It's tough being a Lion.

[Marc Mol]

12.53pm and at around 100degrees in the shade, this 3yr old sub-adult male Lion is exhausted from
bringing down a Sitatunga antelope (with his bros help) and dragging it hundreds of metres to get it under the shade.
Xakanaxa region- Botswana Sept '09. Monopod from vehicle, cropped for vertical
D3 500VR 1/350s ISO200@f/6.7

C & C most welcome

Cheers
Marc

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Marc

The weblink dropped out, so I will try & re type what I said :(

The face and expression says it all, obviously they wanted to conceal the kill from the vultures, which in turn, attracts other optimists.

Looking at the image I guess it would be hard to have an alternative crop, assuming this is FF? The branch for me is 'potentially' annoying, but hey, if it's not grass it's something else in these kinds of situations. Looking at it, and with hindsight, perhaps a wider angle approach might have suited the situation better and be more of a story telling image? Something I am very guilt of not doing myself!!! The exhausted expression on the face though says it all as I said.

TFS
Steve ;)

[Fabs Forns]

I love the expression on the face, that makes the picture. Having said that, the mixed light is a problem exposure wise, not sure if a Shadow/Highlight adjustment will help deal with it.

[Todd Frost]

Looks like you made the best of a difficult situation. He does look tuckered out. Too bad about the branch in urh corner but it is minor for me. TFS
Todd

[Stu Bowie]

Marc, you have done exceptionally well with the light and exposure. You have brought out the head nicely in your pp work. I would chase the fly above his left ear.

[Betsie Storm]

I like it as it is, Marc, it tells a story! Love the exhausted look, shows they do work hard sometimes, its not all just lounging & sleeping in the shade. Did you see/get the sitatunga?? Now that is WAY HIGH up on my want list!:)

[Marc Mol]

Appreciate the comments guys, many thanks.

I like it as it is, Marc, it tells a story! Love the exhausted look, shows they do work hard sometimes, its not all just lounging & sleeping in the shade. Did you see/get the sitatunga?? Now that is WAY HIGH up on my want list!:)

Thanks Betsie
We came upon this pair not long after they killed the Sitatunga, and in the process of dragging it into the shade.
Initial posting here:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=47730

Cheers
Marc

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Marc Might be tired but mighty satisfied !!!

Did well with the mixed light, with the tight crop works just fine !! Thumbnail looked strange but pleasant surprise when it opened up !!!