Contemplation II

[Matt Kneale]

The second part to my Contemplation series (featuring cats)
This is a cat we nicknamed Alby (for Albino) and who, as far as we know, is a stray who pretty much loves to stay with us 24/7. Shes much more of a lap cat than Sebastien, my cat, so she makes a wonderful subject. Critique is appreciated

Picture Information
Camera: Nikon D80
Focal Length: 70mm
Aperture: F/4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec.
ISO: 500
Edited (curves and levels) in Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and shot in JPEG format

Hope you like this one
Matt

[coupekid]

Re: Contemplation II

The second part to my Contemplation series (featuring cats)
This is a cat we nicknamed Alby (for Albino) and who, as far as we know, is a stray who pretty much loves to stay with us 24/7. Shes much more of a lap cat than Sebastien, my cat, so she makes a wonderful subject. Critique is appreciated



Hope you like this one
Matt

I do indeed like it Matt, but I do feel something is missing.

The fact that you cant see his eyes, ears are cropped off is a shame.
Also, the angle of the floor (or cusion) she is sat on jars a little.
Its still a nice shot though, and I love the lighting, and the mono definately works well.

Hope that helps!

[Matt Kneale]

Re: Contemplation II

Ah indeed A few people have mentioned the eyes, I tried to dodge them to bring them out again, but to no success. Instead, it produced a cataract effect, which quite frankly scared me.

As for the ears, I didn't really intend for them to be in shot, but I meant for them to be cut off a bit more than that. Your comment did help Thanks

[fluffy penguin]

Re: Contemplation II

I do not like to see an animal with its ears cropped off, I always think they are part of the expression of the animal.

but apart from that was a good photo, the detail on the whiskers has come up brilliantly which is not always easy.

[Matt Kneale]

Re: Contemplation II

Thanks I'm sorry about the ears, it is a shame.

[kombizz]

Re: Contemplation II

I am sorry i did not like your image.
The composition was wrong as you cut her ears, poor thing.
Also it is a wrong exposure.

[Matt Kneale]

Re: Contemplation II

I don't suppose you'd like to be a tad more specific? Instead of just criticising my work, help me improve it. The composition I accept, can you tell me what you didn't like about the exposure?

Matt

[Stephen]

Re: Contemplation II

I don't suppose you'd like to be a tad more specific? Instead of just criticising my work, help me improve it. The composition I accept, can you tell me what you didn't like about the exposure?

Matt

Matt if I may step in here. The right side of the image, the cats left, has blown highlights. The end of the paw the side of the head and body all have no detail in them. this is due to overexposure.

[Pol]

Re: Contemplation II

Matt, following on from what Stephen has said about the overexposure.

I was thinking how difficult it might be to get a good, detailed shot of white, or very light fur. It might be worth experimenting more with lighting so here's couple of suggestions to be going on with.

How about experimenting with makeshift reflectors eg. muslin, paper etc and see if you can find a way of reducing the bright light on the fur.

Another thing you could try would be to use spot metering - taking the reading from lightest areas through to medium and see how each reading works for the shots.

It's surprising to see how something as simple as a piece of white or black paper can make subtle changes to light and shadows when you move it around to bounce or reflect even the natural daylight from a window. Thin white fabric such as muslin or a handkerchief or pillowcase can also make an effective diffuser.

7day shop have a good deal on 5 in 1 reflector packs HERE if you want something readymade.

Do you shoot RAW? If so - also try underexposing then adjusting in the your editing software


Pol