On the Rocks

[Hendri Venter]

Captured this Leopard in Kruger Park in 2008. Not the best with no eye contact and branch sticking from its head but I like the setting and will remember it as my best Leopard sighting in Kruger to date.

Canon 40D
Canon 100-400
ISO 800
F5.6
SS 1/332
Aperture Priority

[Katie Rupp]

I really like the alert pose as you can see the leopard is straining to get a view of either prey or predator and therefore, understandably no eye contact with the photographer. It's a great habitat shot with the grasses, rocks and rich colors.

[Nico Steenberg]

Still a great shot Hendri. IMG is sharp and well exposed with good colours. Like the space in frond of the subject !

[DanWalters]

Really like the stance of the leopard and the surrounding environment. Would like to see a little more of the eyes.

[Hilary Hann]

Because the leopard is obviously looking at something, lack of eye contact doesn't worry me over much, however, if he had turned slightly and shown some eye … WOW!! Love the unusual pose and the environment surrounding him is very interesting. Really like this.

[Ken Watkins]

Fabulous environment, this is what I would call an "if only shot", a slight movement forward by the Leopard or backward by you would have made it perfect. But let's face it Kruger is generally hard on photographers.

[Charissa]

Like the BG space she has for looking into, and a ready to go pose, makes this one special. Would love to capture this, eye contact or not. Nice shot Hendri.

[Marc Mol]

Great environmental image Hendri, this is one case where I personally would have cloned out the branch above the head. Purely a matter of preference.
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

I can see this as a painting mate. Those colours in the BG just scream paint me, paint me. Lovely setting, and if only he turned his head ever so slightly.

[Danny J Brown]

Hendri - This is a truly wonderful shot. A great example of an image that has maximum impact with virtually no eye-contact. I really love this one.

DB

[Harshad Barve]

this is incredibly beautiful image , would have loved to see this in my files
TFS

[Hendri Venter]

Thanks very much for all the kind comments. It is always appreciated.

[Grace Scalzo]

I think your self critique is a bit harsh. The beauty of this image overrides everything and I really enjoyed it.

[Morkel Erasmus]

getting a clear leopard shot such as this in Kruger is an achievement in itself Hendri - no eye contact but the vivid autumn colours really makes this pop!

[Hendri Venter]

Thanks Grace and Morkel. Actually another example where no eye contact can still work Morkel - ref your blog pose.;)