Deepa Girish

Camera: Nikon D6

Lens: AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR

Aperture: F 4.5

Shutter speed: 1/1250

ISO: ISO 320

Description: The Ferocious Glare on a Leopard satisfying its thirst

Story from behind the lens: During my unforgettable safari in the magnificent Maasai Mara, one of the most iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the world, a remarkable encounter unfolded as we crossed the mighty Mara River. Guided by our experienced camp guide, a sense of excitement filled the air as we held our collective breath, hoping for something truly extraordinary. Our guide had a strong hunch that a leopard, one of nature's most elusive and captivating creatures, would grace us with its presence. With bated breath, I dared to dream that the leopard would acknowledge my lens, a silent plea for a shared moment of recognition. In a mesmerizing twist of fate, the leopard complied, turning its gaze toward my camera. The encounter felt like a profound exchange, a connection across species that transcended language and boundaries.

As the camera's shutter clicked, I immortalized that cherished moment, capturing the leopard in all its splendor, adorned with glistening droplets of river water on its magnificent fur. It was a dream come true, a testament to the power of patience, anticipation, and the extraordinary beauty of the wild. In that single click, I had captured not just an image but a memory to cherish, a reminder of the boundless wonders that the Maasai Mara and the natural world have to offer.