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Greg du Toit's Image

Through a delicate haze of grass, a lion returned Greg’s gaze as the pride rested. From his vehicle, Greg focused on the green veil, allowing just enough depth to reveal the subject beyond. He wished to convey the feeling of standing on the edge of a wilderness, looking in through a dividing curtain. ‘These lions are as wild as they get,’ he says.

The prides of lions on this reserve in Botswana encounter very few people. Elsewhere across sub-Saharan Africa, conflict with humans, as well as loss of habitat and prey, has resulted in a severe drop in lion numbers. Not many animals could threaten an African lion, particularly when healthy, yet its population has declined by around 30 per cent over the past 20 years.


Behind the lens

Greg du Toit

Greg du Toit

South Africa

Greg has spent the last 20 years photographing exclusively in Africa, waiting for the perfect light, subject, background and behaviour to coexist in singular moments. He specialises in low light and slow shutter speeds. He won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year grand title in 2013 and is one of Africa's most sought-after photographic safari guides.

Image details

  • Nikon D500
  • 80–400mm f4.5–5.6 lens at 400mm
  • 1/400 sec at f11  •   ISO 800  •   SB-5000 flash
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Ghanzi, Botswana
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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