The Baron of Borana. by James Lewin (Kenya)
ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Photographing a male lion or in fact any lion at less than 2 feet away in the wild has been an ambition that I have obsessed over for more than a year as I continue to strive towards taking images from viewpoints that no human alive today can possibly imagine. I think this image achieves that.
The success rate of working with remote cameras with wide angle lenses is not high at all but I feel this is the length one must go to in order to create imposing and striking images of dangerous wildlife worthy of being hung on walls in large sizes.
This impressive male lion is part of a coalition that rules the Borana Conservancy, and they have become renowned for bringing down Giraffe, Buffalo and Eland. Here, he stands proudly, gazing into the distance like a roman ruler but displaying his battle scars as he continues to fight off intruding rivals. He is without doubt the Baron of Borana.
AUTHOR
James Lewin is an internationally acclaimed photographic artist based in Kenya. He has built a reputation for creating timeless masterpieces that bring a unique perspective into the lives of some of the world's most iconic inhabitants. Entirely self-taught, Lewin picked up a camera after working with anti-poaching and research units on the front line of conservation in Kenya, and has since received more than 25 international awards for his evocative work.
Lewin has spent nearly a decade exploring remote areas of Africa, following his subjects for weeks, waiting patiently for extraordinary compositions that will likely never reoccur. All his photographs are of wild animals in their natural habitats, with multiple artworks captured within a few feet of his subjects using customised vehicles or on foot. The captivating levels of intimacy, emotion and drama allow the viewer to experience his subjects' magnificence and unique characters. His artistic approach aims to engage people and inspire new appreciation and respect for the natural world.
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