Camera: Nikon D5

Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter speed: 1/1000

ISO: 400

Description: Taken in Maasai Mara while in safari. Leopard sitting in a tree, observing us behind a tree trunk

Story from behind the lens: When exploring close up pictures of animals in the wild, I try to capture moments that reveal real emotion in their faces. This photograph of a leopard cautiously peeking from behind a tree seems to say "Go away, I'm not amused." The expression is almost human and at the same time a little comical. The leopard is looking directly at me with a stern look providing an almost human-like element. This allows us to empathize with the leopard. I also like to take pictures that promote happiness and amusement. This leopard is well known in Maasai Mara and has been photographed many times on my visits. I try to catch a different portrait of him in order to tell a more complete story of his personality and life that encourages all of us to better understand these special animals. Above all, these photographs make me smile.