Camera: Nikon D850

Lens: Nikki’s 70-200 mm f2.8 (200 mm))

Aperture: F2.8

Shutter speed: 1/1600

ISO: 280

Description: Lioness resting in the dappled sunlight

Story from behind the lens: I have always believed that there is something majestic and powerful about an image of a lioness in profile. On this particular day, as the sun began to move overhead and the Mara began to heat up, my guide spotted a group of lions in the distance moving towards some thick brush seeking shade from the overhead trees. When we arrived, they had just taken cover and were lying in the thick, cool grass. Fortunately, I had just enough of a window to spot this lioness lying in the dappled sunlight; her eyes heavy and half closed while flies circled her face and head. And, as I looked through the viewfinder, the combination of the dappled sunlight splashed across her neck, back and face and the soft yellows and greens of the foliage created a beautiful and striking image. An image that represented a respite, a respite from the life and death struggle for survival and the oppressive and stifling mid-day heat just beyond the canopy of foliage.