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Lion


Lion
Photo Information
Copyright: Annick Vanderschelden (vanderschelden) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2711 W: 78 N: 7405] (30145)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-03-12
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III, Canon 400mm 2.8 IS
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/320 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): The King [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-08-28 18:30
Viewed: 1887
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 30
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Mane



The mane of the male lion, unique amongst cats, is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species. It makes the lion appear larger, providing an excellent intimidation display; this aids the lion during confrontations with other lions and with the species' chief competitor in Africa, the spotted hyena. The presence, absence, color, and size of the mane is associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is the darker and fuller the mane, the healthier the lion. Research in Tanzania also suggests mane length signals fighting success in male-male relationships. Darker-maned individuals may have longer reproductive lives and higher offspring survival, although they suffer in the hottest months of the year. In prides including a coalition of two or three males, it is possible that lionesses solicit mating more actively with heavily maned lions.

Scientists once believed that the distinct status of some subspecies could be justified by morphology, including the size of the mane. Morphology was used to identify subspecies such as the Barbary Lion and Cape Lion. Research has suggested, however, that environmental factors influence the color and size of a lion's mane, such as the ambient temperature. The cooler ambient temperature in European and North American zoos, for example, can result in a heavier mane. Thus the mane is an inappropriate marker for identifying subspecies. However the males of the Asiatic subspecies are characterized by sparser manes than average African lions.
(from wikipedia)

ISO 800.
Same animal as in my previous post.
rcrick, loot, siggi, Gert-Paassen, robindb, gannu, NinaM, Evelynn, cicindela has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 717 W: 37 N: 1558] (5011)
  • [2008-08-28 20:40]

Hi Annick,

Very impressive shot of this wonderful creature, I love the tight crop, and the look in his eyes is just amazing, stunning detail, all the best,

Cheers Rick :)

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5452 W: 594 N: 3651] (10033)
  • [2008-08-28 22:57]

Hi Annick

Excellent portrait of this lion and I really love the close crop around the face. Excellent details and the focused eye contact is brilliant. Did you have a piece of meat dangling from your lens?

Well done and TFS.
Regards
Loot

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1378 W: 56 N: 4747] (16330)
  • [2008-08-29 0:47]

Hello Annick,
Great capture of this beautiful big cat.
Good detail and great POV. Nicely exposed. Well composed. good framing, good colours & Well captured, thanks for posting.
Regards Siggi

Hallo Annick,

Prach foto van de Leeuw.
Precies en mooi portret en met wat voor een geweldige details.
Klasse!

Gert

Hi Annick,

Wonderfull detail and nice and sharp. Those eyes still look as if he is pining for the wide open spaces in Africa.

Robin

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1112 W: 23 N: 3660] (13089)
  • [2008-08-29 5:37]

Really, really impressive Annick, a well chosen tight crop in the framing and the all important detail is there too. You've caught the 'Regal' feel of this animal perfectly.
Paul

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 801 W: 3 N: 2100] (6596)
  • [2008-08-29 6:17]

What character in these eyes, a wonderful portrait, Annick. You are great at such portrait of great animals and as a Leo myself, I cannot help but applaud this fantastic one. Thank you,

Francine

  • Great 
  • Art_R Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 194 W: 16 N: 618] (2530)
  • [2008-08-29 7:38]

HI Annick , wow that is one 'don't mess with me' face :-)

great portrait , I like the tight crop and sharp detail , no doubt the face of a king ;-)
regards
Art

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2395 W: 94 N: 5542] (17634)
  • [2008-08-29 8:50]

Hallo Annick,
Van dit portret word ik niet vrolijker dan de vorige. Het beest kijkt nog even triest.
Maar het portret is schitterend. De details zijn perfect. Elk haartje is zichtbaar. De uitsnede van en kleuren in de foto zijn uitstekend.
Goed weekend,
Peter

What an effective close crop this is Annick. I like the clarity and natural color.

TFS
Evelynn ; )

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-08-30 4:32]

Hello Annick, So close wow. Looks very elegant and gigantic. Wonderful clarity and superb focus. Well done Ganesh smiley tmw

Hello Annick!
This is a very nice close-up of lion's head. I like its mimic too :>
Also the note is very interesting, as I see once more differences in morphological features are not so contant to be used for recognizion of subspecies. By the way, so how many subspecies of lion are known at present? One i Asia and one in Africa? Or maybe more?
TFS and best greetings,
Radomir

PS. Thank you for comments to my waterfall pictures :)

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2001 W: 226 N: 6845] (24727)
  • [2008-08-30 14:19]

Another excellent shot of this Lion.
Once again the close-crop is very effective.
Great sharpness and clarity.
Brilliant DOF.

Well done, Annick!

Cheers,
Joe

Hello Annick, a majestic portrait! Very impressive looking! nice choice of cropping!
Tfs
Ilias

This portrait looks as well very dangerous to take it,but that is in ZOO,is it? Nevertheless good photo ;o) Jan

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