Most tight portraits of lions disappoint either because the camera is above the lion’s eye, the distance between camera and subject is further than one would like, or the lighting conditions compromise the textural detail. In most cases, it is all three of these issues and this is no surprise as lions do not live in studios and are extremely dangerous. The opportunity to take this portrait of Yame, the most handsome lion in Kevin Richardson’s sanctuary in South Africa, came about because of a cave we had built for another project. There was just one source of light, and by the time it reached Yame’s face, it was even and kind, allowing me to glorify its detail. I knew that even the most marginal of compositional imbalances would have a visual impact, so the key was to be patient. If I put the camera down, or had a breather, there would be every chance I would lose the moment of a true 180-degree face off. The result conveys regality, beauty and wisdom – all leading characteristics of adult lions. They are the Kings of Africa and I think in those precious moments in the cave, Yame had quite a lot to tell me.
Medium: Photography Frame: Included Certificate of Authenticity: Included