A young male Leopard - to die for!

[Steve Kaluski]

• Steve Kaluski
• www.untamedimages.co.uk
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 14.1.1 (Macintosh)

Subject: Male sub adult (16month) about to drink...
Location: Africa
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: EF 500f/4L IS II USM
Exposure: 1/1600 at f/6.3 ISO4000
Original format: Portrait, FF width, sight crop at top

Late afternoon 20mins before the sun went down heavily saturated sunlight here, just awesome location

Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous image

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Indeed to die for and I am super jealous Killer shot, Steve! Cannot ask for anything more...Superb pose and colours just amazing, perfect framing, love the pose, reflection, everything. Super techs...And that paw forward...awesome POV and subject looking into the lens...what more can one ask for?

 

[Steve Kaluski]

Could you believe it, I actually said to A, just as we were about to pack up, 'all we need is a Leopard to turn up.'

Then suddenly this gorgeous female Leopard came out from no where and then started to chuff and call... the rest was just to die for. The light was ridiculous and there they were, 8m away, I was just praying I had enough space on the cards, just three of us watching this all unfold, right in front of us. These two hadn't been see for over 6 months, and guess what...

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Could you believe it, I actually said to A, just as we were about to pack up, 'all we need is a Leopard to turn up.'

Then suddenly this gorgeous female Leopard came out from no where and then started to chuff and call... the rest was just to die for. The light was ridiculous and there they were, 8m away, I was just praying I had enough space on the cards, just three of us watching this all unfold, right in front of us. These two hadn't been see for over 6 months, and guess what...

So special, Steve. She's in superb condition too. And look at the size of those whiskers!
What beauty! Such a special opportunity and you were there to witness and capture...So happy for you

 

[Jonathan Ashton]

Nicely composed image, pleasing colours, my only reservation is the double silver/white stripe on the water - what is it?

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Nicely composed image, pleasing colours, my only reservation is the double silver/white stripe on the water - what is it?

Ripples spreading out as the leopard drinks

 

[Ian McLachlan]

Completely Manificent. Can you get rid of the stripes. Ripples go out in a circle. Even so magnificent. Can you describe the circumstances . From Vehicle hide or camp or other.

 

[Steve Kaluski]

Completely Manificent

WOW thank you Ian, it was an encounter that we just die for, and rarely seen/witness here, well for at least 6 months apparently, just struck gold.

Can you get rid of the stripes. Ripples go out in a circle.

I could but leaving them in, they are 'ripples' its just the disturbance of the water surface, and with a slightly higher POV they are more white and are reflections of the sky.

Can you describe the circumstances . From Vehicle hide or camp or other.

Ian, if you asked this say four or five months ago I would have, as I have replied to many folks over the men years asking off line asking about kit, flights, transfers, clothing re Svalbard etc, camps, with often me writing a very comprehensive outline/brief, but sadly now that will never happen again and that is not through my choice. My only comment will be that I did have a photo vehicle through the stay, sorry I cannot comment further.

 

[Dave Goldberg]

View attachment 231422
Subject: Male sub adult (16month) about to drink...
Location: Africa
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: EF 500f/4L IS II USM
Exposure: 1/1600 at f/6.3 ISO4000
Original format: Portrait, FF width, sight crop at top

Late afternoon 20mins before the sun went down heavily saturated sunlight here, just awesome location

Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous image

Stunning image. I actually like the ripples in the water, they give a sense of realism to the shot.

 

[Brian Sump]

Killer Steve. One of your best for sure.

 

[Steve Kaluski]

Stunning image. I actually like the ripples in the water, they give a sense of realism to the shot.

Cheers, I think so too. Yes, if I think there is something that is small and is distracting I will remove it, but draw a blank at BKG or skies.

 

[Steve Kaluski]

Killer Steve. One of your best for sure.

AHHA, Mr Sump, nice to see you on this side of the pond, and thank you for the very kind words. I am in full agreement, as I was well chuffed to get this, as it was almost time to head back to camp, just one of those 'serendipity' moments.

I had a similar experience on around 12 years ago with a Leopard called Beauty and got to know her over three years, terrible Mum, as she would bring her cubs into camp and then go off hunting. However this was special, especially with the ridiculous light, once in a lifetime for sure, something I probably won't achieve again in three months time, but then there is something new on the horizon I have been ask to experience....

 

[Brian Sump]

AHHA, Mr Sump, nice to see you on this side of the pond, and thank you for the very kind words. I am in full agreement, as I was well chuffed to get this, as it was almost time to head back to camp, just one of those 'serendipity' moments.

I had a similar experience on around 12 years ago with a Leopard called Beauty and got to know her over three years, terrible Mum, as she would bring her cubs into camp and then go off hunting. However this was special, especially with the ridiculous light, once in a lifetime for sure, something I probably won't achieve again in three months time, but then there is something new on the horizon I have been ask to experience....

One you're surely remember for decades. Lord willing I will have the chance to capture a Jag in the wild...

 

[Steve Kaluski]

One you're surely remember for decades. Lord willing I will have the chance to capture a Jag in the wild...

I would like to think so Brian, however a Jag would be cool taking down a Camen, but also if they are in the neighbourhood, some Giant Otters. Good luck and happy shooting.