Camera: Sony ILCE-1

Lens: Sony 400mm f2.8 G OSS

Aperture: f8

Shutter speed: 1/250s

ISO: 200

Description: Closeup of a lion cub licking its mother's face while she sits immobile in the heat of the day.

Story from behind the lens: We had followed the pride since the early morning and watched females fight over the remains of a warthog. By late morning, the females and cubs had sought shelter from the sun, and the females seemed to trying to do as little as possible. Meanwhile, the cubs gathered around their mother, nursing from her, climbing on her and rough-housing with each other. The mother was very tolerant. One cub came up and seemed to show its love by licking her mouth. Our guide positioned us skillfully so that most of the scene was in the shade, reducing the harsh contrast out in the open.