Succession
| Succession | |
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Dinokeng, South Africa - 2022 It's been quite a revelation to work with Nikon's new flagship camera, the Z9, in Africa this week. I don't think photography is really about cameras, but having said that, this new model is so damn good, I can't really imagine life without it and that's after just four days in the field. Speaking of which, I can't imagine life without Kevin Richardson - The Lion Whisperer. We have worked together now for eight years, and the length of that friendship has fostered both trust and understanding. This image from last night is fairly special and is a testimony to the relationship; well that and a camera body that performs exceptionally in the most challenging of briefs. Kevin continues to do so much to raise awareness of the plight of the lion and I am fortunate to have him in my life. Without him, there is no picture. We have entitled this image Succession in part because Nikon’s history moves on again and iconic bodies that I have used like the FM2, the F3 and the D850 must now raise their hats to the greatest camera in Nikon’s history. The name is also fitting because the lion in this image - Yame - rescued some years ago from a discredited petting centre in Spain has succeeded Thor and Vayetse as being the poster lion within Kevin’s care and an ambassador for lions everywhere. He is in sensational condition and is just a little handsome - as this photograph shows. Words from Kevin: ‘Hard to believe Yame is almost 8 years old! Yame and his brother George were rescued from a tourist theme park in Spain and I was asked if I’d take care of them, for the rest of their lives. George arrived with several health issues including bone disease and cataracts from poor nutrition. Yame developed behavioral issues and made life difficult for his caregivers. With passion, perseverance and commitment from their caregivers they’ve both turned out to be incredible ambassadors for their species. This is the first time Yame has been photographed doing his thing and I think the result is incredible. This image has me transfixed and is symbolic of the huge leap we need to make as a species, if we are to appreciate lions in their natural habitat in the future. Images like this are talking pieces and start conversations that need to be had about the future of lions on earth. We all have a role to play in ensuring the future of lions, not just the countries in which they occur. A special thanks goes out to David Yarrow for doing justice to such an impressive animal. I don’t know anyone else who could’ve done it. I take a bow.’ - Kevin Richardson |
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| Year | 2022 |
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| Series | Wildlife |
| Technique | Photography |
| Size(s) | Standard Size: 132 x 195 cm - Large Size 180 x 274 cm |
| Presentation | Museum Glass, Passe-Partout & Black wooden frame |
| Edition of | 12 (standard size) - 12 (large size) |
| Status | Available |
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