Leopard Closeup

We were in the Serengeti recently. This leopard was laying on a boulder, catching the late afternoon sun. For a few minutes, either the leopard was not looking or the light was not good, but it finally looked over into the sun, providing nice glow on the face. I love the intensity and beauty of its gaze.

Specific Feedback Requested

Please comment on the composition, processing, and technical aspects. I’m trying to learn.

Technical Details

Nikon D500 with Sigma 100-400 lens
f/6.3, 1/1000 ss, and ISO 1008

Increased the exposure & lightened the shadows in Lightroom. No cropping

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I totally agree, Scott. A gorgeous image of this big cat.

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My eye was drawn too to those fangs. Wonderfully lit.

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Gorgeous!!! No nits from me! Frame and hang!

Great subject, awesome light and wonderful close up. And yess I just love the gaze :heavy_heart_exclamation:
It could be my monitor but you may burn the whites slightly.

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Thank you!

You have nailed this very well Scott. What a beauty.
My only suggestion is to maybe very slightly reduce the size of the sky area top right

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Very nice pose with the cat looking into the sun and showing us a bit of its teeth. Nice details in the shadows. Well done image.

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