A young leopard protecting her kill
Jun, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in the Kruger National Park just outside the Olifant's camp. The leopard was with her Impala kill in a tree nearby but there were roughly 10 hyenas that where clearly getting on her nerves while cackling around the foot of the tree. She eventually decided enough was enough and this moment of pure irritation on her part made for the perfect shot.Time
It was late afternoon / early evening.Lighting
The lighting was tricky as it was a cloudy afternoon and although the photograph doesn't show it, there were a number of bushes around the leopard making it a rather shady environment. I used my flash for this shot.Equipment
Nikon P900 & FlashInspiration
My absolute passion is photographing wildlife of any kind, however in the years that I have been actively doing this I have never had the opportunity to get a close up shot of a leopard. On top of that, the facial expression of this leopard is something I had always dreamed of witnessing let alone managing to get a shot. Moments like this are over in a fraction of a second and the ability to capture these moments is what I find inspiring about wildlife photography.Editing
I cropped the surrounding bushes out of the shot and played around slightly with the contrast.In my camera bag
I am currently using a digital camera (Nikon P900) so that is all I need in my bag, however I always pack my tripod which I love using for stills and landscapes.Feedback
There is a certain aspect of luck involved when it comes to wildlife photography, you have to be in the right place at the right time. When this has been achieved and the opportunity for a shot is there patience becomes key. Animals unlike landscapes have minds of their own and sometimes a bit of attitude. Waiting for an animal to move into the right position, look at you, open their eyes, yawn or what ever it may be that you are trying to capture takes patience. An understanding of wildlife also helps to anticipate what may become a worthwhile photograph. But I honestly believe a love for what you are shooting will always make for a great shot.
