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18 years
2nd Place18 years
yanko


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Pet Portrait II (Advanced Editing V*)
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM
Location: home
Date: Dec 12, 2006
Aperture: f/4
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/100
Galleries: Portraiture, Animals
Date Uploaded: Dec 12, 2006

I like this which means it'll probably score around a 5.8 or so.

Editing steps:

Shadow/highlights - used to pull detail in both the highlights and shadows
Dodge/burn - heavily used mainly on the eyes, mouth and around the edges of the frame.
Tone mapping - used to pulled out more detail mainly around the mouth/chin area
Cloning - used to clean up some hot pixels, blemishes, stray hairs, etc.
Hue/Saturation - used to desaturate under the chin and a little in the lower left corner
Hue/Saturation - used to saturate the eyes
Curves - used to adjust the whites and blacks and brighten the image in general. Applied in several steps.
Dragonizer - first time I used it in a challenge. I only applied it on the eyes.
Curves - used to give the image it's final color tone (reds/browns)
Cropped/Resized and slight rotation
sharping - applied smart sharpen to the whole image and used the sharpen tool for spot sharpening
Local contrast enhancement - used USM for this
Radial Blur - Set to zoom and then applied at a 34% opacity. Used to soften the sharpening

*Post*

Wow. I guess I was off on my prediction. Still all week I didn't expect this to ribbon since there were so many excellent photos entered in this challenge. This is the same guy that I entered way back in my second challenge called "Watchful Eye".

Outtake:


Statistics
Place: 2 out of 378
Avg (all users): 7.5130
Avg (commenters): 8.5814
Avg (participants): 7.4444
Avg (non-participants): 7.5821
Views since voting: 14662
Views during voting: 516
Votes: 269
Comments: 106
Favorites: 70 (view)


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AuthorThread
12/16/2008 06:48:07 PM
I keep wondering how many times you had to pop that cat in the nose to get that pissed of look. I cracked my camera over my cats head to recreate this shot and he made me bleed a few hours later for it, while I wasn't looking.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/11/2008 02:25:19 PM
Superb. His eyes are so ...penetrating, it's like he's waiting for a response from me.

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/24/2007 10:35:40 PM
makes me feel like sining "jellicle cats"!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/15/2007 07:17:44 PM
Keep looking for cats that look like my Max - we had to put him to sleep on July 6.... I mourn over animals as much as people.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/24/2007 01:37:09 PM
Excellent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2007 07:39:37 PM
One of my fave portraits
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/02/2007 09:59:45 PM
One of the best cat photos that I've seen, outstanding work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/01/2007 09:48:04 AM
This photo is very well taken, the cat is cool
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/29/2007 04:02:03 PM
Man, I love this photograph, and I thank you for the editing information.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/26/2006 04:48:10 PM
So Lifelike....I was sitting at my screen, waiting for your kitty to pounce out of the screen!

Most Excellent Job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:03:19 AM
Nicely done, congratulations on winning the red ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 05:40:30 PM
Beautifully done Richard. Well deserved finish!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 01:35:17 PM
Wish i'd voted on this pic. Love the intensity of the eyes and the wisdom of a cat that old.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 09:37:52 PM
Eye saw this photo and eye knew it would ribbon. Eye cant really out my finger on it, but I just eye had that feeling.

Fantastic shot, congrats man.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 09:24:22 PM
OMG - love the eyes, great pic - congrats on the ribbon. The outtake is superb also :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 09:14:09 PM
I don't know about the rest of you but I find the outtake was better, sure it was super harsh and the winning shot was soft and friendly and yet alert. But I guess the red ribbon speaks for itself!!!!

Great job!

Rafi.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 07:32:43 PM
Congratulations on the ribbon. This is a wonderfully expressive image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 06:22:59 PM
Wow, I love it, beautiful job. Thanks for sharing a picture of your great cat!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 04:24:45 PM
Wow very strong photo, feels like it could be a huge poster. oh and congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 03:59:25 PM
Come to think of it, you and this cat look alot alike. ;^p
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:52:33 PM
This immediately invoked memories of my favorite play, "Cats!" Dunno why, but I just saw it and started singing "Jellicle Cats" out loud. Lovely and congrats on the ribbon!!!! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:47:09 PM
cool stuff.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:43:13 PM
I am so glad this picture made it to the top 3.. It is amazing! literally took my brathe away. Congratulations!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 10:25:48 AM
Congrats yanko...you nailed the essence of your cat with this portrait...Marvelous!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 10:19:35 AM
Hey Yanko,

One thing i have learned on this site is that prediction is NO GOOD! I never predicted my "original sin" shot to win. I thought it was boring and it only took me 45min to take, whereas my "Poison" shot took me 5 hours and was, in my humble opinion, "ground breaking" cause there hadn't been a shot done like that before...i think. Original Sin got 2nd and Poison got 16th. Bleh. Not that im complaining about my 2place but still.

Anyways, i'm actully looking at your pic to congratulate you on your ribbon and not to give you advice. Good work. Great shot.

Chris

ps: sorry for not submitting anything in the last week but this week i got one challenge submission done so don't worry ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 10:00:19 AM
Love it!! Congrats on the red ribbon!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 09:52:14 AM
Congrats on Red. Very intimidating!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 08:45:41 AM
Well deserved! Many Congrts to you!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 08:24:12 AM
I love the tight crop and the colors, wow, just perfect. Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 08:23:35 AM
Congratulations! This was a fantastic shot.

Message edited by author 2006-12-20 08:24:35.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 07:39:42 AM
awesome photo. What a look! congrats on the ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 07:34:05 AM
Oh man!! This is just fanTASTIC!!! Way to GO!!!!!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 07:23:42 AM
Just Awesome! Congratulations on the Ribbon!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 07:00:26 AM
Awesome picture! Congratulations on the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 05:41:21 AM
Great shot ! I love the eyes. Congrats on your ribbon !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 04:49:25 AM
Amazing portrait, those eyes! Oh my!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 02:26:54 AM
High impact shot. Well done on the Red.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 01:34:52 AM
Great photo!

congrats on your red ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 01:19:54 AM
Well done, captain!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 01:10:17 AM
Awesome job...congrats Richard.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 01:09:33 AM
Congratulations on your highest score so far! It's well deserved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 01:01:42 AM
I'm not a big cat fan, but this is one hell of a cool looking beast. Grats on the well deserved ribbon, it's a great shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:58:39 AM
This image nudged me to issue a perfect ten on my vote and I am so glad that its appeal was shared by many. This is by far the Best feline capture in the DPC collection! Congratulations on your RED!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:55:31 AM
This is an image that goes way beyond the visual. This picture digs deep into the soul!
Congrats on your Richard!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:49:41 AM
18 years and he's seen it all, thank you.
Beautiful job of capturing this great cat's personality.
Congratulations on a fine entry.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:37:37 AM
This was my favorite out of the challenge. Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:33:28 AM
Great Image Richard...congrats on the red... this has a real 'illustration' look about it
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:28:14 AM
great job. congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:25:32 AM
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Great work captain!!!! What a fantastic shot, CONGRATULATIONS on your red, Richard.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:22:57 AM
Oh, wehat a heck of a shot! The eyes have it here :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:17:41 AM
10 from me. Congrats on the ribbon! I adore this image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:17:04 AM
Congrats... well deserved!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:15:52 AM
Way to go Richard, and am I so very proud of you mate.....
Not only your highest score, but also a great result for our team captain of the mighty "Outcasts".....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:07:54 AM
Congrats Richard! I knew this was you.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:07:01 AM
Well done and most deserving of a ribbon. Excellent image - I want to see the original.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:06:54 AM
Well, now look at you!!!

Congrats. A splendid kitty!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 12:06:02 AM
striking. fantastic job. congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
12/19/2006 11:11:00 PM
Really like this one :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 10:46:38 PM
Almost a painting. Excellent capture
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 08:11:04 PM
First class. First page? 9. [update] tied for my favorite with one other.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 06:21:20 PM
Very good
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 03:41:59 PM
Best looking cat foto by far! Good job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 02:58:59 PM
8 - Really like this, especially the symmetry and colors, but the overall 'feel' to it seems a little over processed to me (especially around the eyes), but might just be a matter of personal taste. Just like to have seen more detail and texture, in the eyes, fur, etc - looks slightly unnatural. A fraction wider likely have worked well too, but fairly minor, works well as is. As for the age... with clarity in the eyes like that, one lucky cat. Up to 8 from 7.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 11:04:20 AM
Outstanding!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 03:09:53 AM
DONT MESS WITH THIS KITTY
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 11:57:38 PM
I'm not a cat lover nor do I dislike them but this is a great shot. You can read its personality and attitude.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 11:33:06 PM
very nice job
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 08:27:30 PM
Wow, I love this one! Those eyes are gorgeous!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 07:15:33 PM
SCARY CAT =10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 05:13:19 PM
Those eyes are so intense, love how you used the face to fill the frame. Beautiful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 04:38:27 PM
I like this pic a lot. The eyes, the colour, the placement. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 01:49:16 PM
I really like this photo. Great lighting and focus. I bet some are saying its over sharpened.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 01:10:17 PM
This is a lovely shot. Those eyes are great, and you did an excellent job capturing them. The detail and sharpness is incredible.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 12:37:42 PM
Stunning. Pretty strong 'wow' factor in this image. The eyes are borderline over-processed (in my ridiculous opinion), but it doesn't really affect how I score this. This is also composed very well and great use of DoF.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 06:26:27 AM
and still no wrinkles :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 05:57:57 AM
What eyes! Great expression! 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 12:10:50 AM
Wow! You really got this one right on. The lighting, catch light, sharpness, DOF, cropping, and post-processing are all just right for this image. - 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 10:28:22 PM
You can almost see the wisdom in his eyes. Lots of wow factor here. Excellent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 09:50:21 PM
Cool close-up!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 08:31:56 AM
very, very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 08:12:21 AM
I love the palpable character eminating from this feline. I'd hate to run into him/her in a dark alley!! Bumping up to 9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 05:40:04 AM
Oh my...magnificent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 08:51:04 PM
This says "Don't Mess With Me!" Very intense. I like it a lot. Great work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:32:30 PM
just amazing
one of "my" ribbon candidates (though i have around 10 or so ;P)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 11:56:20 PM
Holy smoke. You captured incredible color and detail. My favorite so far. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 04:53:46 PM
Pretty darn good.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 04:34:07 PM
those eyes!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 03:10:16 PM
This is just an incredibly fantastic photo. It reminds me of a cover on a book (like maybe a Stephen King novel lol). The expression just really draws you in. Love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 01:00:47 PM
I am in awe! This picture speaks volumes about your cat -- I just love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 12:15:27 PM
What a glare! Awesome shot! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 09:13:32 AM
I keep coming back to look at this wonderful face. You did the detail and focus perfectly. Great expression and symmetry. What delicious markings. The eyes are awesome. Bumping up!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/14/2006 01:46:43 AM
im stunned...phenomenal..10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 11:31:29 PM
Wow, look at that powerful stare. Absoulutely love the colors and all the lovely details that really stand out in the wonderful composition. Those deep amber yellow eyes really pop off the screen and hypnotize you with that powerful stare. The square crop was an excellent choice for this close-up head shot of this cat. It keeps the attention tightly focused on your main subject and keeps our eyes coming back to that penatrating stare. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 11:03:54 PM
Possibly the strongest and most powerful composition in this challenge. The expert capture pronounces an elegant feline study. The colors of this beauty lend themselves to form such a pleasing visual treat and then te texture but most important the alert eyes with the v wedge angle. Hey, you have my 10 and my best wishes!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 10:39:29 PM
Cranky looking cat. Great expression you've captured.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 07:31:19 PM
Wow, awesome close-up. He looks upset. Love the detail and the emotion by this poor kitty.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 06:03:40 PM
Very intense eyes, the rest of the colors in the face definitely compliment the eyes.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 03:10:47 PM
Yeah baby! Love this image. Great detail and lovely colors. Has a painting like feel to it. Very nice. Bumping up to a 9 for now and adding to my favs. I hope to see this in the ribbon territory.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 01:57:30 PM
This is an amazing shot. The eyes look like they are lit from within. Wow! A winner IMHO! 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 01:37:58 PM
Beautiful picture! A favorite and a 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 10:44:59 AM
One of my top picks of the challenge....wonderful! *9*
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 08:33:49 AM
excellent shot...there's a lot of wisdom in that look...I did have two cats live to 20 and 21, brothers actually...this is a very good composition; his glance is riveting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 08:32:42 AM
Congrats on the age :-) Very nice composition, lighting, detail.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 07:45:18 AM
awesome close up of a life long friend
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 07:08:02 AM
Awesome photo
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/13/2006 04:21:20 AM
Not usually keen on close-ups of pets but this works well!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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