Surprise!
by Siggav

Comment by cjoconn22:
I think i would have preferred to see the cat in focus.

Surprise!
by Siggav

Comment by kleski:
needs better focus and the environment takes away from the subject.... my eye wanders everywhere in this shot

Domesticated?
by Siggav

Comment by glad2badad:
Greetings from the Critique Club

First Impression

Cool patterns. Interesting animal. I want more.

Looking Deeper

Beautiful animal, for sure! I think that's why I was a little disappointed/unsatisfied when I first saw this photo during the challenge. Unsatisfied because I wanted more detail and to encounter the richness of this wonderful cat in a more intimate way. This portrait feels a little static and distant in other words.

As someone (you) who knows this cat the photo is fine as you can relate to the cat's personality and traits.

What would change the way I see it? The head, face, and eyes...engage me, show me some soul. The cat now is looking down and away. Very impersonal. The fur, the whiskers, the texture and detail...bring me in closer. A "head & shoulder" type portrait would still show the character (unique fur patterns) but let the viewer feel like they're in the moment.

Technically, the photo is "ok". A little deeper aperture would have brought the entire face and distant eye into sharper focus. Lighting and exposure is fine also.

It's not the technicals that held this back IMO. It's the documentary, static feel of the image overall.

Anyway, that's my two cents. :-)

Questions? Please feel free to send me a PM. Thanks!

Streeeeeetch
by Siggav

Comment by posthumous:
perfect moment to capture!

Light
by Siggav

Comment by macrothing:
I like the clarity in the eye in this one, but I think you made the right choice with your entry. Beautiful cat. I enjoy viewing your (her) 'aerial athletic' images too.

Light
by Siggav

Comment by Melethia:
While this is indeed a lovely headshot, you were correct with your entry - you must enter a full-body shot of this cat. You lose the impact of the outstanding markings and composition otherwise.

Streeeeeetch
by Siggav

Comment by owen:
Good to see a shot that's a little different.

Streeeeeetch
by Siggav

Comment by Scapeshots:
kinda centered....but i like it...6

Domesticated?
by Siggav

Comment by Yo_Spiff:
Nice, though bumping up the brightness and contrast a bit would help to bring out all the awesome colors and patterns in the fur.

Domesticated?
by Siggav

Comment by missykim:
Wow, that looks like a Bengal. Gorgeous cat. Love those eyes.