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Crowned in Dust and Shadow

A young male lion steps through a cloud of dust lifted by his own movement and caught in the back light. The night around him stays silent, but the glow reveals every contour of rising strength. A rare, intimate moment from the waterhole here in the Shompole Conservancy, southern Kenya.

Awards

Nature Photography Contest

2025

2nd Place

Overall Contest Winner

Silver

Animals

Professional

Crowned in Dust and Shadow

A young male lion steps through a cloud of dust lifted by his own movement and caught in the back light. The night around him stays silent, but the glow reveals every contour of rising strength. A rare, intimate moment from the waterhole here in the Shompole Conservancy, southern Kenya.

About Artist

Mark Fernley

Mark A. Fernley is an award-winning wildlife photographer specialising in African wildlife. Over many years, he has travelled extensively through Africa’s wild landscapes, capturing the raw beauty, diversity, and atmosphere of the continent’s natural world. From the rainforests of Central Africa to the dry, open plains of East Africa, Mark’s work reflects a deep commitment to documenting wildlife with patience, respect, and creativity. Mark is also the owner of Untamed Photo Safaris, a specialist photographic safari company operating across East Africa. Through his safaris, he takes great pride in teaching and guiding wildlife photography enthusiasts, helping guests improve their fieldcraft, understand animal behaviour, and take their wildlife photography to the next level.

Mark Fernley

Photographic Areas of Focus

Wildlife

Location

United Kingdom

Interview

Mark Fernley | 2025 Nature Photography Contest | 2nd Place Winner |Professional

Interview

Mark Fernley | 2025 Nature Photography Contest | 2nd Place Winner |Professional
Nominee
Denis Spycher

Denis Spycher

Animals

Honorable Mention
Diego Romero Sandoval

Diego Romero Sandoval

Animals

Bronze

DC

David Cook

Abstract

Nominee

MF

Marcos Franchetti

Animals

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