Warrior King

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 8, 2014315 views15 comments

This is Scar / Scarface from the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Usually part of the famous Marsh Pride, he crossed the Mara river with his brothers a few months ago and was hanging around our camp on the banks of the river in the Mara Triangle all through the Great Migration season, sowing his wild oats among the ladies and chasing away the existing dominant males with ease.

What a lion! Such presence...
The eye was apparently scarred by a Maasai spear in his younger cattle-thieving days. This is full frame bottom and left so I cropped tighter top and right. I've got others which have more space around, but liked the pose/expression here.

Techs:
Nikon D4s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f4.0 | 1/320 SS | ISO-900

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Ronald Murphy on October 8, 2014 at 4:39 PM

These days I avoid using the term "awesome" for obvious reasons, but your photo has conveyed just how awesome this guy is. Very well done.

Registered on March 13, 2012, 279 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 8, 2014 at 5:00 PM

Impressive portrait Morkel, full of character, well done.

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

Comment posted by Jim Gavin on October 8, 2014 at 5:18 PM

Powerful image depicting a powerful, no-nonsense lion king. Fantastic. From a purely commercial standpoint this would make a great "do not enter" sign.

Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on October 8, 2014 at 5:47 PM

The DOF and colors draw you in until you notice his scars (fresh and old). Powerful portrait of a weary warrior.

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on October 8, 2014 at 5:58 PM

Wow! One of the most interesting and compelling lion portraits I've ever seen. Just go ahead and print it big. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on October 8, 2014 at 6:26 PM

WOW! Enough said.

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

Comment posted by Max Waugh on October 8, 2014 at 7:41 PM

Looks like quite a warrior. Interesting that the scar still looks fresh (though there's a grizzly bear in Yellowstone also nicknamed Scarface who has similar old wounds that still appear raw at times). I like the pose as well and think your crop choice was fine. Nice combination of greens to go with this golden boy.

Max

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

Comment posted by Joe James on October 8, 2014 at 9:04 PM

Superb! What a big, powerful looking cat.

Registered on November 20, 2009, 89 Posts, 808 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on October 8, 2014 at 11:34 PM

If I were a lioness, I'd submit to him! What a hunk!

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

Comment posted by Richard Teller on October 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Great image. I like the color, dof and the action shown by the lifted paw. He looks like he is the king of the hill and is willing to have anyone challenge him.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Butch Lama on October 9, 2014 at 2:15 PM

WOW... Love the exposure, colors and details on his mane. Very impressive shot.

Registered on July 23, 2010, 42 Posts, 316 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 9, 2014 at 4:17 PM

Oh my, he personifies "bad boy tough!" Great job with the depth of field and exposure. Sure it might have been nice to get a touch of space, but you maximized the 500 with a really powerful capture. Liking it a lot!

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

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on October 10, 2014 at 10:19 AM

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.
Lon - yes there are moments when I wish I had a 200-400, but there are MANY more moments when I have been very happy to have the 500

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

Comment posted by John Launstein on October 20, 2014 at 2:59 AM

Hi Morkel! Well, you certainly knocked this one out of the park! Stunning image of an equally stunning animal. While the image would be outstanding without the scar/wound, its presence adds so much character and drama to both the individual and the portrayal. Lovely bokeh behind, wonderful open light, gorgeous tones, and the attention all where you want it. Great work!

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 5, 2014 at 12:23 PM

Morkel, This is fantastic!! Excellent capture.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments