Winner Chosen - October 2013 - Admin's choice - Image of the month

[Marko]

Hi members,

In case you are new around here this is where the Admin (me) chooses one excellent photo each month from all the photos nominated by other members during that month in the Member's monthly choice forum.

Just so it's clear, the photo I choose is not necessarily the best one of the month. I've come to realize it's not really logical to pit images from totally different genres against each other. That's why there are categories in photo contests.

My goal is to simply choose an excellent photo and talk about why I think it rocks. This month was a hard month (again) as the nominations from completely different genres were of very high quality. This month the image I am choosing is being chosen based on impact.

Congrats to missyinmuskoka for capturing this image from Grizzlys and other stuff from BC

I chose this image for several reasons:

1 - Impact - This image has impact. For me it has to do with capturing two sets of eyes; and the loser's eye is wide open here. The 'winner's' eyes are divided between the prize and the photographer. 'The eyes have it'.

2 - The Moment - This fish is so fresh you can still see the trail of drops it leaves behind after being scooped up from the water. I love the moment captured and the bear's gestures are fab.

3 - Composition - It's obvious to me that the composition was kept in mind while making the image. It's difficult to do when tracking an animal and our eyes have been guided toward their eyes extremely well here. Shallow depth of field definitely helps accomplish this.

4 - Sharpness /Post processing/exposure - Focus is on the fish's eye and that sharp bear claw with very natural and subtle looking post-processing that also draws you into the bear's eyes.

For all these reasons, this is my choice for image of the month. Since we all have opinions, some members may disagree with my choice. That's cool but THIS thread is not the place for debate over my pick, NOR is it the place to further critique the image. The purpose here is to suggest strong elements in the photo that we may learn from.

Congrats again to missyinmuskoka for capturing this wild moment so deftly.