High noon, Ngorongoro National Park in Tanzania. The grazing animals on the plain were moving slowly, as if to conserve energy. Knowing the big cats don’t hunt during mid-day heat, they relax for few hours, waiting for the scorching sun to approach the horizon and cool a bit.
One young stallion stood apart from his group, his back to the herd, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. He resembled a secret service sentry in manner and stance.
I’d hoped to get some close up shots of the herd. I wanted to capture random patterns of the gorgeous zebra stripes. But it was hard to make out any patterns under the harsh sun, the distance, and the constant blurring of the dust.
This stallion would be my prime target if I was going to salvage the day. He was a very young adult but his manners, his physique, and his beautiful lines and patterns, were mesmerizing through the telephoto lens.
He was stood almost still and scanned the horizon in our direction. I waited for his head to angle properly, to add a little contrast and shades that I could work with. I was not sure if I had the shot, but this one came close enough for I had in mind and given the circumstances. I think I can live with it.