vaidehi c

Camera: Nikon D850

Lens: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter speed: 1/500

ISO: 110

Description: Cheetah mom carrying gazelle fawn for her cubs

Story from behind the lens: I was lucky to witness this drama of life and death unfold in Naboisho Mara. The cheetah mom stalked and grabbed the fawn from an unsuspecting gazelle mom. The cheetah gently carried the fawn for her three cubs to play 'the hunt' game. The fawn repeatedly tried to escape from the cubs but in vain. After about a 5 minute ordeal the fawn was killed for a meal. The gazelle mom sadly was a silent spectator. This drama unfolded very fast in front of a spellbound human audience in vehicles. The only sound of silence was the feeble cry from the fawn. I grabbed my 70-200mm lens as it was happening close and increased my aperture to capture both the cheetah and the fawn clearly. I did my best not to allow emotion take over my ability to hold the camera and lens steady. Thanks to my excellent guide Daniel for his patience and perseverance.