Portrait of a Young Lion at Zuka

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear Friends,

A very simple portrait of a young male lion, captured at Zuka Private Game Reserve in September 2017.

I remember I nearly fell asleep in the game viewer on that occasion. Waited for quite some time for this fellow to get up as he was sleeping comfortably in the shade. He then walked around a bit, stretched, found a nicer spot... and lied down again

This is almost FF, a slight crop from the top and from the RHS. Techs as follows:

Nikon D4
Nikon 500F4
ISO 1000
F8
1/2000s

Processed in LR and PSCC. NR applied to the BG. Exposure, curves, saturation, vibrance, removed two OOF insects flying about

Hope you don't find this too boring, and thank you so much for taking the time to view. As well as for your kind comments and critique on my previous images - they are much appreciated.

Kind regards,

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gabriela, just an awesome image, just lift it slightly, add a bit more saturation and sharpening, you have a stunning/outstanding image!!!!

Just look at all that detail in there...

TFS
Steve

PS On reflection I might have added a little too much sat (racing), but it's the depth and oomph you have.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you Steve

[haseeb badar]

Hi Gabriela -- What a cracking image , I loved the BKG with soft muted colours. Details in your subject are stunning as well . Steve's RP and your RP definitely lifts the image and makes it more pleasing . A fantastic image indeed.

Loved it. TFS !

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Gabriela oh what a cracker of a portrait !!!!
Love the side profile in combo with the bokeh of dreams !!!!
Lovely fine details in the subject and the PP is just on the dot ...with your RP IMHO ....very nice work !!! A pleasure to view .
Would have been nice to have a proper mane .....

TFS Andreas

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Hi Gabriela, a superb portrait with tons of detail. The pose with that gotie beard and thin mane is lovely. The BG is sweet. Techs spot on. Loved it.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you very much Steve for RP and suggestions, as well as Haseeb, Andreas and Sanjeev for your kind thoughts

They are really cute, those young lion punks. Gorgeous too. And of course, naughty. Andreas, this image was taken in 2017 so he must have a "proper" mane by now

[Jonathan Ashton]

Simply beautiful Gabriela, I loved the first bur I think your repost is even better.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you very much Jon,

So glad you like it. I too think the RP is better, as soon as I saw Steve's I knew precisely what he meant

Have a lovely week-end,

[John Mack]

Wonder what this lion is thinking about. Like the pose and that concentrated stare. The background is excellent here. Not boring at all.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Many thanks for your thoughts, John. I guess the lion is wondering " where do I get some better shade, it's pretty hot here... "