Lions in the River

[Nicole]

Early one morning we had been woken up at the usual time and could hear lions fighting over a dead hippo in the river. We skipped breakfast and went straight out to see the action. The sun hadn't risen when we got there but there was enough light to see. I took many shots as the sun rose. The direction of light wasn't ideal but who cares when there are lions in the river! Here are a few of the shots. All at 400mm and cropped as the river is quite wide.

[stubbsy]

Nicole

Wow Wow Wow

These are the best from your Africa trip so far (and that's saying a lot). I like the second one and the last one the best. The lovely soft cool tones stand out for me in all of these - probably because I'm so used to seeing very warm African scenes.

[Catcha]

top shots, last shot is my preferred, looks like its after you next

[robw25]

nicole ........ i love #4 and 5 .... i would have been kacking my pants if they looked my way like that ... did your heart miss a beat when they turned and looked ???? ... well done !

cheers rob

[radar]

Great capture Nicole,

great opportunity you got there at the river. Very nice soft tones as Peter says.

The last one is fantastic.

thanks,

Radar.

[Alpha_7]

Nicole, this are brilliant really brilliant. I saw the first one and then kept scrolling and they just got better and better.

That last shot is so emotive, I feel like he's sizing me up, like I'd be his next meal. #1, #2, #4, #5 are all fantastic, #3 is a little weaker, perhaps because I feel safe viewing it then the others

[Nicole]

Thanks guys. Stubbsy my favs are the second and last too. Rob, we were actually allowed to get out of the vehicle because we were on a steep bank. Even so we had to stay right next to it though so as not to annoy them! I was having so much fun.

[stormygirl]

WOW Nicole, these are just brilliant!

#4 and #5 are simply stunning...If it was me I would have run the other way! If looks could kill.....wonderful powerful images! Well done....you're a brave woman!

[antman]

Great pics Nicole.

Your a pretty lucky lady to have the opporunity to get those fantastic pictures.

[ozczecho]

#3 and #5 are my fave. Congrats on such great pictures.

Its usually the early bird gets the worm ... in this case its the early bird gets the lions.....

[Onyx]

You coulda warned us of the potential EXTREME VIOLENCE including dead animal being feasted upon!

With 400mm of reach, I still feel you needed to get closer or cropped tighter. Great shots tho - I doubt many of us would ever get the chance in our lifetime to see these sorta scenes in real life.

[avkomp]

nice shots again Nicole

My favourite is the last one. really does look like he aint happy with you and figuring out if you can be added to the menu.

I like the crops of the others as is, I feel that the high key lighting on these makes them dramatic enought to work.
The light on the water does give something to look at so these work as landscapes with lions. you would lose something (in my opionion) if they were cropped.

Steve

[Geoff]

Nicole,
As people have said previously.wow!! You have inspired me to make Africa a definiate travel destination at some stage in the not too distant future! These photos are fantastic! I really think you should frame them or all of them in a sequence (similar to your post) and hang it on your wall...your guests over time will love them! Thanx for posting.

[Oneputt]

Wow Nicole, those make me want to jump on a plane. I think that I like the last one the best.

[Hlop]

Great photos, Nicole!
They look quite different from those fellows in the zoos

[the foto fanatic]

Notice how the male waits for the ladies to do all the hard work preparing dinner, then strolls in and takes over?

Great pix, especially the last two.

[Hudo]

Nice pics Nicole. Luv the way that Lion looks right down the lens. Mark

[fozzie]

Nicole - a truly amazing group of shots. I am enjoying looking at everyone of them. Nothing quite like nature close up. You would have been in your element.