Linda Skeen

Camera: NIkon D5

Lens: Sigma 150-600 SP

Aperture: f6.3

Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec

ISO: 1000

Description: A beautiful cheetah sitting under the shade of a bush, letting the golden light of morning warm her. She is very intent on watching a wildebeest with a young calf, hoping it may come closer.

Story from behind the lens: It was a beautiful morning in the Mara. The birds serenaded us with their morning songs as we left the camp. As we left our camp, we heard the roar of a distant lion. We were hopeful we would see a big cat in the beauty of the morning light. Our guide noticed a cheetah walking the horizon. We decided to head in the direction of the Cheetah. As we approached, it lay under a corton bush on the horizon. Once we got closer, we noticed a lone wildebeest with a young calf. TheCheetah all suddenly sat up. The light through the croton bush was so beautiful on the Cheetah. It just made its eyes so beautiful. I got a few shots; then we backed off to avoid interfering if it wanted to hunt. We hung out for quite a while, watching and waiting to see if it had a successful hunt. Now that’s another story for another image. I was so grateful to capture this image of this beautiful creature.