A Rare Encounter: Celebrating the Fever Tree Leopard’s Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist
I’m thrilled to share that my image, “Fever Tree Leopard,” has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025! With over 419,000 images submitted globally, this recognition is a dream come true. This image represents a fleeting moment of connection with the wild that I’ll carry with me forever.
To celebrate, I’m offering "Fever Tree Leopard" as an exclusive limited edition fine art print, with only 11 copies available worldwide.
“I’m thrilled to share that my Sony Awards shortlist has been featured on RTÉ, Ireland’s national TV station!
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The Prelude: A Lion's Piercing Gaze
Before the leopard, there was the lion. As the sunset faded over Lake Nakuru, a pride rested near a dirt road. A young male rose and locked eyes with my lens—a moment of raw power and connection captured in my image, "The Stare." It was a powerful prelude, but the fever tree forest held a greater surprise.
From Still Image to Living Moment: Watch the tension build as the young lion rises, his intense gaze foreshadowing the magic to come.
The Setting: A Magical Afternoon in the Fever Tree Forest
Lake Nakuru’s Fever Tree Forest is a place of otherworldly beauty. I was on safari with a client, and my goal was to help her feel Africa, not just photograph it. We turned off the engine, listened to the birdsong, and soaked in the tranquillity. We even paused for a coffee break, simply to "be" in the heart of the forest. It was a magical, sensory experience.
“From the Intensity of ‘The Stare’ to the Grace of the Fever Tree Leopard—Experience the Untamed Beauty of Lake Nakuru. Little did I know, the fever tree forest held an even greater surprise in store.”
The Encounter: A Leopard Revealed
As we finished our refreshments, our guide spotted her: a young female leopard, resting on a distant branch. We held our breath. She moved, disappeared into the vegetation, and we repositioned, hoping to predict her path. Our patience was rewarded when she reappeared, climbing onto the massive bough of a towering fever tree. The scene was perfect.
As I moved quietly through the forest, my guide signaled me to stop. There, high on the bough of a towering fever tree, was a female leopard. Her sleek coat glistened in the dappled light filtering through the canopy. She was the epitome of grace—resting, then rising, her movements fluid and unhurried. In that moment, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary.
The Shot: Capturing a Fleeting Moment
For a while, she rested. Then, as if attuned to my hopes, she stood up. She turned, walked down the trunk, and in a perfect, fleeting moment, she paused, flicked her tail, and glanced back. I pressed the shutter. I had captured the photograph of a lifetime.
The Art: Why Black and White
When editing this image, I knew it had to be black and white. Stripping away colour heightens the contrasts and textures—the intricate bark of the fever tree, the leopard’s sleek coat, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow. The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and timeless, a true celebration of nature’s quiet majesty.
Own a Piece of This Story: The Limited Edition Print
This image is more than a photograph; it’s a story of patience, magic, and a deep connection with the wild. To celebrate this milestone, I’m offering "Fever Tree Leopard" as a limited edition fine art print.
Each of the 11 available prints is:
Hand-signed and numbered by me.
A museum-quality, archival print.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Includes the full "Story Behind the Print."
Visualise the Art: The Leopard in Your Space
Imagine this stunning portrait as the centrepiece of your home. It transforms a room, adding a touch of sophistication and a constant connection to the wild.
Explore the Full Collection
While the "Fever Tree Leopard" is a special piece, it is part of a larger collection of moments I've been fortunate to capture from the wild.
A Global Honour
Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is an incredible honour. This image—born from patience, passion, and serendipity—now stands among the best in the world. It is a reminder that the wild has stories to tell, and I am privileged to be a storyteller through my lens.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
Peter Delaney
