KODonnellCreative

Juniper

This photo was taken of an adoptable kitten named Juniper.

This photo was taken of an adoptable kitten named Juniper.
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Canon EOS 60D

settings

Aperture f/2 ISO 640 Shutter 1/160 Focal Length 50/1

upload_date

Oct, 2015

Views

1042

Likes

+45

Awards

Action Award

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

Top Shot Award 21

Legendary Award

2020 Choice Award

Absolute Masterpiece

+14

Top Choice

+14

Superb Composition

+13

Outstanding Creativity

Peer Award

All Star

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 3

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this at the Tri-Country Humane Society in Saint Cloud, Minnesota while volunteering. When I lived in Saint Cloud I used to photograph animals up for adoption every Saturday morning.

Time

I have distinct memories of my Saturday mornings spent at TCHS. I would frequent the facility from 9-11am before the doors opened. While all of the staff members were cleaning and prepping the animals and their rooms for a busy day of visitors and hopefully new proud owners of a pet.

Lighting

Honestly, the light was pretty basic. There was a room at TCHS where I would setup a simple backdrop and a basic fluorescent room light sat directly above the area where I shot small animals. I made due with my setup and it actually was a pretty decent setup for barebones.

Equipment

I used my Canon 60D with a 50mm 1.4f lens. When I take photos of animals I generally have some kind of toy that catches the animals attention. I generally shoot with my right hand and use a toy in the other. Its quite the balancing act.

Inspiration

It was really a stress relieving thing for me to go to TCHS and take photos of the animals. I have always been an animal lover and felt very strongly about volunteering for an organization that I truly love. There is something very lovely about using your own skills to help an organization thrive.

Editing

In these instances I usually have a good amount of images of the animals and don't have to do much editing. I usually would color correct a bit because of the above the animals. I also routinely check out the levels to tweak here and there. I would try to have 3 nice photos that showed different angles and compositions that revealed the animals demeanor.

In my camera bag

I always keep my 50mm with me and currently shoot with a Canon 60D. I love prime lenses. I also have a 17-85mm that I often use. Honestly, I would love to invest in some more camera equipment and I slowly am when I can. I recently bought a speedlight that works so great for portraits and I have been having a lot of fun with the flash, umbrella and remote setup. It is always a treat when I rent a really nice lens like the 70-200 canon telephoto.

Feedback

Enjoy yourself! It is so fun being around animals and capturing the character. Bring lots of treats and toys to keep the animal's attention. Patience is also key. Sometimes animals, especially in shelter situations, aren't always the most congenial. Give the animal time to warm up to you and gain your trust. I prefer taking dog photos outside because it looks more natural and other smaller animals like cats in some sort of setup studio.

See more amazing photos, follow KODonnellCreative

KODonnellCreative

KODonnellCreative

Juniper

This photo was taken of an adoptable kitten named Juniper.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow KODonnellCreative

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