Brothers at Play

[Morkel Erasmus]

I woke up from the raised platform we spent our nights on around this research waterhole deep in the remote corners of Etosha.
It was pre-dawn, but the height of the platform allowed me to scan around the waterhole in the dim light, and see two lions approaching the waterhole from the other side.

I scrambled down the cat ladder, grabbed my camera and beanbag, and scuttled across the 100 meters or so towards the bunker. I needed to keep a low profile while moving fast, as I did not want them to mark me a prey before I could open the hatch to the bunker. They were already playfully jostling with each other as they walked towards the water and I got into position. They first had a quick drink, and then to my joy resumed their play for a few seconds before slumping down next to the waterhole. Moments later the sun peeked over the horizon.

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR
f4.0 | 1/400 SS | ISO-2200
(in hindsight I should have gone to 1/800 SS and f5.6 and just let the ISO run, but I actually like the hint of movement in the paws and bodies)

[John Mack]

Like the interaction and the low angle. The pose on both lions is nice. Great background.

[greg cowle]

Great vantage point, great colors, great action.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Love the story and I too am happy with the blurred paws, a very interesting and natural looking image. I really like it very much.

[Marc Mol]

Superb dawn lighting, low POV and interaction Morkel, I well remember your sequence here, from a few years ago now if I remember?

TFS

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks everyone.

Yes Marc, 2013 - I need to get out some more haha

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Morkel - I too like the bit of movement in the paws and body. Great morning sky and low pov. This works quite well.

TFS,
Rachel

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Morkel who does not remember the shots taken , there at M ...
Just surprised it is that long ago !!!
Super low POV and the action is nice .... crop works well !!!
Overall a very fine image.

TFS Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

Again, the underground hide provided the low POV required here.

I need to get out some more haha

Thought you had just come back from a trip Morkel?

TFS
Steve

[Mike Poole]

Fantastic frame Morkel. I love the interaction and the 2 expressions, and the small amount of blur captures the action perfectly

Mike

[haseeb badar]

Hi Morkel -- loved the low pov and the moment , lovely light as well. You did extremely well to capture the action sharp enough even at that ss .

nicely done.

TFS !

[Morkel Erasmus]

Again, the underground hide provided the low POV required here.



Thought you had just come back from a trip Morkel?

TFS
Steve

Ah well, this trip was more family-fun-based than photography, and was only my 2nd bush trip in 2 years so feeling the withdrawal symptoms still Steve haha

[Steve Kaluski]

Nothing like 'family bonding/team building' Morkel, out in the bush.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Nothing like 'family bonding/team building' Morkel, out in the bush.

true, my wife and kids love it
kids have been to Kgalagadi, Etosha and Kruger more than to the beach in their lives

[Dumay de Boulle]

This is really nice and I love the shooting angle.

[Jay Shah]

Love the story and everything about the image. Well done with the opportunity.

[Basil Dardagan]

I too remember these images....... they are brilliant ! Would taking some of that oof foreground out and readjusting the crop not perhaps improve the image? Also please can you post the contact details to book accomodation at this research centre?