Eyes So Soft
Kitten, Manawatu, New Zealand
Kitten, Manawatu, New Zealand
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May, 2016Views
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Awards
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Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo of a tabby kitten, Stella, at my daughter's house at Easter in the Manawatu, New Zealand. The kitten was a newly arrived member of the family and had been adopted after being nursed back to health at a local vet clinic. She had been very tiny when dumped and the family had to wait until she was big enough and well enough to be adopted. .Time
The photo was taken outside on the deck at 11.45am in the morning and Stella had been playing with my grandchildren. She was becoming more subdued and tired and looked up at me with such a pleading look as I took out my camera and photographed her. I think she was trying to tell me it was time for a rest.Lighting
The day was partially sunny, cloudy with blue sky so the lighting was reasonably sharp and clear but not too bright on my subject.Equipment
I was using a Canon PowerShot SX530 HS with a monopod for stability. Shot 1/200 sec. f/5.6 35.828 mm, ISO 400Inspiration
I had been outside taking photographs of the local bird life and enjoying the Easter celebrations with my family. Watching my grandchildren enjoying playing with their new kitten drew my eye away from my favourite bird subjects. The kitten was so happy to be with the children and the laughter and fun they were all having was wonderful to watch and inspirational. The kitten was tiring though as the games went on and she started to slow down. That gave me an opportunity to take this shot as she looked up at me. One of my all time favourites.Editing
The original photo was in colour and had one ear partially cut off so I decided to crop the photo to highlight the beautiful markings on the kitten's face and her soulful eyes. I loved the resulting cropped photograph and thought it might be even better in black and white. I decided to try a black and white edit and her markings popped out even further. This is the result.In my camera bag
I always carry my Canon Powershot SX60 HS in my bag along with my monopod, extra charged battery and extra Sim Card. I also carry the battery charger just in case. I struggle with heavy camera gear and lens so have to make do with the Powershot which I upgrade whenever possible.Feedback
I always say carry your camera wherever you go. You never know what you will see or what opportunity will present itself for a great shot. You always know when you take that awesome shot and it is locked in your camera. There is nothing worse than missing a fantastic opportunity for lack of a camera. This photo was taken at an every day family event and presented itself without me going out to look for it. It is these everyday moments that take us by surprise with sometimes, outstanding results. Always keep an eye out for that special shot, in your back yard, on a walk or simply enjoying your family.
