How to Photograph Bears: The Beauty of the Beast

Join Alaskan guide, photographer, and author Joseph Classen as he explores the topic of photographing one of nature's most feared and fascinating creatures: bears In How to Photograph Bears, Classen takes photographers and nature enthusiasts on the adventure of a lifetime by sharing his most unforgettable bear photographs and the stories behind them. Along the way, readers will gain a wealth of important, how-to information about safely and respectfully photographing these magnificent beasts. In this beautifully illustrated book, Classen, along with guest author and world-renowned bear expert, Dr. Larry Van Daele, first take a close look at the mystique of the bear and separate fact from fiction in regard to these often negatively sensationalized creatures. Next, they teach readers about the behavioral and biological differences of the various species of bears and the safety precautions that should be heeded when seeking to document these subjects. After presenting a balanced, positive discussion about bears and personal safety, Classen shares with readers a wide variety of proven tactics, field techniques, and creative photographic concepts for capturing and producing unforgettable images of these elusive and powerful animals. Readers will get inside information on how to pack for the trip, how to choose and use the best equipment for the job, how to document behaviors, how to ensure artful compositions, and much more. Whether one is heading out to the remote wilderness to embark upon the photo safari of a lifetime or is simply planning to spend a more leisurely day taking photos at a nature preserve or zoo, How to Photograph Bears will prove to be a cherished resource that is sure to inspire, educate, and entertain bear lovers and photographers of all skill levels, worldwide

Joseph Classen is originally from St. Charles, Missouri. Located along the Missouri river, and nearby the mighty Mississippi, this historic town was founded in 1769 by Louis Blanchette, and was known as a launching pad for early explorers, traders, and immigrants who were heading west. St. Charles was a thriving trading community back in the day, it was the site of the famous Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, and it was also the familiar stomping grounds of individuals such as Daniel Boone. It was along those muddy rivers, immersed in that adventurous, pioneer spirit that his undying love of the outdoors was born.

Throughout his entire life, from his earliest memories as a child, up until this very day, a passionate love of the natural world has possessed his soul. There has never been a time that his heart didn’t begin to beat faster at the very thought of heading outdoors for an adventure of one kind or another, no matter how big or small. His infatuation with Mother Nature has produced an unquenchable thirst which has taken him to some of the wildest, most unforgiving, and remote locations in the United States and Canada.

In fact, that ＂call of the wild＂ certainly played a part in bringing him to the place he currently calls home: Kodiak Island, Alaska, one of the most beautiful and rugged places in the world. Over the last decade or so, he’s shared his experiences and love of nature through various forms of media. He’s written numerous books and articles on a variety of nature related topics, and was the host of an outdoors themed radio show for several years, been a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and also work as an Alaskan photography, fishing, and wilderness guide.

Please visit his website Wild Revelation for more information. (wildrevelation.com) His photography work has won awards, been published in numerous magazines, featured by conservation organizations and travel bureaus, and continues to gain worldwide exposure.