Going Viral: How Pakistani Photographer Took Incredible Photo of Lion From up Close

[Zarvan]

@Stealth @Horus @WebMaster @Oscar

Going Viral: How Pakistani Photographer Took Incredible Photo of Lion From up Close
This image, clicked by Atif Sayeed, has recently gone viral, with people calling it both beautiful and scary.

It was one of those rare and magical moments, when luck and skill collide to result in something truly spectacular.


Atif Saeed, a 38-year-old photographer from Lahore, took this chilling photo of the king of the jungle, only moments before it tried to pounce on him, and lived to tell the cautionary tale.





The picture, intimidating enough to make even those looking at it from behind the safety of a computer screen shiver, was taken in 2012 while the photographer was visiting Lahore Safari Park. It has only recently gone viral over the Internet, with people calling the image both beautiful and scary.

"It was an adult male lion and what I liked most about him was the beautiful, dark hair on his neck," Atif told NDTV on e-mail.

So, in order to click the magnificent animal in its element, Atif stepped out of his car and sat on the ground a stone's throw from the lion. Incredibly brave or terminally foolish? "I must show the character and status of lion," Atif thought to himself at the time. Also, this was the only way he could get the natural photo he wanted.

Within a matter of seconds, the beast noticed the trespasser and leapt towards him. Atif just barely managed to reach his car, not only with his life but also with a great shot to boast of.

Describing the incident as "a pretty close encounter," Atif told us that watching the aggressive lion approach him through the camera view finder is something that he cannot explain in words. "I was witnessing every minute detail that no photograph or movie can show," he explained.

Asked if he would do this again, Atif seemed skeptical. "I was laughing at that time, but now I don't think I will be able to do it again," he said.

Story First Published: April 15, 2015 13:52 IST

 

[Stephen Cohen]

@Zarvan

Very scary picture ; brave man this photographer

 

[punit]

@Zarvan do something similar sir!

 

[WAJsal]

Within a matter of seconds, the beast noticed the trespasser and leapt towards him.

who would do such a thing . Lions are so scary .
BTW a great picture . @levina , @Georgeclark .

 

[Paksanity]

Incredible stupidity of the guy resulted in an incredible photograph. But he went far too ahead for this picture. Not bravery, it's stupidity. There is a difference.

Picture is one of a kind though.

 

[Dalit]

This Atif Saeed guy is a magician. Have a look at his other photo's on Flickr. If you want to know how beautiful Pakistan is, have a look at his photostream. This guy has some of the best shots ever. Every single pic of his speaks for itself. I have only one word: INCREDIBLE! Pakistanis are more than blessed.

Flickr: M Atif Saeed's Photostream

I'll be visiting some of the places that he has photographed. He inspires.

 

[Faisal N Malik]

Indeed ! beautiful and scary.

 

[HttpError]

This Atif Saeed guy is a magician. Have a look at his other photo's on Flickr. If you want to know how beautiful Pakistan is, have a look at his photostream. This guy has some of the best shots ever. Every single pic of his speaks for itself. I have only one word: INCREDIBLE! Pakistanis are more than blessed.

Flickr: M Atif Saeed's Photostream

I'll be visiting some of the places that he has photographed. He inspires.

Damn, amazing clicks there, I want to get one DSLR and learn some photography coz very soon I want to go on a trip to North of Pakistan.

 

[Dalit]

Damn, amazing clicks there, I want to get one DSLR and learn some photography coz very soon I want to go on a trip to North of Pakistan.

Doing the same next year. Visiting Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral and some other places on the way. Going to visit some of the highest mountains on the planet including Nanga Parbat. That's the plan. I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest. I've got my hands on a Canon EOS 7D body. Going to buy a good lens. This Atif guy is a real pro though. It's more than just clicking. It's all about timing, framing, lighting and a lot of luck too.

 

[HttpError]

Doing the same next year. Visiting Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral and some other places on the way. Going to visit some of the highest mountains on the planet including Nanga Parbat. That's the plan. I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest. I've got my hands on a Canon EOS 7D body. Going to buy a good lens. This Atif guy is a real pro though. It's more than just clicking. It's all about timing, framing, lighting and a lot of luck too.

Canon 7D is quite an impressive DSLR with some hefty price tag

 

[!eon]

Seems Mr lion doesn't clean his teeth
Gandha

 

[Levina]

who would do such a thing . Lions are so scary .
BTW a great picture . @levina , @Georgeclark .

.
The picture is so scary!!
I read about him yesterday.
It takes a lot of courage (or stupidity) to go to such great extents just to click a pic.
The photographer has promised himself that he won't take such risk ever.

 

[Dalit]

Canon 7D is quite an impressive DSLR with some hefty price tag

It's overkill really. I don't do much photography to be honest. I got it for a very decent price. It's not entirely new, but it's a very good body. Certainly in the higher end range of Canon DSLR bodies. The shots are already amazing with the standard lens. I can't even imagine shots taken with a really good lens. If I can make half as good photo's as this guy, I'll be more than pleased.

 

[Stephen Cohen]

Seems Mr lion doesn't clean his teeth
Gandha

LOL ; They dont take a bath either ; lions smell very bad

 

[alibaz]

Seems Mr lion doesn't clean his teeth
Gandha

Seems to be a smoker lion