Lion Portrait

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Camera	Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Exposure	(1/500)
Aperture	f/5.0
Focal Length	500 mm
ISO Speed	400
Exposure Bias	0 EV

[Martin Dunn]

Sanjeev, although they are almost certainly the easiest of the cats to find and photograph they are the hardest ones to turn into a stunning image. There are so many lion photos out there that it is easy to become a bit blase.
Even though your portrait is wonderfully sharp - the detail and texture on the fur is super - and well exposed for me it lacks impact. There is nothing wrong with it but at the same time there is nothing that gives it the WOW! factor which would make we want to keep looking at it.

[edwardselfe]

I'm afraid that I think Martin's right. This looks a little like a hot, panting lion. Great as a record shot, but possibly not a arty one.... Nothing you did wrong whatsoever but just a hard subject to photo. Take all those technical skills and keep searching for a more co-operative subject and you'll be onto a winner. I'd also like to see the second pupil in the eye if possible....
Ed

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Sanjeev - Again the processing looks good. Nice detail and exp. I do find the branches slightly distracting. This might have been an instance, since it seems the lion was relaxing and staying put, to add the tc and play around with some real frame filling close-ups of the face. Maybe you did?

TFS,
Rachel

[Tom Graham]

I don't find the branches all that distracting, gives some interest, depth, to image.
Would crop some from left side. And agree with others, nice lion portrait but nothing sets it apart from others.
Tom

[Marlies Vermeesch]

Hello Sanjeev,

I like the lioness picture but wonder if you have cropped it?
Perhaps with legs on it wil show a different look.

THX