I am trying to get "portraits" of our kitties. This is the only one left to shoot. Catching the shot is much up to the cat since she will not opt for posing. So, a shot on the mattress as sheets were being changed.. The face looks ok but I really don't like the "mattress" background and don't want to put too much post work into it, meaning I don't want to try and select her for a layer and loose detail of whisker edges, fur, etc. Any suggestions? I have looked at this too long to make a decent try! Thanks for any input. TomDart.

sorry, Tom, I don't have any suggestions. I think the photo's fantastic just the way it is!

Sheila, she is an old Maine Coon, adopted from the shelter. This one sleeps by my chest every night. Her fur was once much thickier and she could jump much higher. A real sweetie. Thanks. Tom.

she's adorable, Tom!!!!!!!!! what's an "old Maine Coon?"

Ok It's a good shot, but I think you asked here to get some real help, and not only posts which say it's a perfect Photo, cause it's sure not. (if you don't want this than send me a pm and I'll delet it, but nobody get's help, or better than everyon says his,her pictures are already brilliant.)

Let's start. You are right the background kills this picture.
I also don't like the angle to much (I would go more to her level.) and her eyes look dead.
I know it's freaking difficult to make some good cat portraits. I have two cats and they don't do what would be right in front of the camera. It takes lot's of time and sometimes even some help ;-).
Try to shoot the cat than she does something sepcial. (Climbing a tree, if she's allowd to go outside and if she doesn't climb than help her. Or when she sits on a special chair. Important is that it's something special. Only than You will reall like yor shot. (I had for sure lots of pictures like that one and I deleted most of them, cause they are "standard".
Here are to examples of what I think.

Message edited on: 03/28/2005 02:15

1

And the second one.

difficult to work with... you could try a quick change of mood with Virtual Photographer at www.optikvervelabs.com :] free the eyes... did you apply a red out there?

Yes, the eyes were postworked a little and it did deaden the natural liquid shimmer.

I am going to keep this one but try again for a good portrait in a proper setting. Neverfinder, in this case I am wanting a face shot or close head shot. A better setting might ease up the "standard" look you speak of but it will still be close in.

Constructive criticism is expected when I ask for advice and another person's thought is appreciated. Thanks, TomDart.

Message edited on: 03/28/2005 06:47

I think that if you use a darkish blue blanket or sheet this would bring out her sweet face more. Then zoom in on her face a bit & forget about her backside because what you are trying to do is show her personality & then you would have it. O-O-O! & her eyes will be gorgeous!!! She's a sweetie anyway!! rita30100

If you want to do an eye thing try using a couple of tissues around the flash which will greatly enhance the eyes & bring out their 'truest' color & real feline look. The tissues will tone down the flash so that it can use a more finite portrait of them. rita30100

Cat's can be very difficult subjects.... there are some who are horrified by the mere sight of the camera and will scurry away before you can get even one shot. I agree with neverfinder.... maybe try to catch her when she is occupied in one of her favorite activities.... and not so cognizant of a camera being in her face.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=814757&Start=37&Artist=neverfinder&ByArtist=Yes

Here is an example for a portrait from my second cat. She's much more difficult than the othe Cat she's very shy. And for this shot I placed myself under the table and waited ;-). But with the result I'm pretty happy.

I'm just going to agree with all the above here since I don't have anything to add! Not helpful one bit, I know! :(

neverfinder, I do like your Ponky I. Sometime this old gal here will be in the pose. The other three were not so difficult. Sheila, Maine Coon is a breed of longhaired, generally larger cats. Ours is without any "papers" but matches all the basic standards for the breed..so to us she is a Maine Coon. A real sweety if somewhat shy of a camera.