African King
Madikwe Game Reserve, 12 March 2010, 18h13
Nikon D300, Nikon 80-200 @ 110mm, 1/500, f/2.8, ISO 250
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Two days ago we were lucky enough to spend time with a large male lion as the sun was setting combining two of the most amazing sights on safari. As the lion walked between us and the setting sun a few people immediately requested that we move around so that we can get ‘good’ lion images with the sun over our shoulder. Small problems there. You don’t always need to shoot with the light over your shoulder in order to get ‘good’ images. We decided to shoot against the light and ended up with a few great images. The difficulty with shooting against the light is that it is very easy to get the metering wrong or get seriously distracting lens flare. Shooting with the sun over your shoulder will always be the easiest option but there are so many more ways in which to use the light. To tell nature’s story. After spot metering off the lion I used my hat to block out most of the sunbeams that were falling directly on my lens causing some serious flares. The final result worked out pretty well, I think, and I particularly like the rim lighting and different shades of light and dark in the scene. Nice image of a great sighting.
Don’t always go for the easy option. Try shooting with the light, against the light and at different angles to the light. You might end up with a few missed shots but apart from the keepers you get you will also learn a lot about how light works in wildlife photography.
Bye 4 now! 
Gerry
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