Kitty adventure C&C welcomed

[KimC]

Recently I was asked by a friend if I would photograph her cats and today was the day :-) My fingers were crossed that her cats would be more cooperative than mine. In addition, I decided to be brave and use my new camera - this was my second time shooting with it. Must say i love that it can handle low light and that a flash was not needed (since the flash and I are not yet friends).

ISO 1600; 70mm; F8; 1/100

[Mike Buckley]

I sure do like the background you chose.

As for the composition, try cropping so you don't see the top step. Doing so leaves to the imagination the height of the stair case. Also try cropping on the right side so the cat's eyes are in the top right area approximately as the Rule of Thirds would suggest. Doing so changes the overall composition to two simple elements -- the cat and the steps. Considering that the cat is looking to the viewer's left, that composition also allows the cat to look into that space to the left and renders the scene less static.

The cat isn't looking directly toward the camera, which brings to mind the old phrase about how difficult it is to herd cats. Better luck next time with that!

[KimC]

I sure do like the background you chose.

As for the composition, try cropping so you don't see the top step. Doing so leaves to the imagination the height of the stair case. Also try cropping on the right side so the cat's eyes are in the top right area approximately as the Rule of Thirds would suggest. Doing so changes the overall composition to two simple elements -- the cat and the steps. Considering that the cat is looking to the viewer's left, that composition also allows the cat to look into that space to the left and renders the scene less static.

The cat isn't looking directly toward the camera, which brings to mind the old phrase about how difficult it is to herd cats. Better luck next time with that!

Thanks Mike for your comments and suggestions. Image has been adjusted as you suggested -- I like it -- thank you! I did get several of this cat looking directly at me -- he was so gorgeous and knew it.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done especially the revision.

[KimC]

Nicely done especially the revision.

Thanks John.

[Nicks Pics]

Great idea for this shot. I think it turned out nicely, especially now with the new crop. Did you say there was no flash? Did you use any artificial lighting? I wonder about bringing some of the highlights in the white fur down just very slightly, but keeping it brighter than the background.

[IzzieK]

Kim, she is a beautiful cat...It would be nice if you upload some others where the cat is looking at you. I like the composition of the edit, Kim...very nice.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Kim, nice shot I like the crop , if it was mine I would crop from the top some more to put the lovely eyes of the cat to 1/3 of the frame as Mike suggests.

[KimC]

Great idea for this shot. I think it turned out nicely, especially now with the new crop. Did you say there was no flash? Did you use any artificial lighting? I wonder about bringing some of the highlights in the white fur down just very slightly, but keeping it brighter than the background.

Thanks Nick. No, no flash, no artificial lighting. I am continuing to play with this one... Will give that a try.

[KimC]

Kim, she is a beautiful cat...It would be nice if you upload some others where the cat is looking at you. I like the composition of the edit, Kim...very nice.

Thanks Izzie. I am working on pp these today... If I have a worthy one, I will post. :-)

[KimC]

Hi Kim, nice shot I like the crop , if it was mine I would crop from the top some more to put the lovely eyes of the cat to 1/3 of the frame as Mike suggests.

Thanks for commenting Binnur. I do have a few with the cat looking straight at me and there be less of the stairs in the image.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful image! I like both versions equally. The staircase in the background is extra special, and of course the cat is gorgeous!

[KimC]

Beautiful image! I like both versions equally. The staircase in the background is extra special, and of course the cat is gorgeous!

Thank you Christina.

[KimC]

Kim, she is a beautiful cat...It would be nice if you upload some others where the cat is looking at you. I like the composition of the edit, Kim...very nice.

This one is for you Izzie :-)

[rpcrowe]

I tried this with NIK Viveza Structure Filter. Usually that filter works pretty well on animal's coats. I am not sure in this case. Perhaps it is because the image I posted is smaller than yours.

BTW: using a wand of some type with a feather attractor (DIY or purchased at a pet supply store) can often convince a kitty to look where you want it to...

[Mike Buckley]

BTW: using a wand of some type with a feather attractor (DIY or purchased at a pet supply store) can often convince a kitty to look where you want it to...

Will that also work with a wife? I often want her to look away.

[rpcrowe]

"Will that also work with a wife? I often want her to look away."

Nope Mike... I have found that a diamond ring is usually a better attractor for spouses than is a feather!

[bnnrcn]

Very nice shot Kim

[KimC]

I tried this with NIK Viveza Structure Filter. Usually that filter works pretty well on animal's coats. I am not sure in this case. Perhaps it is because the image I posted is smaller than yours.

BTW: using a wand of some type with a feather attractor (DIY or purchased at a pet supply store) can often convince a kitty to look where you want it to...

Thanks Richard. I tried that as well; however, I wanted to be true to how the cat looked and it just changed his gorgeous subtle color too much for me.

[KimC]

Very nice shot Kim

Thank you Binnur. Should have said that was for you and Izzie ;-)