So rare, I don't even have a folder for it. ^^

Found this photograph a while ago and finally had a chance to scan it. It was taken by me in the Zoo Leipzig (Germany) in 2006. Have several others in my album but this is my favorite. These lions, lying there in the sun in their compound were the pure definition of "inner peace". It was so satisfying to simply be there.
Sadly I didn't have had the time to go there again, as I'm only in Leipzig in March/April and busy over the day, so when I'm done with everything it's already too dark for pictures. (I asume the zoo is closed then anyway.) The zoo did change a lot since then and I really like to see it one day again. I'm sick of those two zoos in Berlin where I almost want to cry because the animals have so little space. (Haven't been there for a while now but surrounded by city buildings there is not much free area left to give the animals a little more air.)
Leipzig is really different (though it's still a zoo.)

Beside all the emotional stuff, this picture is a perfect example to show that a good photo needs way more than just a good camera. I'm not sure which camera I used, I think an analog one. Although I did some photos during vacations, I haven't read a lot about the technical details (or I didn't understand it). As result, I have a huge reflection on this cute lioness because it was a sunny day and they were lying behind a huge safety glass. Derp! :D

Well, however, real beauty can't be ruined by a bad photographer, so I'd like to share it anyway (and leave professional photos to professionals. ;) )

Update (5.4.2015): A friend of mine just told me that the beautiful lioness, named Luena, died in March 2015. She had to be euthanized because of an incurable tumor. So this is not just a photograph of a calm situation but also a piece of memory of better days in her live.

(c) Sirana J. Helena
Please don't copy, alter or distribute.

You may use it as anatomical example if you like but don't take it as 1:1 reference or template for your own pictures!