Camera: Canon EOS 250D

Lens: SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter speed: 1/25

ISO: 1250

Description: A poised cheetah, perched atop a small mound in the Mara, bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, creating a striking and serene image of the wild beauty of the savanna.

Story from behind the lens: On our inaugural afternoon in the Mara, our spirits were high as we embarked on an evening game drive. Incredibly, within a short distance, our luck seemed boundless, with this being our third animal sighting of the day.

This particular cheetah had been comfortably seated on a small mound for a significant stretch of time. After our first encounter with the cheetah, we ventured to observe a nearby hyena clan. Yet, as the sun gracefully descended, casting a warm, golden glow across the savanna, we were astonished to find the same cheetah still occupying its regal perch.

The cheetah, almost as if it had been waiting for us, remained the star of the show. Our guide, James, positioned the car very well. The lighting was perfect and it also seemed like the perfect moment. I eagerly resumed photographing, experimenting with various angles and settings to capture the changing scenery. It was an invaluable learning experience, revealing the art of adapting to shifting light and surroundings, and the magic of a well-timed click amidst the wild beauty of the Mara.