Can you spot the kitty?
Yesterday, i had a hard time looking for kitty Star and was so surprised about her new hideaway.
Star’s all white color makes her almost invisible and as such, it’s even harder to shoot a good portrait. I think every photographer knows that it’s always a challenge to make a better photo of a certain subject with only one color.
Last August 5, 2013, i sent a photo (portrait) of Star my lovable kitty to Otto thru his Picture Critique site because i would like to have some feedback from a professional with regard to my photography. I believe that his tips and suggestions could help me to further improve my skill.
Here’s a portrait of Star which i think some of you may have seen before as i’ve already posted it previously in my blog here.
Otto’s reply and feedback:
This is a delightful portrait of an equally beautiful cat. You have captured it in a expressive moment when the cat is following something outside of the frame with intense interest. The light is soft, coming from the left which brings out the features of the kitty in an appealing way. Looks like you used the light from a window which almost always provide nice light as long as the sun doesn’t shine directly onto the subject (or maybe it was a soft bank?). The reflection of the light in the eye, makes it come alive. I like the fact that it’s almost a black and white picture except for the yellow eye and the pink snout, which then adds that little detail that brings life to the picture. Very eye catching. I also like the way the white cat stands out from the clean and almost black background. I am not sure if it’s caused by the way you have lit the picture or because you made the background dark in the post-processing. It really doesn’t matter, the result is nevertheless a clean picture easy to read. Maybe I would have like to have some nuances in the background so it doesn’t get all monotonic and a bit dull. Another minor objection on my part is the way the head is centred in the frame. Maybe you should crop the picture much tighter so that the head is placed more to the right in the frame. Another idea could be to extend the canvas along the top edge which would create a lot of space in the direction the cat is looking. It should be easy to accomplish since the background is so evenly black. It would make for a very dynamic composition. Anyway these are only minor objection. I think you have made lovely picture, captured the spirit of the kitty in a delightful way.
Well, i guess my photography is not really bad at all. I was so delighted reading Otto’s feedback. You may also submit one of your best photos to Otto if you want his thoughts and opinion. Don’t worry, he gives constructive feedback which are really encouraging and inspiring.
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What a great hidey spot ! I have the same problems with a black cat pic…the picture of Star is beautiful..the lighting is so friendly and soft on the eye..and draws you into the frame ..just lovely 🙂 Fozziemum 🙂
thank you fozziemum.. yes, really a challenge to take a better photo but i guess i really did good on this one.. i think the dark background did the trick.. thank you for your inspiring comment 🙂
You are most welcome it is a great shot 🙂
Awwwssss cute one,and Spotted that cute little one.:)
thanks yenyen, sometimes i miss spotting the little one because of her all white color.
Oh she’s one adventurous kitty. Her portrait photo is really beautiful, an excellent job elizz!
thank you bebs.. it’s probably the best portrait i’ve done of star in my own opinion.. its really a challenge to make an all white color be that attractive ..
I love your cat 🙂 Blessing! Thanks and Love, nia
thank you.. kitty Star will be so happy to know that.. sending love and purrs
Your “spot the kitty” photo is awesome. It made me laugh! Cats find the most wonderful places to park themselves.
you could find kitty Star on top of the bar, yes some of my decors there had fallen because of her, on top of the door, on the bathroom sink, on top of the stereo https://starlight427.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/cat-purrday-friday-post-one-of-these-things/
and so many other nooks.. i’m always amused by her antics..