Resting Lion 9-8-2017
During a June morning visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, I caught this impressive male lion taking a peaceful break on a high rock perch. Early morning is definitely the best window to photograph big cats outdoors before the rising Florida humidity and intense midday heat set in for the afternoon.
The composition captures the lion resting comfortably with crossed front paws, his eyes half-closed in the warm morning sun. Golden sidelight outlines his dark, full mane and muscular frame, while the soft green forest canopy behind the rocky outcrop provides a pleasing, natural wildlife background that stays cleanly out of focus.
