Serengeti National Park 2021

While on assignment for Ndifo Safari, I sat with this majestic female leopard for the better part of the morning. When we came upon her, she lay motionless, calmly napping in the early morning light. She woke slowly. Easing into her morning as if to be enjoying some quiet time before the day. The light began to illuminate the Serengeti casting a soft glow on her spotted coat. She was comfortable with our presence. I set my camera to silent not to disturb her, snapping image after image. I hoped to catch her looking into my camera. Eye contact with the lens makes for a much stronger intimate image. She gazed at us intently, clearly now trying to assess our threat level. We must have passed the test because she made a faint clicking noise that signaled her two adorable cubs to join her for breakfast. Still, to this date, one of my fondest memoirs as a wildlife photographer. Limited edition fine art print of 6. Photo © copyright Derek Nielsen Photography