SOCHA 👣

He lay still as a statue. His eyes observing me intently as I very slowly pulled back.

Socha can mean "statue" or "pillar." As the male lion stared at me, there was no flinching, rustling, or even a moving hair. The eye contact was what thrilled me, yet it made me succumb to his dominance in his place, in his territory. This was no ordinary lion. Socha was incredibly powerful. His sheer size and intensity spoke volumes about his recent chief role in hunting buffalo, elephants, and other prey for his pride. The respect of the pride was also clear, as the lionesses and cubs lay quietly around within his vicinity.

We came across Socha and his pride that late afternoon. We knew more or less where they were - near a recent kill - and on arrival were greeted with an indignant stare and blissful silence. I remember that bit of time with them fondly, as even though I had the "review," as I would call it, I managed to capture these precious shots forever. It wasn't long after they moved on, and we did not manage to see him again during that visit. These can be such precious moments in time. Suddenly the moment happens, and then it's gone.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.