As a wildlife photographer I have been very fortunate to photograph in many different African countries, from the rainforests of East & Central Africa to the beaches of South Africa. I have had the opportunity to photograph creatures from Mountain Gorilla’s to Ghost crabs.
But nothing compares quite like photographing a leopard in its wild habitat. Shy, secretive and elusive are just some of the words I can use to describe Africa’s top cat. Being based in the Sabi Sands, world renowned for the best leopard viewing in Africa, has certainly help me to study my subject in detail. I am a firm believer in when photographing any wild animal, knowing their behaviour and patterns will help you to capture better images as you will be able to anticipate what “might” happen next.
Leopards are one of the animals that offer us photographers so many different opportunities. From your “classic” images like, leopard lying in a tree or lying on a rock to phenomenal “behaviour” images, leopards give you as a photographer the chance to capture images in so many different ways. As an extremely beautiful animal you can “shoot” portraits, full body shots, abstract, animals in their environment and behaviour images, the list of opportunities for photographing leopard is endless.
Like photographing any subject having a great photographic “eye” makes a massive difference when “shooting” leopards. When you are on a photographic safari and you can visualize a shot, take it. If you are not in the right position and have the time to move, do so, until the image that you have in your mind is in the same one you can see in the view finder.
Another great advantage of “shooting” leopards is the fact that they are mainly nocturnal and the use of spotlight on them is allowed on safari. This allows us as photographers a whole new world to experience and your creative mind can work in over drive. The most effective way is not to have the spotlight shining directly from your position but from a second vehicle at a different angle. Two photographers that have managed to show the nocturnal habits of leopards through their photography in a master way are Wim van der Heever and Greg du Toit.
Leopards are also great subjects for backlit and silhouette images due to their striking features. If the light is low on your subject and you don’t wish to use flash, move around and try something different.
As you hopefully read from the above photographing leopards is a phenomenal experience. My three keys to a “perfect” leopard image:
- Your photographic “eye”
- Knowing your subject
- Tons of luck!!!
Marius Coetzee
Marius’s Links
- Blog: Marius Coetzee African Photography
- Facebook Group: Marius Coetzee Photography
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I live in Orlando, FL. I did do a walking Safari in Zim. I was captivated by the animals, people and the land. You do some amazing work. I am going to have to get one of those 400 to 500mm lens. My 200 just does not have that sharpness…yet. I am working on it.
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