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Face to Face

from $35.00

This was a genuine heart-stopping moment on a small bridge in Cades Cove. I had been completely focused on a different bear, watching it move in and out of hiding in the brush. I turned around to reposition and suddenly, there this one was, coming toward us on the path. We were "face to face"—a sudden, breathtaking, and incredibly intimate encounter. We locked eyes for just a moment before it ambled off, but it's a feeling of pure, wild adrenaline and awe I'll never forget.

This close-up portrait captures the soulful, direct gaze of a Smoky Mountain black bear. The focus is sharp on its intelligent eyes and the textured, cinnamon-brown muzzle, showing every detail right down to the bits of forest debris clinging to its thick, black fur. The soft, blurred background isolates the bear, creating a powerful, intimate connection. It's a rare, "face to face" moment, inviting you to look directly into the eyes of the wild.

A signature piece from the "Mountain Moods" gallery, this photograph is a testament to the wild, unpredictable encounters that make the Smokies so special.

Material:
Size:

This was a genuine heart-stopping moment on a small bridge in Cades Cove. I had been completely focused on a different bear, watching it move in and out of hiding in the brush. I turned around to reposition and suddenly, there this one was, coming toward us on the path. We were "face to face"—a sudden, breathtaking, and incredibly intimate encounter. We locked eyes for just a moment before it ambled off, but it's a feeling of pure, wild adrenaline and awe I'll never forget.

This close-up portrait captures the soulful, direct gaze of a Smoky Mountain black bear. The focus is sharp on its intelligent eyes and the textured, cinnamon-brown muzzle, showing every detail right down to the bits of forest debris clinging to its thick, black fur. The soft, blurred background isolates the bear, creating a powerful, intimate connection. It's a rare, "face to face" moment, inviting you to look directly into the eyes of the wild.

A signature piece from the "Mountain Moods" gallery, this photograph is a testament to the wild, unpredictable encounters that make the Smokies so special.

Print & Medium:

This portrait is all about texture, detail, and that direct, living gaze. To make this encounter feel as real as it was, my choice for this print is the Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta Satin. This museum-grade paper has an elegant, soft satin finish that is perfect for wildlife. It renders the deep black fur with a rich, realistic sheen and makes the sharp details of the bear's eyes and muzzle incredibly crisp and three-dimensional. It truly brings this "face to face" moment to life.

"Face to Face" is available in sizes up to 24x30 inches. Please contact me directly for custom sizes, framing, or other medium requests.

Need a Custom Size or Medium?

I am happy to provide a custom quote if you don't see the perfect option above. I work directly with a professional lab to offer a wide range of sizes, mediums (including gallery-style acrylic), and custom framing. Please use the form below to start a conversation.