Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Majestic

Over the years, I have taken many portrait and profile photographs of the ‘king of the beasts’. This picture, of a truly beautiful male lion who I came across while in the Maaasai Mara in October 2023, is particularly striking. I loved how his mane shimmered in the wind and the sunlight while he stared intently into the distance.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Kenya
Camera: Canon EOS R3
Copyright: © Vanessa Beadling