This large male lion is known locally as Scarface in the Masai Mara, Kenya. I had some quality alone time with Scarface a few times in November 2019. He was one of the most famous lions in Africa and a much sought after photographic prize.

While the golden sunset light in the color version was brilliant, I personally prefer the monochrome version for a straight-on portrait because it cuts straight to the core of this lion's absolute confidence about his place in the world.

Scarface passed away peacefully in June 2021 - two of his elderly brothers were still joint kings of the grasslands after his death.