Wildlife photography is about creating true and honest images of natural subjects.
The following image not only subscribes to that ideal but also captures a moment in the life of a lion.
This is the Mateya male from the Madikwe Game Reserve. Beautiful cat but on borrowed time.
Since picking up a serious injury in a territorial fight with another male coalition his condition has been slowly deteriorating.
This image does not show his bad limp. It does not show the serious atrophy of the muscles in his hips and back legs. It does not show the way he has to rely on his brother for protection and food.
This image shows a lion who does not feel sorry for himself and keeps going regardless. It shows an animal that many people have come to view and photograph. It shows an animal that will not be around for too much longer.
Whether you are photographing a lion with an injury of a rhinoceros in an open plain, wildlife photography is a way in which we can capture the magic of nature for future generations. The moments. The beauty. The stories.
The subjects you are photographing today might not be around tomorrow. Keep that in mind when you are next out there photographic African wildlife.
Tomorrow Etienne Oosthuizen will be sharing more moments. More beauty. All in monochrome. Make sure to join him for the Thursday guest post as he write ‘Black and White Photography and the Ethics Behind It‘.
When you head out into the wild with your camera – share the moments. Share the beauty.
I’ll see ya on Friday! 
Gerry
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