Ann Von Pentz
August 2026 - Watching
Original
About the Image(s)
Watching
Description
I took this in Namibia last June. We were out early on a safari drive and spotted a lion and lioness in the tall grasses. The grass was beautifully lit with the early morning sun. I have many photos of this scene, both lions, and individually. Some maybe I like better??” but this one I'm sharing with you because this one makes me pause more than any other and I'm curious how you will respond to it and why. It does break the "rules."
Camera Information
Nikon Z8
Lens: 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
380mm ISO:1/2000sec at f/6.0
Post Processing was minimal. I cropped a little from the left and bottom, then masked the lion and added texture, and opened shadows. In the grass, I added negative clarity around the lion to emphasize the lion and brought down HL on the bright spots. I then added a gentle hand vignette.
9 comments posted
Ann - A number of years ago a PSA instructor suggested I look for and strive for three things in a photograph -Impact, Visual Interest, and Story - and this photograph succeeds with all three. Its off-center composition and simplicity give it immediate impact, and the tonal harmony and excellent technical execution provide a high degree of visual interest.
But what I appreciate the most is the story. Rather than telling me exactly what's happening, you've invited the viewer to pause and wonder engaging the viewer's imagination - very well done!
I'm not certain how it would do in a photo club competition because the image it lacks a decisive moment and a technocrat judge might ding that. However, if you had a judge who focuses on the artistic merit of an image, I think the image would do VERY well - in fact, I think it's fantastic. The image's quiet elegance and understated storytelling are qualities that invite contemplation rather than applause. Personally, I love the image - nice job - most creative!
Posted: 08/01/2026 21:54:39
But what I appreciate the most is the story. Rather than telling me exactly what's happening, you've invited the viewer to pause and wonder engaging the viewer's imagination - very well done!
I'm not certain how it would do in a photo club competition because the image it lacks a decisive moment and a technocrat judge might ding that. However, if you had a judge who focuses on the artistic merit of an image, I think the image would do VERY well - in fact, I think it's fantastic. The image's quiet elegance and understated storytelling are qualities that invite contemplation rather than applause. Personally, I love the image - nice job - most creative!
Posted: 08/01/2026 21:54:39
I think you may be correct, Butch, and will enter the image into my photo club competition this month and see how it is reviewed. Nonetheless, I added the image to my new website based on comments. As always, I appreciate your insightful comments very much! Posted: 08/11/2026 15:22:42
Butch Mazzuca may be right about it lacking the "decisive moment" to do well in some contests, but he is also right that it is a fantastic shot.
I love cats and this is a perfect cat moment. Just sitting in the grass and thinking.
Nice one! Posted: 08/01/2026 23:28:06
I love cats and this is a perfect cat moment. Just sitting in the grass and thinking.
Nice one! Posted: 08/01/2026 23:28:06
Oh my! This gives me a chill. I have seen countless images of lions over the but few have actually (including active hunting scenes) met my expectations as to what an image of a lion should deliver. Once again you have presented an image that breaks the "rules" with purpose and delivers a chilling but decisive moment.
The use of morning light sets the stage. The limited color palette which features essentially a single color (plus hues) increases impact. The tall grass nearly make the subject invisible making the viewer feel they are in the scene and in a dangerous position. The subject is an apex huntress, she is hidden and searching. While not about to spring, she is alert, something is out there and she knows it. I'm the intruder, I do not belong, and I very much want get away from here before her senses pick me up. You have a moment, a story, and a simple but cohesive and quite powerful composition. I'm impressed. I doubt everyone would have taken the time to capture this image.
Just a parting though. If you were writing a book on lions. I think this might be awesome as the back cover. But what to I know? Posted: 08/02/2026 19:17:07
The use of morning light sets the stage. The limited color palette which features essentially a single color (plus hues) increases impact. The tall grass nearly make the subject invisible making the viewer feel they are in the scene and in a dangerous position. The subject is an apex huntress, she is hidden and searching. While not about to spring, she is alert, something is out there and she knows it. I'm the intruder, I do not belong, and I very much want get away from here before her senses pick me up. You have a moment, a story, and a simple but cohesive and quite powerful composition. I'm impressed. I doubt everyone would have taken the time to capture this image.
Just a parting though. If you were writing a book on lions. I think this might be awesome as the back cover. But what to I know? Posted: 08/02/2026 19:17:07
I love that idea, Larry! May have to do that! Posted: 08/11/2026 14:37:29
Larry,
Your description of my image is truly wonderful! You were there behind the lioness and you felt the experience. I'm the one impressed. Thank you, Larry.
Posted: 08/11/2026 15:13:34
Your description of my image is truly wonderful! You were there behind the lioness and you felt the experience. I'm the one impressed. Thank you, Larry.
Posted: 08/11/2026 15:13:34
Ann,
This sure breaks the rules, so good for you! I can just hear a judge at my camera club ping you for giving us a butt shot! I think I would entitle this something like "watchful waiting." Posted: 08/06/2026 21:20:01
This sure breaks the rules, so good for you! I can just hear a judge at my camera club ping you for giving us a butt shot! I think I would entitle this something like "watchful waiting." Posted: 08/06/2026 21:20:01
Thanks, David. I like your suggestion. Posted: 08/11/2026 15:23:29
Ann,
That was such a magical experience! The grasses and the light were beautiful. You really captured a compelling, different image by isolating her like this. It's more quiet and contemplative than the typical lion shot.
I like Larry's description, I feel the same way looking at this. And the suggestion about the book cover! Posted: 08/16/2026 17:21:28
That was such a magical experience! The grasses and the light were beautiful. You really captured a compelling, different image by isolating her like this. It's more quiet and contemplative than the typical lion shot.
I like Larry's description, I feel the same way looking at this. And the suggestion about the book cover! Posted: 08/16/2026 17:21:28