Hit by last golden light

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi folks .... back to heat of Etosha
Here comes a Lion in really last sunlight , disappearing quickly .
This male was part of a large pride at Newbroni waterhole , i counted 3 males , 6 females and seven cubs at the time when i was there . Never all together though ... and this fella was the poorest of the males , as he had to look after the kids whereas the other two has been serving two females !!! Poor boy .

I wish i had more light on the lion .... it was ...but all shots with closed eyes ....

Canon EOS 1Dx
EF 500 IS L + 1,4 TC
Beanbag

F 6,3 ; Iso 5000 ; 1/1250 sec ; man exp and Auto Iso

Processed with DPP 4 and PSCC 2019 ; cropped for comp to 80 % of FF

Thanks for looking and commenting to my previous posting .

Cheers Andreas

[John Mack]

Nice lowish angle you got on the lion here. Like the pose as well. The light sure was sweet. Too bad he didn't open his eyes for you but thats the way it goes.

[Arthur Morris]

Two minutes too late for me. Bumnmer on that.
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[Gabriela Plesea]

"and this fella was the poorest of the males , as he had to look after the kids whereas the other two has been serving two females !!! Poor boy" Andreas, maybe Mr. Lion likes children, so they let him babysit

Boetie, on a more serious note now... although I admit I do find this image interesting, for me the lighting conditions are a bit problematic here. Had there been more of that golden light on this lion it would have been stunning, but I find myself wanting to see it shine on the subject's entire face. Not complaining as I realise there was nothing you could do, just sharing my thoughts.

Otherwise this is nicely composed and POV is great. Good pose with those paws outstretched and open mouth, BTW he has quite a pair of teeth this old boy! Nice detail where it matters and I like that OOF BG as it makes him stand out so well. Forgot to mention, I like those wrinkles on his hind leg and visible tail too.

Good techs and well exposed as well as nicely processed Andreas, a pleasure to view as always - thank you so much for sharing

Kind regards,

[Andreas Liedmann]

Thanks John , Artie and Gabriela for your comments , much appreciated .

I knew it would be a problematic image ... but still think it has something for me. For sure i wanted him in full sun , or at least the full head but as stated in intro .... eyes closed .... tried to talk to him , sadly did not listen .

Cheers Andreas

[Gabriela Plesea]

I must admit it has something for me too, Andreas. Cannot quite describe it? A bit of "Kalahari last light", maybe. Memories...Sundowners in the desert, light fading gently, a lion roaring in the distance.

Having spent so much time in the company of lions (as you know, they are my favourite subjects) I quite see the "scene" and in a way I find it intriguing and even attractive because of the unusual lighting. But at the same time it leaves me wanting for that bit of extra light...Not sure it's a good or a bad thing, I need some time to make up my mind about this

[haseeb badar]

Hi Andreas -- Wow , that colour of light is so lovely and I too really feel the same like the others , The lion had to be completely in it or at least his full face. I just love how you more often than not manage to get those ground level POV's .

TFS !

[Andreas Liedmann]

Gabriela & Haseeb .... i am completely with you about the fact , what this image needs .... .... i just took the chance to post this , even if being not ideal .

Haseeb ... was just luck to get this shooting angle , i have many others from the pride where i had to shoot really down from the elevated road .... in brutal midday or early afternoon light .

Cheers Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

I think you did well to achieve the subject with his eyes open Andreas, others go straight for the bin.

I quite like the colour palette, but the image appears a bit thin compared to your usual postings, but again that might be the laptop? It's just that mane looks/appears a bit light, lifted???? Having the 1.4 was right.

TFS
Steve

[Andreas Liedmann]

Thanks Steve for your feedback ... much appreciated .

Puuuuhhh i am happy that the 1,4 worked here .......

The image is indeed , a bit thinner in the tonal range , from my POV due to the low light and the scene was that way , no lifting of shadows was needed . I can add more depth and might be an option ....

Cheers Andreas