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Exhibition Member Highlights
A Mothers Embrace
About the image
This photograph shows the Island Female Leopard resting with her cub on a boulder during a hot day. We spent a long time sitting quietly with them as they relaxed together in the shade. What drew me to the moment was the closeness between mother and cub. The cub was tucked safely beneath its mother while they both looked towards the camera, creating a brief moment of connection that felt calm, intimate and powerful. This image is special to me because it captures a softer side of predators that people do not always get to see. Leopards are often photographed hunting or walking alone, but this photograph shows the comfort, protection and trust shared between a mother and her cub. It is a moment I feel fortunate to have witnessed and preserved.
SPECIES:
Female Leopard - Panthera Pardus
How it was captured
Camera: Nikon D500
Lens: Sigma f6.3 150-600mm
Settings:
Focus Length 350mm
Shutter Speed 1/4000s Aperture f6.3
ISO 8000
Photographer:
Age:
From:
Zhian Carim
21
Gauteng
About the photographer
My interest in wildlife photography began in July 2019 after seeing so many talented South African wildlife photographers sharing their incredible images. Their work inspired me to pick up a camera and begin capturing my own experiences in the bush. I enjoy photographing predators the most, not only big cats, but all predators because of their power, behaviour and the important role they play in nature. Every sighting is different, and I enjoy waiting for those special moments that tell a story. Being behind the camera allows me to slow down, observe wildlife more carefully and preserve moments that might never happen in the same way again. Photography has deepened my appreciation for nature and gives me a way to share the beauty of South African wildlife with others, while hopefully encouraging them to appreciate and protect it too.
PHOTOGRAPHER'S QUOTE
Wildlife photography allows me to preserve the moments in nature that I never want to forget.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
Every animal deserves the opportunity to live safely, raise its young and thrive in its natural habitat. By protecting wild spaces, we also protect the powerful relationships and quiet moments like the bond between this mother and her cub that make nature so special.