environment. As opposed to the action of the falls, we are seeing crystal clear and still water as the bear swims through it. We can see the front of the bear’s paw and its claws underneath the surface while the golden fur of its head and neck are floating on top. I also love the way we can see the displacement of the water as the bear paddles forward. On top of that the composition is great and the colors are exceptional. I really enjoy how Tom managed to capture such a unique image in a place that is heavily photographed.
Here we have another stunning image from Ben. Of course, the composition is great, and I love the placement of the bears in the scene. What I really like about this image is just how close the bears are to the edge of the falls as they patiently wait for their next meal. The sense of focus in the way the bears are staring at the water, and the anxiety produced by how close they are to the edge of the falls really draws me in and puts me on edge. Once again, another top-notch image from Ben.
And finally, our last image in this collection. Another one of my personal favorites captured by Russell. This is yet another incredible image portraying the majesty and beauty of the brown bear. Of course one of the most striking elements of this photograph is the lighting. The golden light that illuminates the foliage and environment around the bear is just perfect and the thin silhouette of light that surrounds the bear itself and perfectly highlights its shape and form is gorgeous. Once again this is another unique shot taken at Brooks Falls. I find it very impressive that our guides can go above and beyond to capture stand out images in a place that is heavily photographed. Well done Russell!
Well, there you have it. These are some of our favorite images captured by BCJ guides over the years at the iconic Brooks Falls. This is a truly incredible place where you can witness brown bears feasting on salmon in their natural habitat. If you’re interested in capturing images like these then check out our Brooks Falls photo safaris. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed all of these jaw-dropping images and that they’ve inspired you to get out and capture some wildlife photos of your own. I can’t wait to see all the images that our guides and guests continue to submit from future Brooks Falls trips. Until next time!
Well, there you have it. These are some of our favorite images captured by BCJ guides over the years at the iconic Brooks Falls. This is a truly incredible place where you can witness brown bears feasting on salmon in their natural habitat. If you’re interested in capturing images like these then check out our Brooks Falls photo safaris. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed all of these jaw-dropping images and that they’ve inspired you to get out and capture some wildlife photos of your own. I can’t wait to see all the images that our guides and guests continue to submit from future Brooks Falls trips. Until next time!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.