High Plains Drifter

Beautiful shot, sad story .

A pose and lion worthy of the spaghetti western High Plains Drifter that Clint Eastwood starred in, even has the flinty glint in the eye. Sad to think he's riding off into the sunset, going it alone is going to be tough. Very nice sense of depth in this photo Jim. I like the hint of pink flowers in the foreground and stretching out to the distant cloud filled sky.

Majestic shot, Jim--very nice!

I echo Steve's sentiments, a pleasing shot all around Jim.
I would perhaps be tempted to add just a bit of midtone contrast to add some pop to the scene, own preference though.
Would love to visit the Serengeti still one day...he looks like he would still live a few years if he lets go of his laziness and habit of waiting for females to hunt for him LOL

James,

He looks in pretty good nick to me, the pose is classic.
The biggest threat to Lions is habitat loss due to population increase, although thankfully there are still lots of Lions, particularly in Tanzania.

Thank you all for the kind comments and suggestions.

@Steve: Thanks!, Is your suggestion to "Flip it" simply to have the lion entering the frame from the right? I don't see how that has him looking into the frame anymore than he is now, but maybe I misunderstand? I've flipped a few images for various reasons - but I don't understand the merit here.

@Jack: It's not really that sad, his life is far from over......more of just a forced early retirement, resulting in a downgrade in status and lifestyle. A lions life is a roller coaster... comfort and affection broken by frequent acts of violence.

@Gary: Cue in the Ennio Morricone music:)

@Morkel: Thanks for the input, I'll give that mid-tone tweak a try.

Jim

Really nice lion shot Jim!

His posture and windswept mane make this feel like a posed glamor photo! Excellent work.

I really like this one Jim!
The photo effectively shows both the majesty of this proud animal and expansive plains they live in.
Nicely done!!!

Thanks again guys for the comments.

Steve, I understand now where you were going.....Flipping an image for magazine/book placement is something I've done before. If you can delete the repost I would appreciate it. Thanks

Jim

Very healthy looking lion, Jim, even though he's been ousted, as you say. Any idea what's become of him?

Ajit, as for your question of whether I know his fate...I don't at this time, and that image was from late April, 2013. That said, I will be back in his domain for three months starting in late February, so I'll certainly be on the lookout for him. He's a standout for sure...and I'd love to hang with him again.

Jim

Wonderful shot James! I just love the pose of this old fellow with the seemingly endless grasslands extending off into the distance.

Stunning lion perfectly presented in it's surrounding natural habitat ….. Great Image !