King of the Dune

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 5, 2012268 views11 comments

One of my favourite lion images from our recent Kgalagadi trip. This regal and beautiful male was lying flat on a sand dune at last light. For a few brief moments he lifted his head, and I got my shot. It was overcast at sunset which made for some nice - yet challenging - light and pastel colours.

Techs:
Nikon D3s with Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f4.0 | 1/200 SS | ISO-3600
Cropped to pano from top and bottom

I have just posted my personal "Top 20" nature photos from my 2011 travels on my blog - would love for you to check it out!
CLICK HERE

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Oscar Benavides on January 5, 2012 at 6:04 PM

Great shot, Morkel. Original and not very common image of a lion. I like everything, the compo, the colors the sharpness, the low point of view...
thanks for sharing.
Oscar.

Registered on January 2, 2011, 12 Posts, 141 Comments

Comment posted by Cam Held on January 5, 2012 at 9:47 PM

Beautiful comp, and as Oscar said its relatively uncommon to see one like this! Beautiful colors & DOF, no nits from me!

-Cam

Registered on November 12, 2009, 59 Posts, 398 Comments

Comment posted by Carol Nichols on January 5, 2012 at 10:09 PM

Amazing image Morkel. I love the pano presentation. I don't think I've ever seen a lion on a sand dune image. His pose is magnificent. So is your Top 20!

Registered on November 7, 2007, 161 Posts, 1420 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on January 5, 2012 at 11:53 PM

The subtle colours in this one fascinate me ! Love that tiny bit of bluish evening cool on the dunes/lion

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on January 6, 2012 at 12:10 AM

Really unusual setting this! The lion is magnificent and his pose regal.

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

Comment posted by Neal Cooper on January 6, 2012 at 12:28 AM

Nice image Morkel. I like the soft colors. I would darken the blacks a little to have the mane stand out more. Still a great shot.

Registered on June 3, 2009, 144 Posts, 306 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on January 6, 2012 at 4:20 PM

Hello Morkel

Another superb Image that oozes MOOD. Sharp where it matters . I like it Very much.

Thanks for sharing

Bill

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

Comment posted by John Blumenkamp on January 6, 2012 at 5:04 PM

I believe I've commented on this amazing image elsewhere online, but I'll do it again - sweet capture Morkel!

Registered on February 26, 2011, 58 Posts, 313 Comments

Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on January 6, 2012 at 6:57 PM

I really like the unusual location and pose here Morkel! Very nicely done!

Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on January 6, 2012 at 7:37 PM

The soft light makes for very pleasing pastel shades. Nice! I like the low perspective,too.

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

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on January 8, 2012 at 8:57 AM

Thanks a lot for the kind comments, folks, glad you enjoyed this one

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