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The Backlit Stare

from $35.00

We had just arrived at the Masai Mara after a long, tiring day of driving. I wasn't expecting to get a portfolio shot right out of the gate, but then I saw this hyena by the side of the road. It was my first Spotted Hyena of the trip, and it turned out to be my best.

The setting sun was directly behind it, and I knew I had a chance for a spectacular shot. The light created this brilliant, glowing halo, separating it from the dark background. But what truly makes the image is the expression. It looked at me with this unsettling, almost "Joker-like" grin. It’s a look that instantly brings to mind their old, informal name—the "Laughing Hyena."

"The Backlit Stare" is a portrait of that perfect light and that complex character. It’s a print that challenges preconceptions, revealing the intelligent and soulful side of this often-misunderstood predator.

A signature piece from the "Reign of Predators" chapter of the "Africa's Primal Grace" collection, this print is a stunning and soulful portrait.

Material:
Size:

We had just arrived at the Masai Mara after a long, tiring day of driving. I wasn't expecting to get a portfolio shot right out of the gate, but then I saw this hyena by the side of the road. It was my first Spotted Hyena of the trip, and it turned out to be my best.

The setting sun was directly behind it, and I knew I had a chance for a spectacular shot. The light created this brilliant, glowing halo, separating it from the dark background. But what truly makes the image is the expression. It looked at me with this unsettling, almost "Joker-like" grin. It’s a look that instantly brings to mind their old, informal name—the "Laughing Hyena."

"The Backlit Stare" is a portrait of that perfect light and that complex character. It’s a print that challenges preconceptions, revealing the intelligent and soulful side of this often-misunderstood predator.

A signature piece from the "Reign of Predators" chapter of the "Africa's Primal Grace" collection, this print is a stunning and soulful portrait.

Print & Medium

This photograph is all about the light—the brilliant halo and the deep, rich shadows on the hyena's face. A matte paper would soften this too much.

Therefore, my choice for this print is the Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta. This is a museum-grade paper with a subtle, beautiful satin-gloss finish. This surface is renowned for producing incredibly deep, rich blacks while making the highlights—like that golden rim light—"pop" with a vibrant, almost three-dimensional clarity. It's the perfect medium to capture the dramatic, high-contrast light of this scene.

This print is available in sizes up to 24x30 inches. Please contact me directly for custom sizes, framing, or other medium requests.

Need a Custom Size or Medium?

I am happy to provide a custom quote if you don't see the perfect option above. I work directly with a professional lab to offer a wide range of sizes, mediums (including gallery-style acrylic), and custom framing. Please use the form below to start a conversation.