My Favorite Lion Pictures - A Collection

What is it about lion pictures?! Every wildlife photographer (especially those focusing on Africa) wants photographs of lions 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 African Lion! That is almost enough 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 favorite pictures. I have been spoiled with some really special opportunities to watch and photograph these magnificent cats.

When you are after lion pictures, sitting and watching these animals patiently, it is important to note that as 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 what I am doing, at all. I have learned over time that while patience is super important, it is not enough. Find a productive waterhole or some active lions, and then stick with them for 4 hours. The trick is to be patient but smart! If you spend four hours in good light at a waterhole, and all you see is some gray 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.

My Lion Pictures

I show some of my pictures of lions 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.

Please note that my pictures are not public domain, and are all copyright protected.