Just chilling

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 3, 2011225 views12 comments

This slightly 'battled scared' king was just taking time out in the late evening sun. His face indicating a tough life and full of history.

I am sure some will want more below, but I really wanted this tranquil face to be the main focus and using the dark BG to separate the subject.

Steve
MKIII 500f/4 1/125sec f/16 ISO200 -1EV (FF, resting on bean bag)
Location: Masai Mara

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Larry Reitz on March 3, 2011 at 11:51 AM

Steve,
Really, really good portrait of this guy. Perfect light and IMO the right decision with respect to framing.

Registered on September 7, 2007, 32 Posts, 335 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on March 3, 2011 at 2:26 PM

Great portrait- excellent pose, details and BG- Well done, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on March 3, 2011 at 5:48 PM

Not in my book Julian.

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on March 3, 2011 at 9:46 PM

I like the composition, the lighting, and the black background. I also find it over sharpened.

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 3, 2011 at 10:53 PM

Nice job exposing and processing this guy against the background shadows. I wish we could see a hint of eye, as I think it would enhance an already dramatic presentation. Regarding the sharpening, I agree the fur textures look a little crispy, especially in the small version, so I am guessing that the full size file would make a wonderful print.

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

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 3, 2011 at 11:20 PM

Truly wonderful photo, love it. I will be one of "those" wanting a bit more room at the bottom and left side, it would still have lots of impact from the facial detail and expression.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 3, 2011 at 11:53 PM

Wonderful composition for full frame and your approach for the face to be the main focus works very well as my eyes go right for the head to check things out. I also like the blade of grass sticking up on the right side since you can see the grass shadows on the lion. It does appear to be a litte over sharpened but a minor issue. Well done , a very unique and striking image.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on March 4, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Handsome old hulk, Steve! Agree about the sharpening being overdone. Also, the left hip is a distraction, in my opinion, especially because there is a deep shadow between his belly and the left thigh. If this were mine, I would crop and make this a portrait format.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on March 4, 2011 at 12:55 AM

HI Steve,

Over sharp or not, I think this is a terrific shot, love the way you've caught the lighting :^)

BTW, spent a little time over at your website, jealous? Of course! Inspired? Greatly ;^)

Thanks for sharing :^)

Cheers!

Ashley

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on March 6, 2011 at 11:51 AM

Hi Steve, I agree about the sharpening comments, but I REALLY love the light in this shot...extremely dramatic and nicely seen.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Stu Porter on March 10, 2011 at 5:07 AM

Great shot Stephen, I love the dark BG and the single blade of grass balances it for me nicely - he has had a few fights in his time :) cheers Stu

Registered on March 10, 2011, 8 Posts, 58 Comments

Comment posted by Andrius Pašukonis on March 11, 2011 at 1:15 AM

Fantastic

Registered on July 23, 2005, 111 Posts, 408 Comments