King Of Darkness

2026

In 2017, at the very beginning of my career, during some of the most challenging years of my education, I stood quietly in the presence of this lion. I photographed him extensively, drawn to the weight he carried and the darkness he seemed to emerge from. From that time came The Prince Of Darkness—an image born from uncertainty, perseverance, and the hunger to prove something to myself.

That photograph went on to become a defining moment in my journey. It resonated far beyond what I could have imagined, selling out and marking a turning point in my career. But more than its success, it became a symbol of where I was then: learning, struggling, growing, and finding my voice through the lens.

Nine years later, I returned. Older, changed, steadier. And there he was again—the same lion, time etched into his face, his presence deeper, heavier, undeniable. Photographing him this time felt different. There was no urgency, no fear—only respect, patience, and quiet understanding.

This new portrait is titled The King Of Darkness. A reflection not only of him, but of the passage of time we have both endured. Once a prince emerging from shadow, now a king shaped by it. Two images, one soul, nine years apart—bound together by darkness, resilience, and the long road in between.