One More Lion

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 26, 2013186 views9 comments

I was ready to post this and then saw how many lion photos have popped up here recently. Oh well, how about a little one for a change of pace.

This is one of two 4 week old cubs we were able to see very briefly in Mala Mala last August. The mother was keeping them away from the rest of the pride and had recently hidden them in a new spot, so nobody was sure where they were. We were fortunate to find her early one morning and follow her back to the "den," essentially a thick collection of brambles which made for difficult viewing. We were perched on a steep embankment looking down on the vegetation when the cubs came out to investigate. Mom didn't tolerate that for long, and soon moved them back under cover.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS
ISO 800
1/640th
f/2.8

Max

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 26, 2013 at 12:39 PM

Great view of the cub coming toward you, offering nice catch lights and a lifted paw. I think you could add tweak of saturation/warmth to this capture to make it even better.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Mae on March 26, 2013 at 12:42 PM

This one looks eager to explore the world! Those adorable ears look so soft and plush and what a innocent face! Nice timing with the front paw moving expressively forward.

Registered on March 22, 2013, 13 Posts, 58 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 26, 2013 at 2:28 PM

Didn't you know it is Lion Week at NPN Max?

I like the cuteness factor in this as well as the perceived angle of view. The good catch lights make for good focal points, but my eye is immediately distracted by those green leafs on the left I must admit. Y+This is likely due to the lack of color and contrast in the right half of the frame. Saturating that part might help, or alternatively desaturating the greens or converting to B&W in such a way that the lion jumps out better that the greens.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 27, 2013 at 4:22 AM

Super Cute Cub Max

That curious look is awesome. Personally I like the way you presented this photo, with the cub blending naturally with it's surroundings.

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on March 27, 2013 at 7:35 AM

Very cute Max! I agree that the colour could use a boost (while still retaining that early morning feel), as it looks a bit flat as presented...

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 27, 2013 at 1:52 PM

Hello Max

All nits Covered by others. SO I can enjoy this Sweet Image as presented !!!:)

Billr

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on March 27, 2013 at 3:50 PM

Cheers, everyone. I'm sure I can bump the warm tones a bit more before final publication. I was unsure about the crop, even considering just going with a vertical portrait, but I preferred the wider view with the full body and showing the cub working its way through its environment.

I appreciate the input!

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Dottie Short on March 28, 2013 at 3:28 PM

So precious! The eyes just grab you. Thanks for sharing the story.

Registered on April 12, 2010, 61 Posts, 375 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on March 30, 2013 at 12:23 PM

Max, this one is unique and wonderful. Love those eyes and the spots on its head.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments