This is as close as I want to get to this lion. Even though I am protected because the man made hole that I am shooting through is the size of a camera lens not his head, the 3 feet between me and him is as close as my heart will allow for. This picture was only possible with my partner Kevin Richardson – his understanding of lion behavior is second to none and most of all we trust each other.

Much of my approach here is down to simple mathematics and understanding of lenses and depths of field. The fast Nikon 85mm has fabulous optical quality – it is the best portrait lens that I have ever owned – so that was my choice.