Wild White Lion of the Timbavati

[Rachel Hollander]

I was very fortunate to see one of the white lions of the Timbavati this past August. It was very late in the day and the lighting conditions were difficult. She was lying with one of her tawny cousins in the shade of a bush. Occasionally she lifted her head but then the sun was coming from the side and dappled through the bush. Even though this is more of a record shot, I thought it was worth it to post during the Predator Theme.

Canon 7D2
100-400 II @ 312mm
1/1000
f6.3
ISO 800
HH from safari vehicle, slight crop for comp, levels, curves, sharpened in PSCC.

C&C welcome and appreciated. Thanks,

Rachel

[keith mitchell]

Never seen a Lion this colour Rachel so thanks for giving us a look,the light looks a bit strong on the side of it's face but it sounds like trying conditions that you have coped well with.When you see them like this you might think they would never hurt a thing.

Keith.

[Rachel Hollander]

Thanks Keith. Yes, the light was really unfortunate. There are very few white lions in the wild. It's a recessive gene and this is one of 2 females. They were pregnant at the time but I don't know if any of the cubs were white and whether they have survived. Will have to see if I can find out.

Thanks again,
Rachel

[Marc Mol]

Just a joy to witness such a rare predator Rachel, and a credit to Timbavati for all their good work with the whites in the wild.

Will be interested to hear what her offspring produced?

TFS

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dearest Rachel,

I have never had the opportunity to see a white lion in real life, even though I live in Africa for many years. Glad you did, my friend:)

Nice techs Rachel. Indeed strong light on one side of the lioness's face but overall a well exposed frame and some lovely detail in that white fur. Subject is sharp where it matters and well isolated from the background. Composition works for me.

IMO this is more that a "record shot" and you are being modest... I like the slightly open mouth and pink tongue protruding. The nose and mouth retain their healthy colour and there's plenty detail despite the lack of enough light. Eye colour looks natural.

This works for me as presented, thank you so much for sharing,

Warmest regards,

[haseeb badar]

Hi Rachel -- Glad that you shared this image of a white lion, such a joy to watch. You have done well with the lighting conditions available and still managed to bring out the details in it. Such a fine looking animal this is. Nice techs as well .

TFS !

[Rachel Hollander]

Thanks Marc, Gabriela and Haseeb, much appreciated.