Clean the Claws...
Jul, 2014Views
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Winner in Whiskers on Kittens Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in a dark staircase with walls on both sides.Time
While this was taken at 2:30 p.m., the area in the house remains pretty dark with little very little natural light reaching the area so it'd be about the same no matter what time.Lighting
Since this area gets very little natural light, a flash was used off camera and bounced off a gold reflector back onto the cat. This was done in hopes of achieving a morning/late afternoon glow/lighting effect.Equipment
For this shot I used my Canon 5D MarkII with the EF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM lens. I had it set to about 67mm and shot at 1/200 speed; f4; ISO 50. The flash used was a Canon 580exII with a Photix Odin to get the flash off the camera. For the gold reflector I had picked up some gold material at a fabric shop and put it on a large embroidery loom to make a reflector on the spot. I was then able to lean it up against the wall and put the flash down low and get it all angled for the right effect.Inspiration
Inspiration for this came from a desire to learn and a wonderful cat who seems to enjoy being photographed. :) I had the flash for a couple years but hadn't come close to learning how to use it. I picked up a book on using the Canon Speedlites and started the process of learning. The book was a huge inspiration as the author, Syl Arena, made things very easy to understand and wonderful examples to see results. While looking for a subject to practice on, the cat just happened to be sitting on a step watching me so I figured I'd use him. He was awesome as he'd "strike poses" for me. Everything from sitting pretty and looking in different directions to grooming to taking a nap. He was so patient that it made the learning session fun and successful!Editing
The only post processing on this photo was to increase the clarity (+37) a bit when opening the raw file in photoshop. Everything else is as is!In my camera bag
My main camera is the Canon 5d MarkII. I absolutely love this camera and the kit lens that came with it (the 24-105 f/4L) is always with it. A 2nd or 3rd lens will generally depend on what I'm wanting to photograph (many times the 180 macro or 70-200 will be included). A speedlite is generally available though not used for the majority of my photos. To be honest, as long as I have the 5D and the 24-105 then I'm good to go for randomness!Feedback
My advice to others is to not be afraid to try/experiment with your equipment! Don't be afraid of failure or let it hold you back. Sometimes that shot you think isn't worth it or shouldn't work will be a great shot. Sure, you'll sort through a ton that didn't work but then you'll get that one and it'll make it all worth it. If you stop trying to learn and expand your abilities then you'll be stuck. For many years I couldn't see using a flash but I knew I should have one just in case. Now that I've convinced myself to actually go beyond just putting it on the camera and setting it to auto I've learned of a whole new world of photography! Many shots don't come out or don't work but then things will come together. This photo of "Garfield" is the result of pushing my limits, experimenting, and a desire to learn.
