Camera: Nikon D5

Lens: 70-200 f2.8 VR II

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter speed: 1/320

ISO: 100

Description: The leopardess Mzuri, rests among a criss-cross of branches, with her impala kill nestled nearby

Story from behind the lens: This was the first time that I set eyes on Mzuri and I was instantly taken in by her beauty. What heightened the sensation for me was her perch. She had chosen a large tree with some bare branches and the contrast between the stark branches and the vibrant cat grabbed my attention. I chose to compose the photo in a manner that highlighted just this dichotomy. Furthermore, the head of a dead impala is just about visible on the right extreme of the image, adding another layer of tension to the scene.