Kalahari Patrol

[Morkel Erasmus]

The joys of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park...We followed this male all along the dry Auob riverbed for about 8kms as he was patrolling his territory, and there was only one other vehicle with us. He eventually joined up with the rest of his pride. His mane isn't fully fledged yet, but he's growing into a fine specimen.

Light was from behind him slightly to the right (about 7h30AM), like the sniffing pose here.
Cropped from top and bottom to get the right framing.

Techs:
Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 400mm
f8.0 @ 1/800 SS @ ISO-400
Exp +0.3

[DanWalters]

Like the position of the lion and the nose to the ground. He looks very intent. You have nice detail in the lion as well.

[Danny J Brown]

Yea, Morkel, he is checking things out. The scrub brush in the background adds interest to this one. What a beast?!!!!

DB

[Marc Mol]

Like the framing here Morkel, looks like he's really on a mission.
The side lighting is creating an effective shadow. It's always nice when you have these types of sightings in relative peace.:D
TFS

[Sid Garige]

Very nice comp and pose Morkel. Too bad light was not co-operating.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Nice detail in the lion despite the strong side/back lighting. Wonder if he is in a full stride (note, the left hind leg is actually off the ground) or checking something out with his front paw.

Powerful image. Can't believe you can capture such sight at 400mm.

Note to self: must. Go. TO. AFRICA. :)

JR

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the comments, guys...

Joerg here he was paused slightly and indeed checking something out with his front paw! :)

I've captured many lion images at much closer than this on self-drive safaris, Joerg...you need to come

[Steve Canuel]

This is a neat shot Morkel. I like the harsh surroundings and find it interesting that such a large, powerful animal would take an interest in something that small (whatever it is).

[Hendri Venter]

I like the pose and typical Kalahari colours here Morkel. Difficult back/side light handled very well.

[Harshad Barve]

Excellent image for all reasons said above , VWD
TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Morkel

I do like the pose, head down, eyes focused and the slightly raised paw, it almost has a 'genteel' feel to it. Overall I do find it a little flat, perhaps you could just try in Curves to lighten it with a bit of Brightness/Contrast too, but only apply it on the lion, IMHO it does lift it a bit, still retaining the colour & feel of the image.

TFS
Steve :)

[Robert Amoruso]

Not much to add to the above Morkel.

[Andrew Aveley]

great KTP male. harsh lighting as mentioned above. Around which area was this guy? Looks in good shape.

[Rachel Hollander]

Morkel - agree with the others on pose and comp. Too bad about the light angle but the shadow adds an interesting ekement IMO. How long did it take him to travel the 8km?

TFS,
Rachel

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the comments everyone...

Steve - haven't had time to check out your suggestion but will do so.

Andrew - between Monro and Batulama waterholes in the Auob river.

Rachel - we followed him for almost an hour (best guess?) :o

[Todd Frost]

Nice image Morkel. Not much to add to the above. Difficult light handled well.
TFS
Todd

[Rachel Hollander]

Rachel - we followed him for almost an hour (best guess?) :o

Wow, sounds like he moved pretty quickly.

Thanks