Kayla Fowler

Camera: Nikon D3500

Lens: 70-300 mm

Aperture: f/6

Shutter speed: 1/640

ISO: 800

Description: A young male lion, battle-scarred and weary, gives a fierce expression to the camera.

Story from behind the lens: I had the incredible experience of working with the @marahyenaproject during the spring semester, and while heading back to camp after our usual morning observation session, we found this young male lion sitting right off the road. He had clearly been in some conflicts despite his young age, and was battle-scarred and limping. No other cars were around, and it was so special to sit with him for a while. He was charismatic and had chosen a place where the lighting was absolutely stunning on his tan fur. When he turned towards us, the expression on his face was so powerful and I knew I was lucky to have captured that moment.