Cozy leopard
Aug, 2019Views
597
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in African Animals Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Mammals Photo Contest
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
All Star
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
micHELL666
February 23, 2021
Congratulations on winning the people's choice in the African Animals challenge!! A well deserved winner!!
PRO
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Timbavati Private Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park. South AfricaTime
This was on one of our morning drives. We had a 5:30 wake up, a quick tea and biscuits, and then on the Jeep and out into the wild by 6. It was about 7 am local time when the photo was taken.Lighting
The sun was actually behind the leopard, which could have been worse had it been harsher. Ideally we would have shot with the sun behind us, but like most wildlife, this leopard wasn’t too cooperative and wouldn’t look into the sun so we had to.Equipment
Shot with a Canon 7D on high speed continuous mode. I had set my exposure compensation to +1.6 to keep my ISO lower. I had a Tamron 150-600mm lens and as we were so close, this was shot at 150mm.Inspiration
Despite this being the fourth leopard we had seen in two days, I always need to compose myself and relax before I shoot. I like to take the experience in before I shoot. I have always wanted that classic leopard in the tree pose, legs dangling, looking comfortable in an uncomfortable position - and I was fortunate to finally get it.Editing
I have a preset for wildlife loaded into Lightroom. It just tweaks the whites, blacks, shadows, etc. And since I shoot with exposure compensation, I’ll adjust the exposure as well. This photo wasn’t cropped either.In my camera bag
I normally have a Canon 60D and 7D in my bag. I’ll equip the 60D with a shorter lens as sometimes we get in too tight for the 150-600mm to be effective.Feedback
With wildlife, patience is key. You can drive for hours and see next to nothing, and then bang, there it is. Always have the camera ready, with the settings you need, as you never know when your luck is in.
