The elusive cat

This big cat is often known to be shy, and elusive. However, it is the most wide spread of all the top predators. From the most remote places in Laikipia to the Nairobi National park, the leopard finds its home. A member of the 'big five' in the safari world, a leopard sighting is always breath taking. 

Often mistaken as a 'spotted' cat, its fur is marked with rosettes. It is similar in physical appearance to the jaguar but it has smaller and lighter physique. Both leopards and jaguars can be melanistic and are called black panthers. 

The leopards English name comes from old French that is derived from Latin. Its generic name, panthera pardus is Latin. 

With an average lifespan of 12-17 years in the wild, a fully grown leopard can weigh up to 70 kilos. Their body size can vary, with the males being larger than the females. Often solitary, while on safari you can see two or more leopards together. After a gestation period of 2.5 months, a mother can give birth to 1 to 3 cubs. The cubs will stay with the mother for about 2 years before they venture out on their own. This is a powerful and versatile predator that uses camouflage and stealth to ambush prey. Leopards are agile and strong. They are more active at night and are good tree climbers. They are known to haul their prey up a tree after a successful hunt. Leopards can also ambush prey from the top of a tree. 

Samburu and Maasai Mara national reserves are among the best places to see the leopards in Kenya.

Leopard sightings are never guaranteed while on safari, even in prime leopard country. I have spent hours on game drives searching for them with no luck, yet sometimes I would emerge from my tent in the morning to see fresh leopard tracks, or see one on my way back to my tent after dinner.

Leopard looking out. Maasai Mara

Leopard on the move. Maasai Mara

Fine art photography

According to wikipedia, fine-art photography is photography created in line with the vision of the photographer as artist, using photography as a medium for creative expression. The goal of fine-art photography is to express an idea, a message, or an emotion. 

There is a common belief that fine art photography is black and white photography. This is not always the case, there are many fine art photos in color.

In this edition, I am going to talk about black and white photography as a form of fine art photography. This is one aspect of photography that I am getting increasingly interested in. Black and white photography has something appealing, it has a timeless quality to it, these images are breathtaking, engaging, striking and moody at times. Black and white images remove any distraction of color, and helps the viewer focus on the subject, composition, texture and shapes or patterns. You can still use the same composition techniques as you would in color photography. While shooting, one of the key things to look out for is contrast, these are the light and dark tones. Look for the solid blacks in shadows. 

Another key thing is to train your eyes to seeing in black and white. Visualize the scene in black and white. You also need to embrace the 'grey days'. Always shoot in color then convert into black and white. This way you maintain all the originals. 

Lastly, get an inspiration. There are many professional wildlife photographers who work with black and white. I personally like David Guldens work (besides being a personal friend he is a great photographer who respects the wildlife) I also draw inspiration from David Yarrow. 

Here are a few of my black and white images, enjoy!

Male cheetah. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya 

Male elephant. Amboseli, Kenya 

Male lion with cubs. Maasai Mara, Kenya