Study of a Kalahari King

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 27, 2015195 views10 comments

I spent a couple of days being able to photograph a new magnificent male lion that took control of a pride in the Auob river of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in December 2014.

I posted many animalscapes of late, so here's a tight portrait for a change!

Techs:
Nikon D810 (courtesy of Nikon Nikon South Africa)
Nikkor 400mm f2.8 VR
f5.6 | 1/1000 SS | ISO-1000

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on March 27, 2015 at 5:32 PM

Nice of you to dust off your long lens, Morkel.

I like how well the lighter hair in the mane frames the face, providing some balance against the bright patch of background and a natural border to help the face stand out a bit more.

Max

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

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on March 27, 2015 at 5:55 PM

This is a fine portrait of this Lion, Morkel, with a nice tight focus on his face and mane. I would like to explore the details further, so I'm missing a larger version.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Ashleigh Scully on March 27, 2015 at 7:04 PM

I like the framing of this too, Morkel. He is a beautiful lion!

Registered on November 4, 2013, 36 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on March 27, 2015 at 8:31 PM

He's a beauty. Love these close up shots. Well captured.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 28, 2015 at 12:14 AM

I like this a lot. The warm tones of the sand beyond his face are a nice harmonious touch, accenting eyes and lightest fur. It is a close portrait, but key elements are well located for fine composition. I would print it.

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on March 28, 2015 at 11:40 PM

Hey Morkel,

Very, very nice - this portrait shows just great character. Love the "faraway" look...framing, and everything else about this shot. This one's a home-run for me!

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 31, 2015 at 10:25 PM

Excellent close up Morkel, love the detail

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Mario Moreno on April 1, 2015 at 5:02 AM

Nice expression captured in his eyes Morkel

Registered on January 24, 2012, 163 Posts, 369 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on April 1, 2015 at 6:29 PM

Thanks for the great feedback, folks

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

Comment posted by Bill Fach on April 5, 2015 at 11:21 PM

Morkel: Striking portrait of a fantastic subject. Regal indeed. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments