I have owned cats in the past and have always found them to be somewhat, ahem....finicky, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the cat room. I found that cats haven't changed at all, they're still finicky. I photographed three cats. One will not be posted here because in every shot she looks completely ticked off at me for invading her space. The other two don't look that upset, but their pose is saying, "I am tolerating you. Now go away." So here are my less than willing models:
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| Meet Mei Mei (#52682) |
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| And here's Purrcy (#52623) |
Needless to say, I was relieved to be back with the dogs afterwards. Cats were extremely hard to photograph alone. I take all my images alone because my schedule is so scattered and for me, dogs are much easier. So what I have learned is with the dogs is where I belong. And I'm good with that. :)
Happy shooting!
I thought it was interesting that you thought the cats to be harder to shoot than the dogs. I feel like cats are easier in terms of getting their attention. The last picture really stands out, it almost reminds me of a president's portrait with such a regal stare and bold glance, haha.
ReplyDeleteI think that the face of a cat gives out a sense of annoyance. They always seem to have that look on their face even when they are happy. I agree that it is challenging to photograph them alone and usually prefer to go with a friend to photograph them. If you ever need help let me know :)
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI agree cats can be independent and not cooperative at times. You are a total pro with those dog photos so if you want to go back there, it seems totally logical! You've expressed what I feel about photographing the dogs though I love dogs sort of like you like cats.
Regarding your photos, I think the first one seems a bit off, in terms of exposure correction perhaps. Also maybe pulling back a bit on the darkness of the vignette on this brown cat so it doesn't seem to merge with the cat itself.
One thing I'd like to say is that the yellow eyes on cats are among the hardest thing for me to correct. It's very easy to lighten the eyes too much and too uniformly. Purrcy's eyes seem just right!
I think you are braver than I since I am only sticking with one group, but I will say that I've gotten so much quicker with that group, just like you would with cats if you went there every time.
@ Peyton...funny observation! I think I am just more of a dog person and am more comfortable with them. I'm sure the cats pick up on that.
ReplyDelete@ Kiba...Thanks for the offer! I agree with you about cats. Most of them don't look naturally welcoming at first glance. I love the way dogs seem to be smiling when they see me coming. It makes my day!
ReplyDelete@ Sweet pea...Thanks for the compliment! I agree with what you said about the first shot. Those white cages are hard to work with! It was hard to get how I wanted it. I'm sure I would get quicker over time, but so many knew dogs come in there each week I want to get them a good pic as quickly as possible.
ReplyDeleteI've found cats to be easier to take pictures of than any other creature for me. I suppose it's just because the only furry creature I've had is a cat. To get the best poses (though I doubt you'll be returning to the cats) I usually spend a while cuddling them before I ever get their picture. If you spend a bit of time scratching them they tend to give you really adorable poses that just beg for attention.
ReplyDeleteI think it is always easier to photograph what we love. Therefore, if you bond with cats, you will find it easier to photograph them. If you bond with dogs, you will find them easier to photograph. I think your image of Purrcy is exceptional. I love what Peyton said about him looking regal. His expression is presidential. Your corrections flatter this expression. I actually think this image is one of your strongest.
ReplyDelete@ Chris...I think you're right. I'm sure we all do better with the critters we are most comfortable with.
ReplyDelete@ Professor Johnstone...Thank you for your comments. I agree with them. Wonder how Purrcy would look with a bow tie Photoshop'd in... :)
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