All rights to this photograph is reserved the photographer
Not a shot I expected to bring home on a routine trip to the zoo with the family. I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time, when the anonymous man and the lioness were communicating, as if they had known each other from a past life or time. The scene was so surreal. It is horrible how television portrays these beautiful animals today. They focus on their “killing” power and paint them as thoughtless predators. I think this photo shows the longing of animals to be loved and cared for by people, and the desire of human beings to connect and care for them as well.
Shot with a M8 and 50mm Summilux “pre asph” at about f2.
Why I use a Leica:
Having started with DSLRs, and large lenses, I have come to loathe the attention they bring from subjects and the unnecessary gadgetry of it all. I found myself seeking more and more simplification in my shooting experience, by going to manual focus, exposure, etc. My first entry into the Leica experience was the Digilux 2. While limited by a smaller sensor, the camera was extremly intuitive and a pleasure to use for its simplicity and excellent ergonomics. The M8 was the natural step forward and I haven’t looked back since. To me, there is no other type of camera that offers the kind of quick, simple, and intuitive controls of a M rangefinder. Add to this the best lenses money can buy and you have an unbeatable combination for street and discreet shooting needs.
Mark Won lives in Willow Grove, PA USA. Please visit his portfolio at the LFI Gallery and his Flickr photostream.
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Wooooow amazing moment.
yes it really was! thanks for your visit.
See howthe lion don’t take his claws out of his paw, he tries to communicate, as you said. It’s just love. To capture love in a photo is something I’ve always tried to achieve. You did here. Thank you