Cat in Color with B-W Background
This picture was taken in color and then a layer mask was used so that the background could be desaturated but the subject would remain in color. Yes, her eyes...
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This picture was taken in color and then a layer mask was used so that the background could be desaturated but the subject would remain in color. Yes, her eyes really are 2 different colors and she shows no signs of being deaf in the left ear.
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Oct, 2013Views
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Outstanding Creativity
Jaw Dropping
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at home. My cat draped herself over the couch so perfectly that I had to grab my camera from the other room to capture the scene.Time
I took this photo at about 3PM on May 25, 2011. The real miracle here is that my cat stayed in this position long enough for me to grab my camera and make several attempts. I don't have the best luck with animals.Lighting
Sadly, I don't have anything special to add about the lighting. It's all ambient light from the room. I might note that this particular room lacks overhead light. So all the light comes from windows or lamps.Equipment
I shot this photo with my Nikon D5000 camera and my Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens. That's all the equipment I used for this shot.Inspiration
My spouse wanted me to come see what my cat was doing. She draped herself in such a manner over the end of the couch. I loved the position and wanted to take a photo of it. I'm surprised she stayed in place for the process, but you see the proof of that. It was spontaneous and successful.Editing
I decided that I wanted to try selective color with this shot. I didn't like the color of the background detracting from my focus on the cat. So, I removed the color. Other than that, I did some minor color correcting, spot removal, and sharpening.In my camera bag
I carry a Nikon D7200 rather permanently attached to a Custom Brackets Digital Pro-E flash bracket. I love the ease which this high end flash bracket allows me to switch from landscape to portrait mode on a tripod and back again. It makes life in the field so much easier for me. My go-to lenses are the Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens and a Tamron 70-300mm telephoto lens with 1:2 macro capabilities. These have served me faithfully for several years in photography. I also pack a Nikkor 50mm prime for those times when I need f/1.8 and a Nikon 60mm prime macro lens for when I want to go full blown macro on a photo. I also carry a Nikon Speedlight SB-700 for those times when natural light just isn't enough. My Hoodman hood-loupe, highly recommended by Scott Kelby, also goes with me. With it, I can see what my camera screen is showing me even in exceedingly bright light which would otherwise prevent me viewing my newly taken photos. My sling bag does get heavy with all this gear, but I know that I'm prepared for all kinds of photo opportunities.Feedback
I have such terrible luck with animal photos. I couldn't easily give advice on that subject. I can say you must be prepared thanks to animals' unpredictable nature. Good luck with cats especially. As far as the rest, not every photo will work out with selective color. You must choose your photo wisely. Desaturating a portion of the photo should be for when it will help emphasize the foreground or subject.
