Large male lion defending his buffalo kill by intimidating 24 nearby hyena. Londolozi Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa
Large male lion defending his buffalo kill by intimidating 24 nearby hyena. Londolozi Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa
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Views
4135
Likes
Awards
Runner Up in The Neil Dankoff Photography Competition
Contest Finalist in The Neil Dankoff Photography Competition
Winner in Ferocious! Photo Challenge
Winner in Dramatic Big Cats Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Impactful Images Photo Contest
Winner in The Power of Predators Photo Challenge
Winner in Natural born killers Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Jaw Dropping
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
One Of A Kind
Great Find
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Categories
chrisknight
September 07, 2015
Well done on this amazing phototure. It really shows the power of the predator and you have captured a powerful phototure which is why i chose it as the contest winner!!!
mytmoss
September 07, 2015
Thank you, I agree, it is a powerful image. This lion and his brother managed to hold of 24 hyena. Even that stare pushed them back.
mytmoss
July 06, 2016
Thank you, I have spent a lot of time out in the South African bush. I have never seen it before or since.
MRKll
July 16, 2016
Amazing, right after a kill. Sometimes we forget how harsh nature can be. Wonderful photo.
gbukgb
August 17, 2017
Congratulations Michael on winning my Dramatic Big Cats challenge, you really brought the drama with this stunning shot.
luzettepizer
November 08, 2023
Love seeing fellow SA togs and our amazing wildlife.. Excellent capture!
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Behind The Lens
Location
Shot taken at Londolozi Reserve, Sabi Sands, South AfricaTime
430 PMLighting
The sun was setting and there was significant back lightingEquipment
Canon 7D with Canon 400 DO with 1.4 extenderInspiration
There were two male lions dining on a a buffalo. The two were being surrounded by 25 hyena. As the hyena approached, the lion stood up and gave them the "look". The lion was magnificent covered with blood and the back lighting made the shot even more significant.Editing
Basic post processing with contrast adjustments and sharpening.In my camera bag
Canon 7D, Canon 1D IV, Canon 400 DO with 1.4x, Canon 100-400L, Canon 70-200 2.8L, Canon 70-300L, Canon 28-70L, 530 EX FlashFeedback
Other tourists were watching the lions eat at a different angle. I saw that if we moved, I could take advantage of the back lighting. No one else at the sighting got this shot as they were poorly positioned. So the moral of the story is to take a look at the big picture and see if moving to another location will provide you with more opportunities.