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A moment I'll never forget

Gallery: NPN PhotographersPosted December 29, 20061,122 views8 comments

Hi guys, this is me. Di. And this is what it's all about for me, the wildlife. This is a moment I'll never forget, walking early morning (at Harnass Big Cat Sanctuary, Namibia) with a lion and his mate. They don't allow this any more, I can understand why, but I'm glad I had this opportunity.
I did something ungorgivable when the lion came up beside me, I ripped my camera from my neck and threw it at the first available person, thankfully they caught the camera and took this pic. Had they not caught the camera? Well, I don't like to think about that,
(cameras dont tend to survive a 3 metre throw) but I'd still have this moment and it would have been worth it.
(BTW: I'm the one on the right with two legs.)
I am living back in NZ now, I hope to bring some NZ wildlife and nature to the sight soon.
Thanks for all the critiqueing so far, it's been extremely helpful.
Here's to a wonderful New Year to all.
Di
Waitakere City, NZ
PS. Thanks to the anonymous teacher from Australia who caught my camera and took the shot.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Juza on December 29, 2006 at 4:45 AM

Hi Di,
nice to see you! Fascinating photo and neat story

Registered on November 1, 2003, 374 Posts, 10466 Comments

Comment posted by Alice Scoggins on December 29, 2006 at 12:42 PM

Awesome shot and story! Beautiful lion. The shot would probably have benefitted from a little fill-flash, but under the circumstances I wouldn't worry about it! Glad the camera survived, and that you have this image to remember the moment.

Registered on February 21, 2005, 430 Posts, 5959 Comments

Comment posted by Ashutosh Rajekar on December 29, 2006 at 1:28 PM

Hi Di, and thanks for this post. Nice that you specifically mention that you are the one on the right with the two legs, coz I was confused at first

I once found myself next to a big Sumatran Tiger, and I pretty much did the same thing as you did. The tiger turned his head towards me, wondering what the fuss was all about

You also live in a great place, I look forward to seeing beautiful photographs of NZ. I plan on visiting there sometime soon :)

Regards, Ashutosh

Registered on June 8, 2006, 51 Posts, 910 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on January 1, 2007 at 9:21 PM

Great to meet you Di. I think we can safely say you're the only member photo petting sa lioness!

Braver than I.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Odell Garrison on January 8, 2007 at 1:50 PM

That's amazing Di! I would have to agree with Bill you are definitely braver than I would be in that situtation.

Registered on May 6, 2006, 109 Posts, 556 Comments

Comment posted by Di Evans on January 16, 2007 at 5:00 AM

Hi Peter, unfortunately I have had 3 wonderful weeks off work over Christmas and been hiking in my local hills but all I have had is long white clouds. The practice with my new Canon Rebel has been not so successful as those long white clouds have been giving me grief, with flat pics and extreme humidity. I have taken over 100 pics and none that I feel worthy of posting.

Happy new year to all.

Registered on December 7, 2006, 19 Posts, 153 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Erhardt on February 1, 2007 at 2:08 PM

Wow, talk about photo opportunities! Nice capture and a pleasure meeting you!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 245 Posts, 2421 Comments

Comment posted by Liam Condon on February 5, 2007 at 10:51 AM

Hi Di
Looking forward to more NZ pix. I had a trip there in 2002 and loved it. Thinking of trying to get back there in another year or two. This is a shot of a lifetime, glad you were so quick thinking.
Liam

Registered on January 4, 2007, 22 Posts, 197 Comments