Stormy Scene

William Fortescue's Image

William Fortescue (UK) uses a backdrop of storm clouds lit by the setting sun to show mating lions.

It was the rainy season when William visited the Serengeti National Park. He watched the lions mate several times before the female broke it off.

It wasn’t until William viewed an enlarged image that he noticed the saliva trails and the explosion of insects from the male’s mane.

Lions can mate throughout the year, but having cubs at the same time improves the pride’s chances of successfully raising them. Female lions work together to raise cubs and ensure they survive into adulthood.


Behind the lens

William Fortescue

William Fortescue

UK

The cornerstone of William’s photography is his desire to depict wild animals in their natural environment. He focuses on photographing wildlife in the same way he would photograph a person – with a wide-angle lens and real emphasis on the subject’s environment. In 2021 he co-founded Armstrong Fortescue, a photographic safari company offering guided expeditions to Africa, Asia and the Arctic. In the same year, he also published his coffee table book The Last Stand. So far he’s used his work to raise more than £110,000 for a variety of conservation charities.

Image details

  • Nikon Z 9
  • 70-200mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/1000 at f5  •   ISO 320
  • Namiri Plains, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
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.

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.

Donate now

Discover more

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.