Photographing Alaskan Wildlife

In Alaska, taking photographs of two grizzly bear cubs on the beach, downwind from mum. With less than 6 months of age under the belt, their eyesight has not be fully developed as of yet. With fear of male bears, inbreed into their survival kit, they run away as mum approaches because they not clear on her identity. Unable to do anything but watch and press our shutter buttons, snapping each moment, we let nature takes it course. Further and further the cubs run away with one more scared than the other. The younger cub running towards his brother. The older cub puts out a paw to his brother in comfort. They stand together looking down the beach as the full grown grizzly approaches. With each moment, one too long and the distance getting further, the mother grizzly keeps attempting to close the gap before an actual male bear does appear. We sit and watch anxiously.

Finally, mum is able to get within range with her identity confirmed, they reunite. A sigh of relief and a heavy cloud lift's off our shoulders as we watch the family walk away along the beach. An intense moment, but what a relief as our heart beats slow down and the picture returns to a tranquil moment as we watch mother leading her bear cubs playing off to her side into the sunset.