Brent Stirton
South Africa
Brent is a Senior Correspondent for Getty Images. He does most of his work for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on the intersection of humans and the environment.
Brent Stirton's Image
Lion dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in western Tanzania.
Traditionally, these are men who have killed a lion in defence of their cattle or village. The dancers collect tributes (money, goats or cows) in praise of their bravery. The practice is actively discouraged by conservation organisations and is slowly dying out. As a result, killing a lion is something to which some young men aspire.
Behind the lens
Image details
- Canon EOS-1D X
- 24–70mm f2.8 lens
- 1/250 sec at f4.6
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
More images from Brent Stirton
View all
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.