Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: Nikkor 500 mm F4

Aperture: 6.3

Shutter speed: 1/1250

ISO: 2000

Description: Luluka the leopard shaking off water during an afternoon downpour.

Story from behind the lens: We did a short safari in January 2022. We stayed at the Osero Sopia River Camp, located close to Talek Gate.

We followed Luluka for a while hoping she would climb the tree on which she had a kill. As the clouds darkened ominously, she settled down on a small grassy mound next to a tiny stream. Knowing that it would soon rain and that she would certainly shake to get the water off her body we visualized this shot. A small gap in the bushes on the opposite bank of the stream gave us the perfect opening to position ourselves. Almost immediately after the heavens opened up and we waited. And waited. Every twitch she made had us pushing cameras through the rain covers of the vehicle. More than 3 hours later, she yawned and that was a sign that she may finally oblige us. A few minutes later a second yawn followed and immediately after oblige us she did! This was the first of 3 shakes before the rain finally stopped. The long wait in pouring rain was well worth it!