Last night we encountered two grizzly bears feeding near a meadow stream, about 20-30 minutes after the official sunset time. Many people would not even try to shoot in this light, but why not? There are two grizzlies in front of you!
The trick to getting decent images is to open your aperture as wide as possible, use the slowest shutter speed you can without introducing blur, and then set the ISO as high as you need to get the proper exposure. Most modern DSLRs can shoot up to ISO 6400 with little problem, and many up to 12,800.
ISO 6400 – f/5.6 – 1/100s
I made the mistake of not changing my aperture from f/5.6 to f/4 after switching from a 2x to 1.4x extender. I would have been able to use an ISO of 3200 or have a brighter image at 6400. Next time…
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are a couple of ways I can help you improve your photography.
1. Download my free wildlife photography eBook
Five quick, easy tips that you can start using right away to improve your wildlife photography — Click Here
2. Join a photography workshop in Yellowstone
Improve your photography with hands on instruction in an environment rich with opportunities for both wildlife and landscape photography — Click Here
