Lakeside Lions...........sunrise serenity.

[marc]

6.30am
Early sunrise and we found the Olasati pride bringing their cubs down to the lake edge to wash down a Wildebeest they had killed the previous night.

Lake Ndutu, North Tanzania- TZ
Nikon D4
Nikkor 500 VR f/4
f/4
1/250s
ISO3200

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Lions have an inherent fear of water and despite the shallow depth some of the cubs were reluctant to cross.
Nikon D4
Nikkor 500 VR f/4
f/4
1/250s
ISO3200

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Nikon D4
Nikkor 500 VR f/4
f/4
1/320s
ISO3200

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

The cubs stick close to their mothers to garner reassurance.
Nikon D4
Nikkor 500 VR f/4
f/4
1/250s
ISO3200

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

The last one to cross was the smallest cub and despite the consternation eventually joined her family.
Nikon D4
Nikkor 500 VR f/4
f/4
1/400s
ISO3200

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Cheers
Marc

 

[Callie]

Beautiful behavioral images, Marc! Love it when the cubs "swear" at the water or mom!
beautiful light too.
Is that a function of the high ISO? I have often noticed that high ISO gives a lighter ambience.

 

[Kathy G]

Another absolutely stunning series Marc. Love the reflections and the way the sky and water blend. If I had to choose a favourite I think it would be the last one of the anxious cub!

 

[Yezdi]

Another spectacular series Marc....Love the blending of the sky with water and the beautiful reflections....

 

[gordon_g]

Wow some fantastic shots ..... you seem to be making that a habit!

 

[marc]

Thanks Callie.

Beautiful behavioral images, Marc! Love it when the cubs "swear" at the water or mom!
beautiful light too.
Is that a function of the high ISO? I have often noticed that high ISO gives a lighter ambience.

Agree, not that I'd call 3200 "high" since the D3 was released. But there is something be said for that perceived look at upper levels.
I see too many photographers with deep pockets that buy top end Nikon/Canon who choose to limit their ISO's to 1000 or less, and I think to myself.
"why did they purchase such a camera?" Kinda like driving a Ferrari at no more than 45mph.

 

[Gongster]

That is a fantastic series, love the light.

 

[Icarus]

Really like the expression on their faces when they're in the water. You can tell they don't really feel comfortable.

 

[Oztours]

Save me looking up the thesaurus, I will say it in Japanese. すごい

 

[marc]

Many thanks for the kind words and positive comments folks, much appreciated.

 

[Silver Eagle]

A truly magnificent set. Congratulations

 

[ssheipel]

My favourite photo of lions, ever. Just magical with the reflection and the soft water colour. Great capture.

 

[marc]

Save me looking up the thesaurus, I will say it in Japanese. すごい

息子に感謝します

 

[Oztours]

I somehow suspect we are both in the same age bracket, but thanks dad.

 

[marc]

Too right Peter, my reply was probably from watching too many "Phantom Agents" episodes in the '60's

 

[Oztours]

Don't forget Shintaro, the eager Ninja in The Samurai and Astro Boy. I lived in Japan for 16 years and had two Japanese wives (at different times of course ) though my Japanese ability these days is garbage.

 

[Gaduf]

Beautiful set of pictures,Marc,
A very special capture,
Gavin

 

[NatHist.CA]

Stunning and heartwarming view of family life. Amazing captures of the personalities of the magnificent individual animals. Beautiful use of setting, light, and color.

 

[marc]

Many thanks again for the more recent comments, it's greatly appreciated.