In my early trips to Africa, all lions looked alike to me. Each male lion had a mane, small eyes, big ears, and long, stiff whiskers that seemed identical. But as time passed, I started noticing their unique differences. The mane could be sparse and short or thick and long, framing the head like a luxurious stole. Their eye size changed throughout the day - in the morning and evening, their orange eyes appeared huge, while during the day, they seemed small under partly closed lids. The muzzle could be smooth, especially in young males, or marked with scars in older ones. That's why I love capturing close-up portraits of these magnificent animals. When a majestic lion looks at me up close, it's an unforgettable moment that stirs a mix of emotions in me every time - from fear to admiration.