Difficult To Photograph

Hi,
My Himalayen cat seems almost impossible to photograph. This is about the best shot that I've taken but it's nothing to brag about.

The dark areas are always too dark or the light areas are blown out. If I use flash it seems to cause glare on the dark fir.

How would you handle taking a good shot of my spoiled cat? He's 17 years old. You would think I'd be satisfied with one of my shots by now.

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Looking good for 17. He has a touch of a pink hue in this image? Could very well be my monitor though.

Are you using an external flash or the one on the camera? You may want to try experimenting with different angles using an external flash if you haven't already.

In all honestly though, I'd be very pleased with this photo. I'd also be more concerned with trying to catch those beautiful blue eyes. Great looking cat. I would never guess he was 17!

Thanks. I've tried both external and on-camera flash and I just can't seem to get it right. I'm not a real fan of flash though so perhaps I haven't given it a chance. I will keep trying. If lives as long as my last cat, I still have 5 years to get it right. LOL

Shirley, a good external flash with a diffuser and lots of work with angles will do wonders. What a gorgeous cat -- sure can't blame you for wanting a terrific shot.

Thanks Judy. I guess I'm going to have to give the flash a try.

Wow I love your cat, and I think that is an awesome shot of him.

jgrussell wrote in post #9059036
Shirley, a good external flash with a diffuser and lots of work with angles will do wonders. What a gorgeous cat -- sure can't blame you for wanting a terrific shot.

I agree with Judy....you must get those eyes

Diffused, off camera or bounced flash would be one way, another option is to use a reflector. If your cat sleeps near a window use white foam core to reflect light back onto him. A large reflector can give you catchlights in the eyes and bring them to life. I find reflecting natural light onto an animal with contrasting coat colours can give a well lit, natural look to the coat.

Pretty cat!

another thing, if you haven't already tried, is move down to spot metering rather than evaluate or other wider metering choices. I'd meter for the midtones in that beautiful coat and see what you get. Just an idea. Didn't say it was a good one, either! Good luck and yes, that is one pretty kitty!

dave