All rights reserved © Brian Basson
Photo taken in the Tuli Safari Area, Botswana.
A large cat, with a powerfully-built body and comparativel...
Read more
All rights reserved © Brian Basson
Photo taken in the Tuli Safari Area, Botswana.
A large cat, with a powerfully-built body and comparatively short legs. Weighing in at around 70kg, Leopards are about a third of the size of a lion.
They are solitary, terrestrial, and partly arboreal. Usually nocturnal, but to some extent diurnal.
All of my images on this website and others are protected by International copyright Law, with all my rights reserved.
The images may not be copied, reproduce, manipulated or used in any way, without obtaining the written permission of Brian Basson Photography.
Read less
Photo taken in the Tuli Safari Area, Botswana.
A large cat, with a powerfully-built body and comparatively short legs. Weighing in at around 70kg, Leopards are about a third of the size of a lion.
They are solitary, terrestrial, and partly arboreal. Usually nocturnal, but to some extent diurnal.
All of my images on this website and others are protected by International copyright Law, with all my rights reserved.
The images may not be copied, reproduce, manipulated or used in any way, without obtaining the written permission of Brian Basson Photography.
Read less
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Awards
Chatter Award
Top Shot Award 21
Remarkable
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Jaw Dropping
All Star
Love it
Superior Skill
Exceptional Contrast
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PFClick
February 09, 2013
Very cool. Getting ready to go on a Leopard safari in Sri Lanka myself. Hopefully can capture something this beautiful. Well done.
ChrisKIELY
February 24, 2013
I love how these cats hang around in the trees - so lay back, and cool!!
ChrisKIELY
March 05, 2013
Voted Brian - this has to be a winner for sure. It is one of my favourite photos! A stunning, amazing capture. Good luck!
ChrisKIELY
March 06, 2013
Thank you for your commentary. I do understand in my own way. This is truly a magnificent, 'once off' photograph, and deserves a spot on the podium. I truly hope so. It is one of those shots you could not, or should not, miss!! I totally adore it. Good luck Brian. Brilliant, to say the least.
korinna
March 07, 2013
Voted! :) If you like any of mine, pls vote for it:
http://www.viewbug.com/contests/trees-photo-contest-by-bayphoto/2375621
http://www.viewbug.com/contests/trees-photo-contest-by-bayphoto/2375620
http://www.viewbug.com/contests/trees-photo-contest-by-bayphoto/2375621
http://www.viewbug.com/contests/trees-photo-contest-by-bayphoto/2375620
UnkleFrank
August 11, 2013
Beautiful capture of this profoundly magnificent predator at rest. Nicely done. Congrats!!!
vsidles
September 07, 2013
these are such awesome creatures and you have some amazing shots of them!
disneymamom
December 01, 2013
VOTED! absolute sanctuary for you, I know and appreciate you sharing. blessings, Cheryl
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Photo taken in the Tuli Safari Area, NE Botswana.Time
Taken in the magic early morning lighting time between 6:00 and 9:00am in the height of the African summer (January). This meant that I had to get up at around 4:00am to be where I wanted to be.Lighting
Not matter where I am I try to utilise the golden hours to help me with lighting. Try and get the lighting as good as you can in your shot to avoid trying to fix it up in post-production.Equipment
This image was shot on a Canon 5D MK III with a Sigma f2.8 120 - 300mm OS DG prime lens + a Sigma 2x Converter. The camera was hand held as there is no place for a tripod in a 4x4 safari vehicle other than a monopod.Inspiration
My passion is capturing wildlife on camera, in the wild. Everything in the African bush happens so fast, as it did with this opportunity. We literarily came around a bend, in very thick bush, and there the leopard was, simply lolling in the tree meters from where we were. When I was taking the shot all I could think of was that this leopard was living a life of total freedom, as he was meant to do. For me this image represents freedom, and the importance of the work that is being done, in many African countries, to preserve Africa's unique wildlife for future generations. Think of the movie "Born Free" about the life of Joy and George Adamson.Editing
This image was taken as a Jpeg, which limits the amount of post-processing that can be done. I used Apple's Aperture 3 for post-processing where I adjusted the exposure and curves. I've now evolved to using RAW, which I would recommend to all photographers as this gives you far greater flexibility when post-processing.In my camera bag
I undertake a lot of travel in the African bush so I try to go as well prepared as I can, as photo opportunities evolve by the second. I carry two camera bodies: A Canon 5D MK III + a Canon 7d MK II. My lenses vary from time to time, but I always have my Canon EF 100 - 400 mm f5.6 L IS along with a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS and Canon Macro 100mm f2.8 L IS plus a Canon EF 50mm f1.8. When in the African bush, and most other places, I ensure that I have a cleaning kit in order to maintain my lenses in as pristine a state as I can. Finally, I take along at least eight camera batteries to ensure that I have a continuous supply of charged batteries; as charging cab be very limited at times.Feedback
I always try to stick to the rule of using the golden hours of light in early morning and late afternoon. Try to preempt what lens you will possibly need. With my two camera bodies I have the 100-400mm lens on one and on the other camera it could be the 70-200mm, this will cover me for different distances. If it is possible to use a tripod use it.