I would not trust any bear that made eye contact and still kept coming towards me. I believe you went beyond brave and crossed over to foolish. You have a wonderful memory of a close encounter though!
There have been several instances in western Canada where predatory black bears just walked up and started eating someone. It doesn't need to look like the kind of attack they stage for TV audiences. I'd have been closer to my rifle than my camera if in your place, but thank you very much for sharing the photos.
