Ghost in the Darkness

[Mitchell Krog]

One of the notorious Mapogo male lions of the Sabi Sand Reserve caught at a waterhole at night. Greater Kruger National Park, Southern Africa.

The Mapogo are a coalition of 6 male lion warriors. They are known in some areas of the reserve as The Eyrefield Males, the Sparta Males and in some areas as "The Cannibals". It is said they were named Mapogo after a security company that utilizes rather harsh methods in dealing with offenders. There appears to be several different meanings for Mapogo. Ulusaba refers to it as meaning “Vigilantes“ and Savanna Lodge refers to the Mapogo name being a Zulu word meaning “Rogues”. Whatever the meaning, they are Bad News! The Mapogo males have been known to kill and eat other lions, even cubs that they have fathered. They seem to kill and eat just about anything in their path which may sound rather gruesome but nature has its ways and some things we will never understand. I can say one thing you certainly do not want to be on foot and cross paths with these guys.

You can read more about them here - http://www.africam.com/wildlife/mapogocoalition

Nikon D3x | Nikkor 200-400 f/4 | 1/160 A f/7.1 | Manual | Centre-Weighted Metering | ISO 400 | Subject Lit By Spotlight

[Austin Thomas]

An interesting image Mitch and some good background information as well.

What were the techs of this image?

Thanks

Austin

[David Fletcher]

Cool capture Mitchel. Minimalistic, though love the detail in the water ripples too. Wonderful bg info. TFS

[Mitchell Krog]

Thanks very much Austin and David, much appreciated. Austin I added the technicals into the original post.

[Vivek Khanzode]

Excellent composition Mitchell.... Interesting that the subject was light by spotlight. It is interesting that you chose center-weighted metering for this one, I would've probably gone for spot in this case. I am also surprised that you got a good image at 1/160, F 7.1 and ISO 400!

Never-the-less, great image and conveys the ambiance well. Thanks for posting.

-- V

[Harshad Barve]

Excellent compo , nice ripples and wonderful BG
TFS

[Mitchell Krog]

Thanks very much Vivek and Harshad

[Phil Ertel]

Hi Mitchell, I love the mood you capture. I find the composition to be very pleasing. In my opinion, there is just enough detail revealed in the water to balance the lion's head. Pretty much perfect for my taste. Thanks very much for sharing.

[Fabs Forns]

Very dramatic and simple. The only think I'd change is his placement, either higher or lower, not centered.
I like it very much.

[Mitchell Krog]

Thanks very much Phil and Fabs, much appreciated.

[peter delaney]

well done Mitchell... very atmospheric....

peter

[Mitchell Krog]

Thanks so much Peter, nice to see you online again, have not seen you on forums for ages.

[Steve Canuel]

Very cool image. I like the color tone of the lion's head and the ripples and the contrast with the surrounding darkness.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Loved the simplicity of this image. awesome shot.

KD

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Mitchell,
I am not normally a big fan of empty space......but you have captured something special.....the spotlit beam on the tiger is super with all the darkness.....as I have a love of the crop tool.....my only recommendation is to put it proportionally on the ROT position...bit off top and left......I may even disregard that as the light is outstanding!!!