Snarl

No matter how good you are as a wildlife photographer, when it comesto finding the wildlife you'll never beat a local specialist. This iswhy on most of my projects and workshops I prefer to work withspecialist guides, trackers and biologists. On this occasion I wasworking with a biologist that was doing extensive leopard research inthe area and who knew exactly where to look for these elusive big cats.

One morning, we were searching the trees and bushes for leopards, whenmy guide suddenly stopped the Land Rover and pointed to a bush nearthe edge of a dry river bed: leopard. But no matter how hard I tried,I couldn't see it. It wasn't until we slowly moved a little closerthat I finally saw it, hiding deep inside the bush.

When I pointed my camera in its direction, the welcoming committee wasnot happy and I was greeted with a vicious snarl. I quickly took ashot and then decided to leave it in peace.

I usually go to great lengths to get clean and uncluttered shots, sothis one is quite unusual for me. That said, I don't mind the leafsand branches here at all, as I feel they add a sense of wildness tothe image in combination with the powerful expression of the subject.Most of the times when wildlife photographers show images of growlingor snarling big cats, they're actually in an early or late stage ofyawning. This is how a real snarl looks like. :smile:

Nikon D2Xs, AF-S 600/4.0, 1/50 @ f/5.6, ISO 400, beanbag

Superb. Even in the fleeting moment you had, the composition and exposure are perfect... to the extent that even the patterns on the tongue are so clear! Kudos.

Excellent capture. The one leopard I saw in Tanzana was at least 50 yards away.

 

I like the leaves here. Gives a sense of the environment of the leopard. Good composition. It's great how you were able to capture both eyes so sharp, through the leaves.

Great image. I agree with David about the leaves and the eyes. Excellent capture. Regards, Jean-Marc

Excellent image Marsel, very "powerful". The thrill of tracking and "shooting" leopards is indeed somenthing beyond any description. Well done, Teo

Excellent capture. 7/6a Take care

Im completely mesmerized by those eyes, look long enough and you could be in a spell.

 

Great Job!!!

 

First thing I noticed were teh eyes and the foliage, couldnt have asked for better comp...this is excellent work and great timing.

 

Best,

 

Zack

Wow, excellent shot. The leaves and branches give a sense of environment.

Normally those leaves are really disturbing but you made it just that they doesn't bother at all, they are just a big bonus, thank your for sharing!

You are lucky to see one of these cats.....Picture is wonderful too. So natural....Love it. Congratulations !!

I am normally a "uncluttered shooter" as well. Personally I think the "clutter" in this shot MAKES the picture. In my opinion the key is yes there is clutter but there is nothing completely blocking the crystal clear tac-sharp eyes or the mouth, teeth, and the snarl. This is a Fantastic Picture I absolutely love it. Keep it up.

-Michael Palozzola