Contented Lion

[Cindy Cone]

Found this one while looking at my files, This was taken in the Mara about 4 years ago, before I started shooting in RAW. The side-lighting was a bit of a problem, but I've tried to work with it. In retrospect, I might have gone for less depth of field.
Canon 20D, Canon 100-400 at 220, 1/640, f/8.

BTW, he is one half of a mating pair, and I've always thought he is almost grinning.

[Robert Amoruso]

Cindy,

Try a reverse s-curve - works wonders by taking the edge off high-contrast images. Repost shows one applied to the image.

I like the look of the lion - very regale.

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Great expression on this majestic king of the bush Cindy. Yes less DOF would have helped a bit to emphasize the lion's head. This would also work well for a tighter portrait, but you probably have one seeing that you made this @ 220mm. Btw the contrats in your image looks fine to me.

[Cindy Cone]

Thanks to you both for your comments.

The reverse s-curve advise is helpful, Robert.

Vincent, this was from my first trip to Africa, and I have many closer views of this fellow. Wish I'd known then what I know now!

[Steve Canuel]

I think you chose the perfect title for this one Cindy as he does seem to have that after-the-fact contented look on his face.
Steve