1) I removed a bit of dirt under the cat that detracted from the image, and after several attempts the fixed spot isn't blatantly obvious.
2) The a black cat lying on orange creates a contrast and may appeal to someone who is looking for a black cat because they have a love of Halloween and the macabre.
3) The picture isn't so blurry the viewer can't tell the image is of a cat.
Areas of Improvement:
1) Despite being fairly playful, the cat didn't want to come to the front of the kennel (even with coaxing with a kitty treat) so the image was very dark.
2) Even with many picture attempts this image is the least blurred. I really can't manage my camera at all.
3) The cat again isn't looking directly at the camera but rather at a point over the viewer's shoulder.
4) Because the image was so dark to begin with the vignette that I added doesn't really flatter the image, especially since the black cat is in a dark-ish box.
5) After lightening them, the eyes look more washed-out than "bright."
6) The way her face is positioned (on the viewer's left) her whiskers make her cheek look funny.
I'm probably going to re-do her picture.
I agree with your areas of improvement. But I feel you left one out of the strengths...the cat's eyes although are not looking at the camera are very captivating. Yes, need more catch-lights but I still like them. Good critique.
ReplyDeleteThe image does look a bit washed out, possibly from "over-editing." I think that the image gives the cat a very adoptable feel with his/her sweet little paw holding the other paw! The cat looks very sweet and you captured that!
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job with your analysis of what could be improved, especially with the eyes. I've had this problem, also with a black cat with yellowish eyes. One possible solution is to go into the eyes with the paint brush or the clone tool and touch up the irises of the eyes with a slightly darker, greyer yellow. I think it's that lightening of the yellow eyes (contrasted with the black pupils) that may be the problem. I too needed to just reshoot and start over. OHHH, those black cats! GRRR! We still love 'em.
ReplyDeleteMasking will be our savior for separating areas like the yellow eyes from the highlights in the black fur! You did an excellent cloning job. As we learn more skills, you will be able to retain the details in the eyes so they don't get washed out. For now, one thing you could try with what you already know is to use a smaller brush when lightening the eyes. Just focus on brightening the highlight portion of the eyes, and not the entire eye and socket. You are improving!
ReplyDelete