ENTRY DESCRIPTION
The Serengeti is believed to hold the largest population of lions in Africa, with over 3,000 individuals, making it undoubtedly the land of lions. When I found this pride of lions on the open short grass plains of Eastern Serengeti, I immediately thought I needed to create a group portrait. I am always looking to make photographs different from anything I have ever taken, and this was definitely one of those moments.

I often aim for my portraits, especially of predators, to be striking and imposing, which means my camera needs to be extremely close to the subject. I used a remote-controlled camera to safely capture the shot without disturbing them with a large vehicle. My remote-controlled buggy allowed me to move the camera into position and adjust the composition, a technique I mastered over the past five years.

In the morning, lions are often very active; seeing a foreign object can sometimes intrigue them. All the credit goes to the Lions for this shot; they couldn’t have positioned themselves into a better composition.

I haven’t used a remote camera since 2021, as I have designed specially modified vehicles, but images like this make me want to keep using them. It is such a low-percentage game with a high chance of losing your camera, making it such a thrilling experience when you finally get the shot.

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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