Yes... This is 100% wildlife. The bear was found on my grandfathers backyard feeding on the corn that was on the floor for the deer. I went up there with the knowledge that the bear had been hanging around so I looked up some how-to's on wildlife and I saw patience patience patience.... Sooo I sat inside looking out for about an hour and a half looking at nothing when all of a sudden he appears across the canal. Perfect for me to get close enough for a shot AND be safely across the water. I was about 15 yards away from the bear in this picture and at the closest I was about 10 yards. He was not sure what to think about me but I know that when I used my flash he got a bit scared and ran away for a bit. Came back about 10 minutes later and by that time it was too dark to get the shot clear enough while using a low ISO speed. This is what I came up with.
Very awesome shot. I like the pose captured and the glare looking right out to the viewer puts the viewer in the scene. I think this is a bit underexposed unless you were going for a low key effect. Other than that, the only thing I could think of changing would be the use of rule of thirds. But that has no affect on the vote.
Initially unconsidered reaction would be it’s a bit too dark but at the same time washed out without the blacks being quite bold enough. The appearance suggests to me that burning and dodging seems a bit overcooked (I’m more than guilty of doing that myself) but not enough to make the main subject of the image leap out at you. Possibly all it needs is a quick boost on the contrast? Composition is also a bit off in my mind; feels a bit inverted (not the word I’m looking for).
As a rule, I don’t let borders influence my scoring; if you buy a print you can always change the frame. However, I would imagine you’ll get a couple of negatives on this one; not widescreen enough to be cinematic, or just looks like the ends are missing.
My First Weighted Scoring System ™; composition + technical 1.5/3, challenge* 1/1, post processing results 1/2, ooooh factor 1.5/3, originality 0.5/1 =5.5, rounded to 6 (* I don’t think it’s possible to not meet the challenge on this one so everyone gets a 1/1)
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