Lars Beusker b. 1973
The King, 2021
Handmade black lacquered wooden frames, museum glass, Hahnemühle baryta paper
150 x 120 cm
Further images
In no picture so far have I felt greater respect for the animal and my self-imposed task, goose bumps all over my body - the tension was almost unbearable. He...
In no picture so far have I felt greater respect for the animal and my self-imposed task, goose bumps all over my body - the tension was almost unbearable. He is certainly one of the oldest and wisest lions on our planet. Life and his view of our time are written all over his face. When I saw him, I knew I needed my favorite lens for a perfect portrait, 135mm, which meant I had to get within 2 meters of him for a full-frame image. My guide couldn't believe I was getting out of the vehicle for this but I knew, humans by instinct are not part of the prey scheme of lions because they walk on 2 legs and don't flee. I could feel his sublime composure and very slowly I crouched down next to the vehicle. I had his attention for sure and this is what I wanted: to be at the moment of exposure on eye level with this unique and beautiful king of animals.