One of the females from the Xakanaxa pride off to seek solace in the shade.
They had feasted on a Buffalo kill the previous night and this injury, like a lot of injuries, occurred whilst battling for feasting position around the table.
She did everything including rubbing her brow against tree bark to get some relief from those annoying flies.
Xakanaxa region- Botswana Sept '09
D3 500VR 1/500s ISO200@f/8 approx 30% crop. monopod from vehicle.
This actually makes me more uncomfortable than a lot of the gory stuff. I want to chuckle, but the number of flies in the wound stops me. I like that you've left room at the top so we can see the flies appear to be following her.
My only thought (and no more than a thought) - if I am looking at it right as a very well-taken documentary shot, is the very nice colour, sharpness and exposure "right"? Might it actually be even more effective if it hadn't been as well taken or was a bit softer or even over/under exposed?
Marc, great image, and you have shown only a tiny portion of what Africa can really dish up. Survival of the fittest. Excellent detail and sharpness on the lioness, and the flies tell the story. Well captured.