Nikon D850
ISO 1000
600mm
f/6.3
1/320 sec.
African Lion Cub, Naboisho Conservancy, Mara Simba, Kenya. Naboisho Conservancy is a private conservation area adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, known for an especially high density of lions. This is one of several cubs engaged in play fighting while the adults of the pride lounged deeper in the vegetation. Shooting off a beanbag from inside a Landcruiser, it was rare for the lions to pay any noticeable attention to us or the vehicle. Direct eye contact was unusual and fortuitous, as was the cub framing itself so perfectly with foreground leaves.
Processing: crop, sharpening & denoising, tone & contrast, and light dodging and burning.