Matusadona National Park abuts the shoreline of Lake Kariba, and in years past was famous for its Lion v Bufallo battles.
As a result of the higher rainfall in the past few years the lake level no longer drops as far in the winter months, so there are far smaller plains of lush fresh grass for the Buffalo to graze on and for the Lions to attack, The Bufallo now spend most of the time inland and the Lions follow, this year we were priviliged to see many Lions whose main prey are Kudu and Impalla.
Here is the Male we saw last year now becoming a big boy.
Taken on Rhino Island 25th September 2011, in the late evening.
I like the pose, sharpness, the look in his eyes, the open mouth and even those big feet that he will eventually grow into. I have to say, though, that the image suffers a bit from the subject being in the shade when there is sunlight behind him. It just doesn't pop enough for me. You may be able to go lighter with the lion to make him stand out more. Others may have better post processing suggestions on how to achieve a stronger image. Cheers.
Sure looks like he's king of the pile up there, Ken...nice specimen, proud pose...
I played around with selective dodging and burning to enhance him a bit. Might have 'overcooked' it for your tastes, but just to show what can be done.
Dodged midtones and shadows on the lion, burned highlights on the BG. WDYT?
Ken - Nice portrait (but I like portraits). I am curious though given some of your recent comments about other images, what in your opinion makes this more than an "ordinary portrait" of a lion?