The King

Image Critiques
1

20180825-GH3I6856.jpg
20180825-GH3I6856.jpg3884×3237 1.03 MB

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

A beautiful, full-maned lion sitting on his “throne” looking out over his kingdom, is what I captured here. The lion and the setting, I cannot take credit for. I did manage to snap the shutter when, I really believe, he was contemplating his kingdom. That “look” is what really makes this special for me.

Creative direction

I wanted to capture an image that would make those who saw it feel as I did when I shot it. Being up close with a magnificent lion.

Specific Feedback

I think, once again, the crop will be the most discussed. Looking forward to the comments.

Technical Details

I wanted a closeup of this magnificent lion. Normally, I would want a bit more space around the subject, but in this case, the tighter crop seemed better.

Canon 1DX, Mk II
Canon 200-400
ISO 2000
f/5.6
1/250 sec

Description

This was taken in Kenya’s Masai Mara. We spotted this lion lying on a small rise quite a ways from the dirt road we were on. I took a couple of shots from that distance, but wanted to be much closer. My guide and driver decided to accommodate me. There was no direct off-road path to the lion. My guide knew a way to get closer, but it required a winding, twenty minute drive to get there. We finally spotted the lion and he was much closer. I wanted the driver to stop so I could at least get one image before the lion moved. We kept getting closer and closer. I expected the lion to bolt at any second. Needless to say he didn’t. We got closer than I ever expected we would. Hence the opportunity to capture all the details of the magnificent lion.

2

What a great capture here! The pose is perfect and I love that you can see the color of his eyes. Just a fabulous image!
-P

3

Oh my! What a wonderful looking boy! He’s given you the best pose showing off his mane, and his battle-scarred face tells volumes.

I think your crop is good. I had a play and added more on the right and bottom, but in the end went with how you have posted…maybe just a flea’s whisker on the bottom to give that foot a touch more room.
I might consider a little branch removal in the background and a couple of those OOF grasses on the right. I might also consider a version with his eyes sharpened a little and a little added contrast?

An image well worth a few versions for comparison.

Well done!!

4

Great subject, beautifully captured, there appears to be a hint of smile in his face :slightly_smiling_face:.
I just love his expressions. I may prefer to have a more rectangular frame and you may blur out the tall grasses on LHS.
Cheers !

5

A striking portrait Jerry. A great angle and an interesting expression, (I wonder what lions think about?).
I really like the contrast with the background. Maybe take out a few of the grasses to the right, but it’s still very good as it is.

6

Nice photo. The lighting and color are great. I really like the lion’s pose and his expression. I do wonder whether adding a little room particularly on the right and bottom would open up things a bit. Your work in getting the photo was definitely worth the effort!