African Royalty


Several years ago, we were at The Animal Kingdom in Disney World. While riding around on a tram tour, I snapped this pic.

I remember, at the time, being disappointed in the shot because you couldn't see the golden hues of the lions contrasting with the green of the tree. But something kept drawing me back to the photo.

Over time, this has become one of my favorite photos. Seeing just the shadows of the lions against the blue sky give them a more majestic presence.

It looks like something right out of The Lion King, doesn't it?

Happy SkyWatch Friday everyone! Enjoy the photos of all the other sky watchers here.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the pictures of the lions are probably better as they are than in their natural color. Very nice shot for SkyWatch Friday.

Pick a Peck of Pixels

MJ said...

Part of photography is trusting your instincts. A few moments earlier, too bright - a few moments later, too dark. Something drew you to this view & a timeless moment was captured.

Gaelyn said...

Very good capture. I'd never had guessed you were in Disney instead of Africa.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Loran said...

That is a wonderful photo! and you didn't even have to travel to Africa to get it.

Jenn Jilks said...

I truly agree! Some shots need to grow on you!

E @ Scottsville said...

Great shot!!!!

gwendolen said...

Yeah, it's a lovely photo ;)

Dorothy said...

Thanks for visiting my blog! You have a nice one! Love the Lion picture!

Mary said...

I like the photo! Sometimes what is suggested is better than what is clearly seen.

Shey said...

It really created a nice contrast. I like the shadows against the blue sky. :)

Becky said...

It very much does look like something out of Lion King...only way cooler. It looks real. And African. Well done! And you're right - they do look very majestic in silhouette against the sky. Colour isn't everything. :)

Thanks for visiting my blog. I look forward to exploring more of yours.

Nicole said...

Beautiful.
I think it looks perfect.
I love backlight shots and Lions are just awesome animals :)

Dina said...

Well, I never did see the Lion King but your photo makes up for it. Seeing real lions! A beautiful shot.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

I like the silhouettes too. Great shot.

Carletta said...

I was thinking it looked as if you were out there on the savannah itself.
Lovely silhouettes of the majestic animals!

Tammie Lee said...

Fun to see how this photo has changed for you. It is wonderful.

So glad my Montana skies didn't disappoint either ;-}

FA said...

This is a beautiful shot...and a great skywatch. Kudos for allowing your instinct to hang on to it. Thanks for visiting Monastery DP.

betty-NZ said...

That is truly a wonderful shot. Looks like you went into the jungle to get it.

Mark Kreider said...

It is a great photo. It reminds me of the painting "Peaceable Kingdom".

Carol said...

Nice shot...Ilike the composition....and the silhouettes work perfect here....

Sharon said...

Beautiful silhouette!

Linnea said...

Very nice...could be in Africa! Yes, the silhouettes are wonderful especially of that majestic lion making strides toward the other one...

Maria Berg said...

Yes it is frm the Lion KIng!
And yes sometime a photo I do not like in the begin can bee the best laster on.
It is good, your photo, MB

Jo said...

Hi LI, that's the colour of lions when you see them in real life. You have to really look HARD to distinguish these majetic cats when they're lying in the shade or in the grass. Well done. I'd also have it as a favourite photo I return to often. Thanks for visiting my blog. I'll be back ! Hugs Jo (South Africa)

chrome3d said...

I can see why it still had an effect on you. There is a lot going on even if it´s still simple.

EG CameraGirl said...

Actually, the silhouettes are very nice! I'm glad you kept the photo and showed it to us.

Jan K. said...

I think it's a great shot. I love the silhouettes.
Enjoy your weekend!

bowledover said...

Lovely capture and I like the shadow effect.
Your tree too has a lovely spread for them to rest under.

Thanks for visiting.

The Explorer said...

I have similar memories with your photo. That was the time I visited Singapore Zoo. The Lions I saw for real, he is just fat and a small canal if the division of him from me..

thanks for a short visit.

Dewdrop said...

Wow, that is like a dream shot! What a wonderful silhouette!! Awesome!