Due west across Cook Inlet from the city of Homer, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula lies the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary which provides a safe habitat for bears and a safe viewing environment for the people who wish to photograph, film or simply observe these fascinating animals in their native habitat.
In August of 1997, Patrick received a four-day permit from the state to photograph the bears as they fed on chum salmon running up McNeil River. The resulting portfolio shows a glimpse of a creature both fearsome, comical, beautiful and gentle. Wall decor prints of these images always inspire conversation. Check out the portfolio here.