Amur leopard
The Amur leopard is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and Jilin Province of northeast China, and is classified as Critic...
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The Amur leopard is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and Jilin Province of northeast China, and is classified as Critically Endangered since 1996 by IUCN. Only 14–20 adults and 5–6 cubs were counted in a census in 2007, with a total of 19–26 Amur leopards extant in the wild.
Just a few month old. One of the most beautiful leoprads I have ever seen!
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Just a few month old. One of the most beautiful leoprads I have ever seen!
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Feb, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at Mulhouse zoo, eastern France and is one of my first animal portraits I ever took. Just a few month before I bought my first gear to give photography or rather my skills a try. As I love animals and especially big cats so much I visited a lot of zoos trying to catch the character of each animal by getting as close as I could and looking into the eyes.Time
I remember it was at noon when three tiny leopards were running around in their enclosure, anoying their mother 'Elixa' by climbing on her. At that time they were 6 month old and I couldn't keep my eyes off them clumsy as the were. The area was kind of protected for the little family, so you couldn't get nearer than about 25m.Lighting
Unfortunately the lighting was not good at all for the whole day - mainly a grey sky and no contrasts. So I just tried to get as close as I could and shot a whole series of the little ones. As there also was a dirty window between us it was a clear case for a lot of post-processing work. But I thought it could be worth it.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 550D with my EF70-200mm f/4L USM with no tripod, because the leopard babies were much too fast anyway.Inspiration
I really love animals as I think they are the most innocent creatures on this planet primordial as they are. By looking in their eyes I try to reveal the character of the being and getting connected somehow.Editing
Originally I am a graphic designer. That is why I am much more experienced in post-processing than in taking photos. So I wasn't afraid to retouch a lot like removing the dirt and reflections of the window inbetween. To intensivy the connection with the viewer I focused the leopards face by blackening the environment and cropping. I often do this. For me it then sometimes feels so real that it is kind of surreal. Hope you know what I mean ;).In my camera bag
In 2010 I bought a Canon EOS 550D with a 15-85mm kit lense and the EF70-200mm. I didn't want to spent too much money as I wasn't sure if I really would fall in love with photography. In the first two years I shooted a lot, then I had to concentrate on my job as a programmer and had almost no time for it. In late 2014 I started again because I missed something :). The equipment stood the same. I want to gain more experience before I spent a lot of money and I am fine with it at the moment. Okay, a 400mm would be a nice christmas gift...Feedback
I really try to feel the subject, which could take a while. And I am not patient by nature... You should consider the environment, lighting, etc. and get in position. Especially with wild animals you have to be spontaneous and fast. The moment counts - nothing else. And if the setting is not perfect like bad lighting conditions, try to shoot the best picture possible. Sometimes you discover interessting details when you open your raw file in PS or LR. With a view klicks you can blow new life in a dead thought image. Just play around and give it a try. As a beginner you should play around as much as you can to find your own style. And don't be constrained by any rules!
