Leeloo Silhouette
Jun, 2018Views
289
Likes
Awards
Top Shot Award 21
Elite
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Genius
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in my home. I can't even recall what I was doing at the time, but as I was about to walk upstairs (and do something far less interesting, I'm sure), I saw Leeloo sitting on top of the end bannister, perfectly backlit by the sun. I scurried to grab the camera, hoping all the while that he would stay there long enough. Thankfully he gave me just enough time - his head is turned to the side as he was weighing up his jump down from the perch!Time
The shot was mid afternoon. There is a window of a few hours when the light comes in at this angle!Lighting
Lighting is absolutely everything about this shot - the light coming in from behind gives just enough information that our brains know what we're looking at, but without having to show the details. It's also interesting to me that, with the exception of a couple of little patches, Leeloo is basically an all white cat. It's just the contrast of the bright rear light that throws him into such shadow.Equipment
Nikon d750 and a 60mm macro lens. Handheld, no other equipment.Inspiration
As a photographer living with 4 cats, it's pretty inevitable that I tend to take a lot of shots of them. But I am always looking for something different - something dramatic - that shows them off in an unusual way! The moment I saw how the light was catching him, I knew I had to get the shot (and also knew that cats are unpredictable enough that I could likely never recreate the moment).Editing
The image was converted to black and white and I adjusted levels to really deepen the blacks and raise the whites for a very high key contrast. Also removed lots of little dust specks floating in the air, caught by the sunlight!In my camera bag
I have a camera backpack, which I love as it means I can carry a lot of stuff - even if I rarely use it all! My go to body is a Nikon d750, and while I tend to have different favourite lenses in any given moment, I always come back to my 60mm macro. It's just so versatile! A random thing, that never fails to be useful, is to have a roll or two of gaffer tape on hand as well!Feedback
Always go for the moment. If you see and it catches your eye, take a shot if you can. You never know when or if it will recreate again. In spots where you frequently shot - or in this case, my house - learn the lighting of your surroundings if possible, and how it changes through the day. It really helps plan, and to be able to respond will in a split second when you see something worth capturing!
