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Annoyed Lioness


Annoyed Lioness
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1369 W: 9 N: 6334] (18906)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-06
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds MkII, Canon 400mm 2.8 IS
Exposure: f/4, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-09-07 4:51
Viewed: 4739
Points: 34
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is one of a pair of lionesses who suddenly rushed out after a warthog we were watching. The warthog took refuge in a drainage channel and the lionesses stood around looking annoyed (probably not).

The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of 30 to 50 percent over the past two decades in its African range; populations are untenable outside designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not well understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Lions have been kept in menageries since Roman times and have been a key species sought after and exhibited in zoos the world over since the late eighteenth century. Zoos are cooperating worldwide in breeding programs for the endangered Asiatic subspecies.

Visually, the male is highly distinctive and is easily recognized by its mane. The head of the male lion is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. It has been depicted extensively in literature, in sculptures, in paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature.

The lioness has been recognized, however, as the pinnacle of hunting prowess from the earliest of human writings and graphic representations. The lionesses are the hunters for their pride and capture their prey with precise and complex teamwork. Each lioness develops specific skills for her role in the hunting techniques used by her pride and, generally, assumes that role during most hunts. Members of human cultures living among lions in natural habitats have understood this characteristic and often have chosen the lioness to represent their most ferocious war deities and warriors, often naming their male rulers as her "son". Examples drawn from the earliest of written records include the Egyptian pantheon deities of Sekhmet, Bast, Menhit, and Tefnut, and these deities may have had precursors in Nubia and Lybia. Other Egyptian deities are quite complex and assume aspects that may include one as a lioness headed human or a lioness in specific roles. Depictions of lions hunting in groups have existed from the Upper Paleolithic period, with carvings and paintings from the Lascaux and Chauvet Caves.
robindb, cataclysta, eqshannon, lucasgalodoido, zulfu, jaycee, Argus, nglen, gracious, boreocypriensis, rousettus, rcrick, soccer, Luis52, vanderschelden has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi James
Very nice image. I am wondering how it looks like as BW photo (maybe I will post a WS later). Nice composition, good OOF background. I like the light here. It has a great potential that could be used in a BW image
I like it very much
TFS
Krzysztof

Hi James,

A very good portrait of this healthy looking lioness. I especially like the play of light on her face and the detail in the shadow areas. Good composition , dof and natural colour.
Aids is also taking it's toll in the lion population especially in Kruger.
TFS

Robin

There has been a longheld notion that the most creative works come through the eyes of one who suffers. We have seen and/or heard of this through deaf composers and earless painters...artists who die penniless and or of liver failure. Men and women who are tormented, yet their words become classic and same with the other forms of art and dance/music they perform and write.

The above is written, in a round about way, of you, from me. I know of your "past" and the "things" of which you have been through. And for some reason, only high powers know, this turmoil has led you to absolute genius in work with certain animals and lighting. I don not believe that they is a more apt and yet humble man of God on this TN who takes as magnificent images of creatures as do you. This image shows the consistency which you do so well in all of your loves...
Bob

Olá James,
muito bonita essa foto da onça, um bicho feroz. Gostei da luminosidade de sua foto.
Parabéns e Abraço

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer [C: 685 W: 0 N: 2] (43)
  • [2008-09-07 7:55]

Hello James
amazing shot of this magnificent cat! Great shot.
TFS and G's,
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2454 W: 10 N: 8044] (25460)
  • [2008-09-07 9:40]

Hi James,

Annoyed may be an understatement. What a look on her face! To add to the drama she looks like there is a spotlight on her. Great shot!

Jane

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2008-09-07 9:52]

Hello James,
The overhead sunlight make a fine lighting effect in this close capture of a lioness, taken with excellent sharpness and from a fine POV.
TFS,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • degani Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 130 W: 0 N: 322] (2607)
  • [2008-09-07 11:43]

hi James,
great "portrait" of this nice great animal, I would like to be able to make pictures like this, bravo
kind regards
franco

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2008-09-07 12:03]

Hi James . A beautiful picture from your trip to africa. She looks a fine animal with such power. I love that stare in her eyes. and detail in the fur. wel ldone tFS. inetersting notes too.
Nick..

Hello James,
Excellent portrait with a good quality with the awesome lighting over it!
first class sharpness, good colour and superb details
many thanks for the notes and image
cheers
tony

Woww... what an impressive portrait shot of this magnificent cat James! Great facial expression and superb sharp image.
Many thanks for sharing this beauty my friend!
Have a nice week!
Cheers,

Bayram

Hi James,

I think what Bob has written just sums this up beautifully and there is nothing I could add, just wonderful. :)

Rick

James,

The tight composition is something I like about your pic. The sharpness and detail are also excellent. In the pic the POV, DOF, BG and overall clarity of the image make for a wonderful pic.
TFS,
Sheriff

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2008-09-08 7:00]

Excellent shot of this Lioness!
The amount of detail in the fur is amazing!
Very good compostion.
Natural colours.

Well done,
Joe

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 988 W: 4 N: 3277] (14761)
  • [2008-09-08 9:01]

Hello James, What a shot. I like the expression on the face and also the sharp image. Great work ganesh

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1175 W: 8 N: 4240] (15809)
  • [2008-09-08 19:21]

Hola James. What can I say about this exellent photo My friend. Just beautiful. One gem.
Luis52.

Hello James,
A great portrait for lioness with great focus, eyes contact and POV. lighting and colors also great as like composition. TFS, have a nice week
Ahmet

Beautiful lioness, James.
Good you mentioned the warthog situation.
She has a specific expression here. Looks a bit like a puma.
The sunlight was a bit harsh. Good sharpness and compo.
TFS
Annick

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