Camera: Sony a7iv

Lens: 100-400mm GM

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter speed: 1/400

ISO: 1000

Description: An adult lion walks towards the jeep from the bushes, locking eyes with the camera

Story from behind the lens: Waking up at the crack of dawn, we spent the entire morning in search of a male lion. With lunch approaching and the morning lighting turning into harsh midday lighting, the chance for a good photo was diminishing. But our guide, Patrick, was undeterred. Noticing that many of the animals in one area had gone silent, he positioned us perfectly for what happened next. An adult male lion finally, and gloriously, emerged from the bushes. He walked directly towards our jeep, making for an incredible shot. Then, with equal nonchalance, he continued past our vehicle and settled in the underbrush, where he napped for the rest of the day. It was a brief yet remarkable encounter, captured in that singular image.