Photographing Inky The Black Cat

Today we put cool cat Inky in the photographic ‘spotlight’.

My practice with the DSLR is paying dividends after the recent Pet Parade post about photographing our black cat Phoebe. If you struggle to get black fur looking convincing read on!

Join co-hosts Bionic Basil and Barking from the Bayou to enjoy this week’s Pet Parade.

Photographing Inky The Black Cat

Capturing detail in a dark subject set against a lighter background presents a challenge of balancing exposure: You want to record detail in the darker areas but don’t want to lose detail in the lighter tones.

Ilex Photography

This is Inky, who is a worker cat (permanent resident) at Neko Ngeru Cat Adoption Cafe. I was conscious of the need to capture detail and focus correctly so selected the ‘portrait’ mode on my camera dial.

The cafe is airy with bright natural light which made my project easier. Flash is prohibited in the cafe so the correct settings can make a difference.

I decided to post this picture without any enhancement. Do you see how the light catches so much of Inky’s fur? There are lots of highlights and low lights giving him shape and dimension. When you take photographs make sure you have as much natural light as you can get!

There are still areas of shadow in my picture but there are times when light enhancement in a photo editing application allows you to capture a more successful photograph.

Let me share with you why this is. It’s because you have left details in the original picture that can be edited. If areas of fur are overexposed there is nothing to edit.

I know an expert would have achieved a better image using full Manual mode but I am working towards becoming more familiar with my camera settings over the coming months so that I can try my Canon camera’s options.

Inky The Black Cat Is a Success!

I am happy that I selected the right portrait setting for Inky’s picture. I got down at cat level and his attention was elsewhere.

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