Camera: Fuji XT-3

Lens: 200MM F2 +1.4TC

Aperture: 2.8

Shutter speed: 1/1000

ISO: 5000

Description: Lion shaking off water after a torrential downpour

Story from behind the lens: I spent several days with Olope, the King of the Monika Pride. It was an absolute privilege to be allowed into his space. Our guide spotted him underneath a bush. There was a torrential downpour and I waited for the king to rise, I made sure my shutter speed was high enough to freeze the motion and at least get his eye in focus with some blur of his mane. At 5000, I knew the ISO was high, but I wasn't overly concerned as the grain would add to the vision off the shot I had in mind. And rise he did... in spectacular fashion, baring his teeth and shaking off some of his majestic grace and giving me a momentary glimpse of his primordial and carnal presence. I was so pleased that I manage to pull this off...it almost appears as if I am shooting this from above and Olope is bounding out of the water. I am genuinely saddened at the loss of such a magnificent animal and believe this is a fitting image to honour his life. This is one of my favourite shots from the Mara.