This expressive black and white photo shows a young male leopard on one of his first forays through the Okonjima conservation area in Namibia. The close-up captures the young animal's curious, watchful gaze - a moment of stillness, full of grace and natural wildness. Okonjima is intensively involved in the protection and research of African big cats, especially leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. The leopard cubs are raised here in a safe environment and observed in their natural behaviour - far away from mass tourism or fences.
The monochrome depiction emphasises the contrasts in the fur pattern and focuses on the animal's expression. The image symbolises the fragility of life in the wild and the importance of sustainable conservation projects.
An ideal motif for lovers of African wildlife, wildlife photography or expressive nature portraits - and a silent appeal for the conservation of our planet.
I have always enjoyed photography. Even when I was young, I took photos with the Beirette. It even happened to me once that I inserted a film twice ... and the photos I took were very interesting.
I then bought my digital SLR camera in 2014. The first photos..
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