16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Brotherly Love

On a windy evening just before sundown at Phinda's Private Game Reserve, two brother cheetahs take cover in the bush constantly scanning the area for prey and protecting each other from any threats. As they were looking around, I happened to catch them gazing directly at each other. Were they communicating? Figuring out what to eat for dinner? Or simply just looking around? The heart shape that forms in the negative space portrays the lifetime bond between these two brothers.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2018
Date Uploaded: 08.2018
Photo Location: Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Copyright: © Marc Squire