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Monochrome Monday #87

on Aug 22, 2016

Patience is the essence of clicking great Photographs!! - Abhijeet Sawant

Wildlife photography is all about patience. One cannot force animals into action and if your subject happens to be a cat, well then you had better get comfortable and have some interesting conversation starters, because you’re going to be there a while! Cats are masters at conserving energy and none do it better than the largest of all African cats, the lions. Fortunately for most of my guests, I have an intimate understanding of our resident Pride and as such I can safely predict when it’s best for us to gain position within a sighting, but of course this is only if the guests take my advice and agree to getting up really early or staying out really late. Knowledge of animal behaviour can save you a lot of time twiddling your thumbs in anticipation, but of course there is no exact recipe to successful cat photography and this is where the patience comes in. This week I have selected only images of our Southern Pride of lions, which is growing stronger by the day and have afforded us some amazing experiences over the last week. I hope you all enjoy it.

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The Southern Pride’s fearless leader, Floppy Ear.

The oldest cubs of the Southern Pride, spending some time at a waterhole with their mom and aunts.

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Lions are very affectionate with one another so we knew it wouldn’t take too long for an opportunity like this to come around.

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Using the terrain to our advantage, we were able to achieve a low angle as the new generation of cubs walked towards the vehicle.

There’s nothing quite like the experience of lions feeding on a carcass.

The larger Charleston male is an imposing force and a lion not to be trifled with.

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A close-up of one of the Southern Pride lionesses looking in great condition. It’s hard to believe that only 6 months ago, she seemed to be knocking death’s door.

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Our first glimpse of Floppy Ear’s newest cubs in their secret space.

Floppy Ear’s young cub at his first kill site.

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The inquisitive nature of new life is so refreshing for anyone that gets to experience it in person.

  • Blog by Mike Palmer (Bush Lodge Ranger)
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