Black bear at Kings Canyon

After some 19 years in California, I finally got a half-decent photo of a black bear; my earlier attempts were always blurred. 

This ain't a masterpiece. There are many technical flaws--too much noise, too shallow depth-of-field, muted colors. But other than a few small adjustments and a generous crop, I left as is. Yes, I could spend all day photoshopping and maybe get something marginally better, but you get the main point: I saw a bear in the woods. Memory preserved. Bada-bing!  

The bear was in Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon National Park, btw. I've been to the area twice and both times saw a bear. This leads me to the conclusion that if you hang out at Zumwalt Meadow in the last couple of hours of the day, or perhaps early morning, you'll probably see a bear. 

I got this photo by slamming my telephoto lens on my camera, putting it on automatic and then spraying and praying while following the mighty bruin for a few minutes before he ditched me. 

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--S.H.

This photo is ©Steve Hymon and may not be used elsewhere without my advanced written permission. All rights reserved.