In the world of wildlife photography, the perfect shot is often a fleeting, unpredictable gift. It is a product of immense patience, strategic planning, and, sometimes, pure luck. This was the case for contributing photographer Ben Pipe during a safari assignment in South Africa’s Marakele National Park. Tasked with documenting a rare white rhino collaring, his journey took a thrilling and unexpected turn when he came face to face with a magnificent male lion. The resulting photograph—a breathtaking, eye-level portrait—is a testament to the power of seizing the moment. It is a story of a photographer’s respect for the wild, his technical mastery in a high-stakes environment, and the exhilarating experience of locking eyes with a king of the savanna.
The Unexpected Encounter: A King on the Road
The day began with a specific and pressing mission: to reach a pre-arranged location to document a white rhino collaring. Ben Pipe and his guide were in a safari jeep, driving through the expansive wilderness of South Africa, when their plans were gloriously derailed. Strolling nonchalantly down the track ahead of them was a majestic lion. Though the guide was in a hurry, the opportunity was too good to pass up. The photographer began to capture the moment as the lion approached, a heart-pounding and unforgettable experience.
The true photographic magic, however, occurred as the lion drew level with the jeep. It paused, scanning the track, only a few feet away from the vehicle. This moment, a brief and profound lull in the animal’s journey, allowed for the breathtaking side-view portrait that would become the core of the assignment. This close proximity, coupled with the lion’s calm demeanor, was a wildlife photographer’s dream come true. It was a perfect confluence of patience and providence, a reminder that in the wild, the most compelling stories often appear when you least expect them.
The Right Tools for the Wild: Kit and Composition
Successful wildlife photography demands a specialized approach and a distinct set of tools. Unlike a general travel assignment, where a photographer might prioritize a versatile, lightweight kit, a safari requires heavy-duty equipment designed for distance and detail. Pipe knew this well and came prepared. He brought with him a powerful Nikon 200-400mm f/4 lens for close-range shots and even rented a Nikon 500mm f/4 from Johannesburg airport for capturing subjects from a greater distance. These long lenses were essential for safely and effectively photographing animals in their natural habitat.
Beyond the specific gear, however, Pipe emphasizes the critical importance of a deep understanding of lighting and composition. He was particularly mindful of the background, a detail that can make or break a shot, even when out of focus. A cluttered or distracting background can ruin an otherwise perfect image of an animal. To counteract this, he used wide apertures to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the magnificent lion. This attention to every element within the frame, from the sharpness of the subject to the softness of the background, is a mark of a true professional.
The Challenge of the Unpredictable: Working with the Wild
Wildlife photography presents a unique set of challenges that require immense patience and adaptability. The subjects are unpredictable, and a great photo can vanish in a matter of seconds. For this particular shot, the main challenge was a physical one: achieving the desired perspective. Pipe wanted to be as low to the ground as possible—at eye-level with the lion—to create an intimate and powerful portrait. However, for obvious safety reasons, he was strictly confined to the jeep. He had to work within the confines of his vehicle, finding the perfect angle and height to make the shot work.
This is a common reality for safari photographers, who must balance their artistic vision with the very real dangers of their environment. Pipe’s experience underscores the need for constant readiness. A camera must always be at the ready, with the correct settings pre-dialed, because there is often only a brief window to capture a fleeting moment before an animal moves on. In this instance, the lion was a rare and generous subject, giving them a long session that allowed for a variety of shots and angles, but Pipe’s constant preparation ensured he was ready for the opportunity from the very first moment.
The Pursuit of Originality: A Photographer’s Philosophy
In an age of digital ubiquity and social media saturation, Ben Pipe believes the single most important quality for an aspiring travel photographer is originality. He argues that the internet, and particularly platforms like Instagram, were supposed to usher in a new creative age but have, in many ways, done the opposite. They have created a culture where everyone goes to the same famous spots to take the same pictures, leading to a sea of visual sameness. To stand out, a photographer must resist this trend and actively seek out unique perspectives.
Pipe’s advice is clear and direct: “You have to go and explore a place for yourself, put mud on your boots and find the shots and angles nobody has got before.” He advocates for genuine exploration and a willingness to step off the beaten path. For him, the most compelling stories and images are not found by following a hashtag but by truly immersing oneself in a place. This philosophy, which values authenticity and personal vision over mere replication, is what elevates his work from simple documentation to true storytelling, ensuring that each photograph is a unique and compelling testament to the world’s wild and varied beauty.
