“The Protector”

Despite all the settings, ISO, Shutter speed etc., the key in capturing a great photo is trying to convey a feeling or an emotion to the viewer. To make it multi-dimensional, multi layered - something that makes it so much more than what you see – it’s how it makes you feel. There is no better subject in the wild to do this like babies - it always gets that “ahhh” even if it will grow up to be a ferocious killer.

Now, technically this is certainly not perfect. It wasn't the golden light that every photographer dreams of. It was extremely harsh lighting however that is what makes wildlife photography a challenge. What this image does have is the emotion behind it. I named this image “The Protector” not because of the lioness behind, but the young confident male cub standing between ourselves and its mother. Hopefully if he is fortunate enough to dominate over his own pride, he will be that protector. One who defends his territory, his females and his offspring - to the end if need be. What we are seeing in this image is the future, a potential future king, a protector.

Equipment used

Camera – Nikon D800

Lens and Focal length – Nikkor 200mm-400mm VRII @ 350mm

Settings used to capture this image

ISO 1000 – This image was captured towards the end of the morning drive and therefore a fair amount of direct light so didn't really need a high ISO.

Aperture f/4 – I wanted to have a shallow depth of field to really capture the clarity in the stare of the cub, but also to have enough depth for the lioness’ profile to be clearly visible.

Shutter 1/5000 – I just needed something fast enough to capture a moment when the cub looked at us directly. This sounds quite simple, but cubs are always a bundle of energy.

Editing used on this image

I used a minimal amount of processing on this image. To start, I pushed up the clarity to pull out the sharpness and light in the eye of the cub. I darkened the shadows as I wanted to show the contrast with the direct light and finished it off with some vignetting in Lightroom to darken the background, almost casting a spotlight on the star of the show - the cub.