lourichards
FollowKing of the Jungle.
King of the Jungle.
Read less
Read less
Views
127
Likes
Awards
Legendary Award
Member Selection Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Peer Award
All Star
Top Ranks
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Taken at Dubbo Western Plains Zoo Dubbo NSW Australia on a family trip for my daughters 14th birthday.Time
Taken around 11am on a bright sunny day.Lighting
The lighting in the lions enclosure was partly shady, it was really bright so this shade where the male Lion was sitting made it a perfect for my shot.Equipment
My favorite camera brand is Pentax, I started out with a film slr 25 years ago, have had many brands in between but always go back to Pentax. This shot was taken with my Pentax KS-1 DSLR. Using my camera on manual focus as I prefer I used the enclosure fence to steady my camera. The lens I used for this shot was my sigma 55-300mm lens to allow me to get closer as the animals seem to always be in the back side of their enclosures.Inspiration
I just love big cats! 12 months prior to capturing this shot we visited this zoo and this beautiful beast was just a tiny baby cub, his name is Bahko, he is the only boy cub out if the three that were born. I was so amazed to see how much they had grown. I walked up the long hill to the enclosure where normally the Lions are sleeping or way at the back of the enclosure out of sight, it was the perfect shot seeing him perched on this rock looking straight at me.Editing
This photo only needed a slight exposure adjustment and I sharpened and clarified the Lion to make him pop in the photo.In my camera bag
Always my 55-300mm lens that is my favorite. I have the usual memory cards, batteries along with my 800mm lens, speedlight flash, 18-55mm lens, chargers and lens cleaning kit. All in my Tamrac weatherproof backpack, love my backpack makes handling my gear easier.Feedback
Be careful of shadows in the full sunlight, Bahkos sister lionesses were in direct bright sunlight, their light fur colours were quiet overexposed and lost in the sunlight. Many shadows on the face - I waited til late afternoon to return to capture his sisters to avoid the harsh light. Steadiness of your camera is paramount, if the fence had not been there I would have used my tripod to avoid any movement. Luckily I happened to be there at the opportune moment, I've stood for hours waiting for the perfect shoot of these big cats, but this day it was matter of moments and I had the perfect shot.