Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

[Spalea]

Behzad J. Larry: " Snow leopard.

My favorite photograph of a snow leopard. I’ve sighted somewhere around a hundred wild snow leopards so far, including getting to observe and handle one during a scientific collaring last year, but this image is the “closest” I’ve been in photographic terms to one.
Remote cameras, while seemingly simple in theory, are a huge pain to work with if the results you’re seeking are visually stunning.
Off the shelf game cameras are great for documentary shots to show movement, understand population sizes, and do scientific research. They are also plug and play and easy to set up. But professional camera trapping rigs have an added layer of complexity. The image has to be visualized when setting it up. Where does the subject walk? What background do you want it on? What light should you set the camera for? Then, a completely wild animal must also make those same choices that you predicted, at the right time of day.
This image was the result of several months of work, including climbing a 4,300m ridge every few weeks to problem solve the myriad issues that crop up.
Batteries die, a herd of blue sheep fills up the memory card by hanging out in front of the set up all day, the snow leopard only walks past the camera in the dead of night.
But when you do get an image, exactly as you had planned for, it is the best feeling in the world.
On expedition with @voygrtravel. This image was a team effort that involved 7 people over 6 months. @voygrtravel offers a camera trapping service where we manage your cameras for a few months. Just like our team has for the BBC, NatGeo, and others. Pair it with one of our award winning snow leopard expeditions in 2021. "

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