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 from more than 200 countries, this recognition is a dream come true. But beyond the accolade, this image represents something deeper—a fleeting moment of connection with the wild that I’ll carry with me forever.
Captured in the magical fever tree forests of Lake Nakuru, “Fever Tree Leopard” is a testament to patience, passion, and the untamed beauty of Africa. To celebrate, I’m offering it as a limited edition fine art print, with only 11 copies available worldwide.
Read the full story behind this award-winning image below.
The Stare: A Prelude to Magic
As the golden hues of sunset faded over Lake Nakuru, the air grew heavy with the promise of rain. A pride of lions rested along a dirt road, their earthy tones blending effortlessly with the ochre landscape.
I had envisioned capturing lions draped across fever tree branches, their majestic forms framed by the forest’s golden canopy. But nature, as always, had other plans.
In that quiet moment, a young male rose, his piercing eyes locking with mine through the lens. For an instant, predator and observer shared a connection—an unspoken exchange of power, grace, and vulnerability. This fleeting moment, captured in my image “The Stare,” is a testament to the untamed beauty of the wild, where every encounter holds the potential to leave us in awe.
Little did I know, this was only the beginning. The fever tree forest, just a short distance away, held an even greater surprise in store.
The Stare
“The Stare” is more than a photograph—it’s a moment of raw power and connection. This black-and-white portrait captures the piercing gaze of a young lion, a reminder of the untamed beauty that defines Lake Nakuru.
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The Story: A Moment of Magic in the Fever Tree Forest
Lake Nakuru’s Fever Tree Forest is a place of otherworldly beauty. The golden hues of the fever trees, the soft rustle of leaves, and the occasional call of a distant bird create an almost ethereal atmosphere. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, and nature’s most elusive creatures reveal themselves in rare, fleeting moments.
This was my first visit, and I instantly fell in love. While not as well-known as Kenya’s iconic reserves like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Samburu, this hidden gem is home to four Big Five and borders a well-established city. Though the forest is not vast, it holds an enchanting allure that captivates the soul.
I was on safari with a client, and my goal was not only to provide her with a great photographic experience but also to help her truly feel the essence of Africa. As photographers, we often spend so much time behind the lens that we forget to savor the moment. That afternoon, as we ambled through the forest in search of the famous Rothschild’s giraffe, I encouraged her to put the camera down and let the experience wash over her senses.
We stopped frequently, turning off the engine to eliminate camera shake and to fully absorb the sounds of the forest. Birdsong filled the air—this time of year, the forest is a birder’s paradise. Baboons, antelope, buffalo, giraffe, and even rhinos made appearances, each adding to the symphony of life around us. At one point, I suggested we take a short coffee break and simply “be” in the heart of the forest. It was magical—the cool, scented air, the symphony of sounds, and the profound sense of tranquility. We sat in silence, soaking it all in.
Step Into the Forest: A One-Minute Escape
Immerse yourself in the serene magic of Lake Nakuru’s fever tree forest through this short, one-minute video I created using iPhone footage. It captures an unforgettable afternoon—driving through the forest, sunlight dancing through the canopy, and the peaceful moments when we turned off the engine to simply listen to the symphony of the wild.
Watch as Rothschild’s giraffes glide gracefully through the trees, their golden coats blending with the bark of the fever trees. Hear the melody of birdsong, the rustling leaves, and the distant calls of baboons. It’s a quiet glimpse into the hidden wonders of Africa.
Let this video be a reminder to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
May it inspire you to embrace the wild moments that make life extraordinary.
🎥 Watch the Video Below
“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: Capturing Grace
As we finished our refreshments, our driver scanned the area with his binoculars and broke into a wide smile. A young female leopard lay on the branch of a tree a short distance away. We gasped in awe, though she was too far for a good photograph. But the photography gods were smiling on us that day. She got up, walked down the branch, and disappeared into the dense vegetation.
I decided to predict her path, and we repositioned ourselves. Soon, she reappeared, this time closer to us. We waited patiently, allowing her to cross and keeping a respectful distance. As we followed her, we rounded a corner and found her perched on the massive bow of a huge fever tree. The scene was perfect—close enough for a great shot but not so close as to disturb her. The background was sublime, with towering fever trees framing the image.
Witness the Grace: A Leopard’s Moment in the Fever Tree Forest
Step into the heart of Lake Nakuru’s fever tree forest with this short, one-minute video captured on my iPhone. It brings to life the exact moment I photographed the young female leopard—a fleeting instance of grace and beauty that I’ll never forget.
Watch as she moves with effortless elegance along the branch of a towering fever tree, her sleek coat glistening in the dappled light. The video captures her pause, the flick of her tail, and the quiet intensity of her gaze—a moment that epitomizes the wild’s quiet majesty.
Listen to the sounds of the forest in the background: the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the hum of life that fills this magical place. It’s a rare glimpse into the world of one of Africa’s most elusive creatures.
Let this video remind you of the beauty of patience, the thrill of the unexpected, and the profound connection we share with the natural world.
🎥 Watch the Video Below
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.
For a while, she sat still, and we captured shots of her resting. Our driver used my phone to record video, and it felt as though she was attuned to my thoughts. For no apparent reason, she stood up, turned around, and walked down the trunk of the tree.
Then, in a fleeting moment, she turned slowly, flicked her tail, and I captured the photograph of a lifetime. She then walked back and settled down once more.
The Print A Timeless Portrait
This image, now shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards, is more than just a photograph—it’s a story. It’s the story of a magical afternoon in the fever tree forest, the patience and anticipation of waiting for the perfect moment, and the sheer joy of witnessing one of Africa’s most elusive creatures in her natural habitat.
When editing this image, I knew it had to be black and white.
“Stripping away color enhances the contrasts and textures—the intricate bark of the fever tree, the leopard’s sleek coat, and the interplay of light and shadow. The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and timeless, a celebration of nature’s quiet majesty.”
Fever Tree Leopard | Limited Edition 11 Prints Only
“Fever Tree Leopard” is a celebration of quiet majesty. This limited edition print immortalizes a fleeting moment of grace, as a young leopard pauses on the bow of a fever tree, framed by the golden hues of Lake Nakuru’s enchanting forest.
“Bring the Wild Home: The Leopard Print in a Luxurious Setting”
Step into an elegantly designed space where the untamed beauty of the wild meets modern luxury. This gallery showcases how my “Fever Tree Leopard” print transforms a room, adding a touch of sophistication and a connection to nature.
Imagine this stunning black-and-white portrait of a leopard, framed and displayed as the centerpiece of a luxurious living room or study. The sleek lines of the frame complement the room’s contemporary decor, while the image itself—a moment of quiet grace captured in the fever tree forest—brings depth and storytelling to the space.
Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a chic office, or a grand living area, this print is more than art; it’s a conversation starter, a statement piece, and a reminder of the wild’s timeless beauty.
Limited Edition Prints: Own a Piece of History
"To celebrate this milestone, I’m offering Fever Tree Leopard as a limited edition print, with only 11 copies available worldwide. Each print is a high-quality, museum-grade piece, signed and numbered by me.
Each print is:
✅ Hand-signed and numbered
✅ Limited to just 11 editions worldwide
✅ Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
✅ Includes an A4 “Story Behind the Print”
By owning one, you’re not just acquiring a photograph—you’re becoming part of the story behind it and supporting my journey as an artist."
The Sony World Photography Awards: A Global Recognition
Being “shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards” is an incredible honor.
This image—born from a moment of 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.
Explore More: Limited Edition Collection
While the “Fever Tree Leopard” holds a special place in my heart, it’s just one of many stories I’ve been fortunate to capture. My limited-edition collection features a range of moments from the wild—each one a testament to the beauty, grace, and power of nature.
Every print tells a story from the piercing gaze of a lion in “The Stare” to the quiet majesty of a herd of elephants at sunset. And like the “Fever Tree Leopard,” each piece is available as a hand-signed, limited edition—complete with a Certificate of Authenticity and the story behind the image.
✨ Explore the Full Collection Here
My Collector’s Hand-Signed Edition offers art lovers and collectors an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of my work with a personal touch.
A Collector’s Hand-Signed Edition
Owning a fine art print is special, but having one hand-signed and personally inscribed by the artist makes it truly unique. My Collector’s Hand-Signed Edition offers art lovers and collectors an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of my work with a personal touch.
Each of these prints is a true artist’s edition—from the moment of capture in the wild to the final print and signature, every step is personally handled by me, Peter Delaney. This ensures that the quality, artistry, and emotional depth of each image remain uncompromised.
Whether it’s the “Fever Tree Leopard,” “The Stare,” or any other piece from my collection, these prints are more than art—they’re a connection to the wild, a story, and a piece of my journey as an artist.
