A couple of weeks ago I returned from an extraordinary short safari to Kenya. There was one animal and one alone that I was hoping to see and photograph. Since I was a child I had hoped to see and photograph a melanistic leopard. I had seen the marvelous images taken in southern India and thought that is where I needed to go. But, about 2 months ago I was approached to join two other photographers and go to Kenya where a female black leopard they call Giza (means Shadow in the native language) was being seen. I hesitated for about a minute before signing on.
She had been seen mostly at night but was starting to make early morning and late afternoon appearances.
My first sighting of her was at night...it was magical...it got better from there. Hope you enjoy.
Eric
Sooo happy for you my friend that you shared this encounter. Really awesome of those who invited you to join them as well. The markings in the black are special, I have not seen them like this before. Masterful work in the extreme variances in light and lack of it, these look great Eric.
Your Holy Grail has been delivered
Impressive, each and every one of them ....
Karl
YGMV ..... where is the VOTE button on your thread??
Not often does one get the joy of realizing their dreams . I can only image how wonderful it was. So happy for you.
These shots are amazing . She certainly provided some great moments for you. So well done Eric, congratulations!!
Eric what a lucky guy to see this beautiful cat, but you sure delivered some great images. You sure had great guides to get that close so often to a very rare cat. The crowds that would follow such a cat must be huge when word gets out. The eyes are magical. I hope that last shot is a big print on your wall. A beautiful low look coming right towards you beautifully exposed with just the right amount of light.
After reading the description I started to view your wonderful images Eric. The first amazed me with the wonderful background and the clear Leppard pattern coming through. The the second and those eyes! The rest are just as good showing the habitat and behavior. Fantastic photography and documentary work my friend.
Congratulations !! Incredibly cool shots ! I don't think I have ever seen shots of a black one before. I can only imagine what great memories were made from that trip.
I bet your face hurt for weeks after smiling so much at this encounter! What an experience that must have been!! Thank you for sharing these wonderful images of such an incredible creature!
Eric - These are incredible. Congratulations on getting your Holy Grail. Loved every image, but the last one is over the top. What an intense stare and those eyes. Great, great job.
Such a great series of photographs to showcase this elegant cat. Childhood dreams can certainly come true. Congratulations, and let us know (better yet, show us) what else you've been thinking about since you were a child.
Eric, these are absolutely incredible on all accounts, and your dream come true to boot. I echo what Morris said regarding your exposure and post processing for the underlying coat pattern. Perfectly done! YGMV.
All I can say is congratulations on a lifetime memory accomplished so perfectly!
Sooo happy for you my friend that you shared this encounter. Really awesome of those who invited you to join them as well. The markings in the black are special, I have not seen them like this before. Masterful work in the extreme variances in light and lack of it, these look great Eric.
Your Holy Grail has been delivered
Impressive, each and every one of them ....
Karl
YGMV ..... where is the VOTE button on your thread??
Thanks Karl...the photography is tough for mirrorless unless her eye was visible....low contrast fur makes it very difficult to get accurate focus. Glad you liked them.
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Nisha wrote:
WOW!!! A dream ❤️ Magical collection, this is AWESOME 😍
Thanks Nisha, still smiling
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dclark wrote:
Wow!! Superb.
You not only saw her, you got some great shots.
Those eyes against her black fur seem to glow.
Dave
Thanks Dave...and yes, they glow and in person they are truly mesmerizing.
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vbnut wrote:
That is just nuts. As if you weren't the big cat master already, and now you do this. Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Many thanks....to have this opportunity was amazing. One never knows how long this cat will still be around so I (and our guide) was very worried up until the moment we actually got to see her.
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birdied wrote:
Not often does one get the joy of realizing their dreams . I can only image how wonderful it was. So happy for you.
These shots are amazing . She certainly provided some great moments for you. So well done Eric, congratulations!!
Birdie
Thanks Birdie...I could not imaged how I was going to feel once I actually saw her. Goosebumps and many head shakes at our great fortune.
Eric
