LEOPARD AT NIGHT SABI SANDS, MPUMALANGA
Leopards are the holy grail for many safari-goers and it’s no different for us. Their elusive nature and breathtaking beauty means every leopard encounter is super-exciting.
The Sabi Sands is one of several places renowned for regular sightings. Leopards are often seen on game drives and a number have become habituated to vehicles. Off-road driving is permitted, so it’s often possible to follow them as they patrol, even after dark using spotlights. Done judiciously, and ethically, spotlighting affords the luxury of creating unusual and intriguing night-time images. The leopard here has been lit from behind revealing its signature outline and nothing more. We hope the rim-lighting helps underline the secretive nature of a species that loves to stay hidden in the blackness.
TOP TIP
Less is more when framing subjects on safari. If you’re new to photography, or are unsure about composition, our message is to keep things simple. Bold shapes, simple lines and lots of empty space in the frame give subjects room to breathe and look very dramatic.
Leopards are the holy grail for many safari-goers… Their elusive nature and
