The stillness of a cat's nose
Aug, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Neptune, Romania, a tourist resort at the Black Sea. I lived there for a couple of months, not during the summer season, but when everything was deserted and no one was around. I withdraw there just me and my cat, Piki. I needed some time off from everything. She was such a great company. We used to sit by the window watching the trees, the birds, sunsets. This photo was taken at sunset. Piki is such a great inspiration for stillness and contemplation. That was the time I started to explore the wonderful world of photography. This was one of my first photos. I was so surprised about what I've managed to capture in this photo. I didn't know much back then. I just felt to push the button.Time
It was at sunset, maybe around 7 pm.Lighting
I didn't think much about the technique. I just tried to have a good exposure on my camera. And I have to admit that the natural light was doing half the work. I mean that was one of the reasons I took the picture, because of the way the light and the cat face looked together. I fell in love all over again with her whiskers, her still nose and her endless eyes. I like simple and meaningful things. And that scene was one of those things I am drawn to.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon 400D, with an 18-55mm lens, at f/5.6, ISO 200, with an exposure time of 1/200, at a focal length of 55 mm. No other equipment was involved.Inspiration
I was sitting by the window with my cat. I was enjoying the view and the silence and the peace. When I looked at my cat I saw how that scene expressed everything from that moment. So this photo is kind of my testimony from that period. This cat was and is my guru in life :) She goes through everything with calm, no mental bother, peace. I've learned from her to be still in life and to not let myself be trapped in the mind struggles. I am very grateful for her presence in my life. I was nervous when I've made this picture public. Even though I liked my creation, I doubted myself very much. "What if people will reject the photo and myself?", "What if people won't see what I've seen in that moment?". These kind of thoughts were going through my mind. I still have them from time to time :) But I am inspired to go forward and create whatever it needs to be created, so that people can share and enjoy these little pieces of love.Editing
I did some post-processing. I wanted to highlight her eyes, her nose and her whiskers. So I used the sharpen filter, color balance and contrast layers.In my camera bag
I only have one camera, my Canon 400D. Since I've taken this photo with the 18-55mm lens, I've bought an 18-135mm lens. So now I carry only the 18-135mm lens. I don't have anything else. I can't afford to upgrade yet. I try to make the best of it with what I have, combined with post-processing. I kind of compensate the lack of technology with my feeling and imagination in Photoshop.Feedback
The moment is essential. It's all there is. Look for the moment! Each moment look for the moment and you won't miss capturing such beautiful scenes to share with us. Everything else comes second. Do not lose yourself in technology or other accessories. They are most welcomed. But always keep in mind that you are the one who feels and lives the moment, the one who decides what to photograph. Pay attention to yourself, to what makes your heart sing, to what makes your eyes glow. Listen to your heart beats. They will direct your actions and make you hit that button. And when fear and excitement comes up, be sure that that is a thing that calls you and wants to be photographed, and maybe it scares you for some reason but it will be worth it.
