Many of you may have seen this picture on some social networking forums. I decided that it may be quite fun to explain a little bit more about this shot. It is after all one of my favourite lion shots from 2012!
This picture was taken on the last day of 2012 and shows one of the lionesses from the Sparta Pride, resting her head on top of her cub. The lions are in the cool sand of the Maxabeni, a prominent dry riverbed that runs through the width of Londolozi. It was taken in the early hours of the morning, moments after the pride had decided to settle down for the day in the shade. They had been hunting throughout the night and had moved a considerable distance from where they were ten hours prior. The rising temperatures, together with the great distance travelled, meant that these animals were tired and in need of a sleep.
Whilst the other six cubs of the pride slept in a bundle downstream, this one cub decided that he wanted to spend some time with his mother. He purposefully walked up to her and brushed her head with his own. For a split second they were nose to nose. She lifted her head and licked him on the face. He used this opportunity to place his head on his mother’s front paws. Content that her family was happy and safe, the mother pulled the cub towards her and nestled her chin on the head of her son. She rested her eyes and sighed. It was at this exact moment that I took the picture.
Specs
Canon 5
70 – 200 mm Lens
ISO: 400
F: 2,8
Exp:-1/3
Speed: 1/1250
WB: Auto
RAW
After taking this picture I put it into Adobe Photoshop and whilst in the RAW option I converted it to Greyscale (black and white). I did this with the intention of preventing the ‘viewer’ from being distracted by colours. It was the facial and body expressions that I wanted to convey. The photograph was sharpened ever so slightly and the contrast increased to bring out some more definition.
What I love about the picture
- The sense of inner peace felt by both animals. Both animals are completely content and at ease with each other.
- The raw and pure sense of love conveyed.
- The simplicity of the picture.
- The fact that her eyes are closed and his are open. This shows how at ease the mother is with us watching her during her intimate family moment.
- The incredible defintion of the muscles in the lionesses front leg and shoulders.
- The beauty of a lioness and her cub.
- It is not necessarily the technical components that make this picture work, but the emotional attachment one feels when you look at it.
Photographed and written by Adam Bannister
If you own an Ipad and are interested in lions, then be sure to check out the latest iBook available from the iTunes iBookstore… “The lions of Londolozi”
The Lions of Londolozi – Tsalala Pride
Thanks for this! As a still new photographer I love reading things exactly like what you wrote. It is thanks to a visit to Londolozi that I am such an avid hobby photographer now. Thank you!
Its a fantastic picture and love, how you describe, the complete contentment, for just a small element of time.
When we visited some 2 years back (xmas), it was when the 4 males had come into the area and killed 2 of the 3 cubs, the remains of which we found – was very sad, but this is nature.
This picture sums up what we love about the lions and their “human” mannerisms.
I still have 3 of my leopard photos I converted to black & white (more powerful) in my downstairs loo – oh the glamour…but at least everyone sees them.
Great photo! thanks
Cat x
Wow Adam, this pic indeed amazing on so many levels, just love it!
Hi Adam, this is an incredible photograph have been looking at it all day! I was wondering how/when the iBooks will be available on SA iStore? Desperate to purchase Leopards & Lions of Londolozi!
Hi Michael, at present I am unable to give you a definite answer as we ourselves are waiting for Apple to offer iBooks in the South African book store. May i suggest that in the meantime you setup a US iTunes account which will give you access to the books. You can do so by following the instructions on this link – http://www.marcforrest.com/2010/04/08/get-a-us-itunes-account/
Thanks so much for giving us the story behind the pic! It is definitely one of my favorites of the year!
I thank you, Adam, & the fates that have brought your heartwarming photos into our world so far away in Sebastopol, Ca, dreaming of our return in March. Adam, thank you again–you brighten up my day.
Love the pic and especially the story.
Thanks Adam!
A pciture say a thousand words. B&W does wonders.
Thank you for the story though and in particularly the “techie bit”. Always good to know for the next trip out!
Keep them coming, feel right at home!!
Jan-Erik
Thank you for this beautiful photo. I love how animals live so contentedly in their world. I wish we humans could live in the now and not worry so much about the past or the future.
I can’t wait to visit SA in 2014.
Thank you for sharing your world with us.
The picture is wonderful. You were at the right moment to take the picture. The love between the mother lioness land the cub is very clear in it. The picture is again a proof that animals has feelings too. Thank you.
Awesome photo Adam!!! The bond between Mother and a child…I know as i have 3!!!
Dear Adam. Thank you for sharing with us this beatiful and fantastic pictures and also for the detailed explanation of the “making”. For sure one of my ever favourite pictures of lions.
Thanks Adam, this photo is amazing, every word you said about it is true, its a peaceful photo
would love to use the blk and white pix on my lion page with your permission and credit …. it is just stunning…