Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Piercing eyes- Capturing the moment when the leopard meets the lens

Caught in a rare and intense moment, this leopard is seen descending from the tree after finishing its meal—an unfortunate gazelle. As it climbed down, the leopard locked eyes with me, its piercing gaze sharp and focused. With my Sony A1 and 600mm lens ready, I was fortunate to capture this powerful connection between predator and observer, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of the wild. The photo depicts a captivating scene where a leopard, after feeding on a gazelle in the treetops, stares directly at the photographer. This brief but intense interaction was captured at just the right moment, highlighting the leopard’s powerful presence and the stillness of the wild. The predator’s gaze, as it paused on the ground, adds an element of suspense and beauty, while the image reflects the balance of life and survival in nature.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Masai Mara, Kenya
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Rajesh Bose