Description

Scars In The Shade

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The Rough Life Of A Cheetah – Story Behind The Photograph

I found this cheetah with his brother one afternoon in the Kalahari. They were a coalition, travelling together the way male cheetahs often do, but both of them looked worn down. This male had an injured hind leg, his coat carried many scars and his body was thin from lack of food. His brother did not look much better.

They moved slowly, using the scattered shade of the trees, clearly searching for any chance to hunt. I watched them for a while and left that evening with a heavy feeling, wondering how much longer they could keep going in such a hard landscape.

At this time of year the wildebeest calves begin to drop, and for predators that are close to the edge those newborns can mean survival. The next morning I found the brothers again, this time feeding on a baby gnu. I was so relieved for them. They needed that meal desperately.

In this photograph I focus on the injured male in the dappled light. His face is turned to the side, eye catching a warm reflection, spots sharp against the soft, green background. The scars along his body and the tension in his posture tell the story of how tough a cheetah’s life can be in the Kalahari.

Beauty And Hard Edges

What I like in this image is the contrast between the gentle light and the hard reality it reveals. The background is soft and almost dreamy, but his expression is serious and tired. Cheetahs are built for speed, not for fighting, and in a place like this they live on a knife‑edge: long distances, strong competitors and only brief windows to hunt.

For me, The Rough Life Of A Cheetah is a portrait of resilience. It honours the quiet strength of a cat that keeps going despite injury, hunger and the vastness of the desert around him.

About This Artwork

The Rough Life Of A Cheetah is a fine art wildlife photography print with warm, earthy tones. Soft greens and yellows in the background and acacia branches frame the rich gold and black of the cheetah’s coat. The shallow depth of field draws all attention to his eye, scars and profile, giving the piece a strong emotional pull.

This horizontal artwork works well above a sofa, desk or sideboard, and pairs powerfully with softer cub portraits and family scenes. Together they show the full arc of cheetah life in the Kalahari, from playful youngsters to scarred adults who carry the weight of the desert on their shoulders.

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Sizes Available

60 × 40 cm
75 × 50 cm
90 × 60 cm
105 × 70 cm
120 × 80 cm
150 × 100 cm
Note: Wood Prints are available up to 90 × 60 cm.

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Print Materials

Choose the finish that best suits your interior and style—each material offers a distinctive effect:

Fine Art Paper Print – Archival museum paper offers exceptional tonal depth. It is ideal for custom framing.
Wood Print  – The image prints directly on natural wood. This creates warmth and texture. Every piece looks unique, therefore it adds individuality to your space. Available up to 90 × 60 cm. Ready to hang.
Alu‑Dibond Print  – Mounted on aluminum composite for stability and a sleek, modern, reflection‑free finish. Ready to hang.
Acrylic Glass Print  – Your image is face‑mounted under glossy acrylic. As a result, colors intensify and details gain striking clarity.  Ready to hang.
Canvas Print  – Stretched on a wooden frame for a softer, tactile presence; ready to hang.
Full details can be found on the FAQ Print Guide.

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Collector’s Information

Edition Type: Open Edition
Framing: Fine Art Paper prints require framing. I’m happy to help you select a frame that fits both your style and the space where the artwork will live. Dibond, Acrylic, Canvas and Wood arrive ready to hang.
Shipping: Insured worldwide delivery. Orders produce in Europe or the US depending on your location. This ensures reliable and timely results.

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Not Sure What to Choose?

Have a look at my Inspiration Page, or contact me for assistance