A Collection of My Favourite
Lion Pictures

What is it about lion pictures? Every wildlife photographer (especially those focusing on Africa) wants lion pictures more eagerly than most others. Okay, maybe with the exception of leopard pictures. This is understandable, as the lion is the biggest and most magnificent of the African cats.

The Lion! What more needs to be said. The King of Wild Africa. The Ruler of the Bush (as long as elephant is kept happy). My pictures of lions are some of my favourite pictures. I have been spoiled with some really special opportunities to watch and photograph these magnificent cats.

When you are after lion pictures, sitting watching these animals patiently, it is important to note that as they are carnivores, they tend to sleep for about 20 hours each day. This can make for some pretty dull unproductive waiting! And pictures of the king sleeping just won’t cut it…

Wait! Am I, professional wildlife photographer, downplaying the importance of patience? Can that be?

No, that is not at all what I am doing. I have learned over time, patience is not enough. Find a productive waterhole or some active lions and then sit and be patient. Be patient but smart! If you spend four hours in good light at a waterhole, and all you see is doves, move on!

I find it best to only spend time with lions during the first three hours of the day, or again in the last two hours before sunset. That is the only time you will get worthwhile pictures of lions. This is especially true on hot summer days.

Any element of action will make your lion pictures special. Be aware of certain behavior patterns and anticipate them. Know what a lioness looks like when she is smelling the scent of a territorial male. Know when she does this, and you will be able to capture the moment. Know that a sleeping male lion will yawn within two minutes of looking up from a nap. If you start watching for these actions that can make your results more impressive, you will soon boast some pretty extraordinary pictures.

I show some of my lion pictures below. Please be inspired by them, or just enjoy them. You can click on each thumbnail to view a large copy of the picture. I give comments on each photograph below the large version, including some information on how, when and where it was taken.