If you have seen some of my previous posts, notably The Week in Pictures #93, you will know my extreme fascination with black and white editing. It intrigues me to see how one can play with an images contrasts and textures through stripping the picture of its colour and focussing on the detail. The fine hairs, the scars, the eyes and the depth of the subject. I feel the same way about Lions, and the current Coalition on Londolozi, The Majingilane Males. These Lions lead such complex lives. One filled with warfare, suffering and ultimate dominance for success. Each step they take and breath they breathe, leaves a legacy on these magical lands. Through these few images I wish to highlight the intensity of their being and the somewhat ghostly live they lead.
The scars that lie within the fine hairs.
A deathly stare.
Overlooking the kingdom they control.
Death waits patiently in the grass.
An early morning within the skeleton forest of dead Knobthorns.
Deathly jaws.
A moment any photographer seeks to capture.
Here there is a hint of innocent and forgiveness.
Rule with fear.
Brothers in arms.
Proud and strong.
Ever determined to remain the dominant coalition.
The central part of their territory lies on Londolozi.
Their lives will leave a legacy on these lands.
In the Sand River.
Weapons on mass destruction.
Calling out for his brothers.
Full bellied after feasting on a Giraffe carcass with the Sparta pride.
The first picture of a Majingilane I took on Londolozi.
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
Stunning! Thank you!
In black & white these pics are so intensely powerful and emotive! HUGE WOW!!!
Absolutely Amazing.
Absolutely thrilling pictures that truly capture the magnificence of these lions. You are a master!
I’m intrigued, Mike, by this technique and have tried the same with some of my shots of the coalition members. It changes the whole ‘vibe’ of the images – I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Such powerful and beautiful photos Mike…I love every one of them! Thank you so much for sharing!
Excellent pics Mike
Absolutly awesome pictures
The black and white makes you focus more on the expressions and body language of the subject rather than what is surrounding them.. These are magnificent photos. May the Majingilanes have many years to impress.. thank you for sharing!
Oh Mike, these images brought tears to my eyes! They are all stunning – thank you so much <3
cool pics
Gorgeous photos, Mike! Thanks for sharing them. Wondering if you can help me identify this wonderful guy. I captured the photos at Londoz last November and use them as my screensaver. Since he keeps me company daily thought it would be fun to know who he is :)) Thanks so much!
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Great pics Suthers!
Nice Mike…. Your photos seem to be getting better and better!!!
Mike you are very talented. Great post, great photos .
Absolutely a pleasure to follow your blog.
Mike, such great shots! Can’t wait to
(Hopefully) see these guys.