BETTER TOGETHER

Chitabe, Botswana 2017         

Perhaps I don't point this out enough about my work and style, but the use of photoshop or similar 'reality altering' programs is something I do not touch.  None of my shots are staged, and none are altered in any way outside of simple color shifting to black & white. Conversely, what I believe to be the strongest feature of this particular portrait is that it looks so surreal it must be synthetic, almost to the point of a reminiscent Disney moment.  Like seeing a ghost, it's hard to believe this photograph exists.  While the photograph does exist, the relationship between these two lionesses no longer does. 

I followed this mother-daughter duo for several days. The lioness in the foreground was in her prime, while her mother was on her last leg.  Having recently lost her last canine in a scrap with a honey badger (who fought valiantly only to expire a day later - likely from internal damage), the mother had all but conceded her effectiveness as a hunter.  In the several days I followed her pride, she was unable to eat and was rapidly losing weight. We very likely shared this last poised yet fatigued moment together on her last day.  Our guide sensed it too and began to reminisce on the duo's greatest accomplishments together during our drive back to camp.  He had watched her grow from a cub, to a dominant matriarch, to a grandmother over the years.  His connection with the fated lioness was deep and he was visibly distraught.

This image is a stark reminder that the circle of life touches everybody I hope it's seen as a tribute to their fantastic lives together.

• AVAILABLE SIZES

• LARGE: 50" X 68"

• STANDARD: 30" X 41"

• AVAILABLE EDITIONS

• LARGE: Edition of 14

• STANDARD: Edition of 14