photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Cecilia Lim | all galleries >> animals >> the wildlife of kenya > An African Honeymoon
previous | next
24 July 2004 Masai Mara National Reserve

An African Honeymoon

A pair of mating lions share an intimate day under this romantically arched bush that shades them and provides them with some privacy. After a long courtship, the male and female would typically disappear off on their own into a quiet place to mate every 15 minutes or so throughout the day. Although for animals, sex is primarily a breed survival thing, this image I made throws the instinct-driven, animal act into a romantic light, catching them when they are... well,.. intimately sleeping together.


other sizes: small medium original auto
comment | share
Cecilia Lim04-Jan-2006 21:09
As much as I love getting really close to animals, I was also constantly looking for elements in the environment to express an idea about the wildlife I saw. You've taught me much Phil about framing our subjects with foliage - how they can be used for more than just visual impact, but to enhance meaning as well. And I was able to apply that here to effectively express the intimate mood with this sleeping couple.
Phil Douglis17-Dec-2005 03:43
Once again, you leave more to the imagination here by framing the lions from a medium distance instead of going for the typical closeup. You put them in context of a protective tree and a screen of grass, giving the loving pair a sylvan context.