When people look at my pictures I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice. - Robert Frank

This week I have chosen to share with you some images from my Southern Pride/Charleston male portfolio. Some of these images have only ever been in a monochromatic format, whereas others have been newly ‘converted’, but each speaks to me in a different way. We are so spoilt to be able to spend as much time with these incredible creatures as we do and we as photographic guides get lost in all the images we take of them, so for me its just really great to able to go back to the drawing board so-to-speak and look at them through new eyes. I hope you all enjoy it.

The larger Charleston, “Big Boy” as I like to call him, resting in plain view of a small bachelor herd of buffalo.

A powerful moment and something really special to be privy to... a mating pair of lions.

The now very famous “Mazino”, at least to our guests anyway. He is the smaller of the two Charleston brothers, if only marginally.

Probably my favourite image of the Southern Pride cubs at the moment. I just love everything about it.

What I’m most excited about with these cubs, is the fact that we have a male and a female. The male will be forced out at some stage down the road, but the female will be integrated into the Pride, hopefully starting a trend of growth for years to come.

The Queen of the Pride, Mandleve or Floppy Ear, as she’s affectionately known. She’s around 15 years of age this year so it’s just a matter of time before she’s no longer with us, but for now she’s strong, healthy and very much in charge.

The beginning stages of romance between the pair. It’s been quite interesting to note the preference shown towards the smaller male, even though currently he’s been the less dominant of the two brothers, but as we know very well, this can change at anytime.

Already showing signs of a successful hunter, but still hiding behind the protection of mom.

The reality of the predator/prey relationship. It isn’t pretty, but balance is achieved.

Too cute for words and a bond not easily broken.