Mr Happy, The Unexpected Visitor

[shauncunninghamphoto]

I had been out all day and got back after sunset only to find this (not so) little guy waiting for me at my door. I quickly grabbed my camera before he decided to skidaddle.

I had no time to prepare, no flash and only a dim patio light about 10ft above him. But, I didn't want to chance missing his pose so I got down on the ground right in front of him, camera resting on the ground.

I used my already-mounted (luckily) Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens knowing it would be pretty good in low light. He stood still long enough for an 8 second exposure - giving me time to remember his visit before he pounced away!

I chose this composition primarily based on wanting to be at eye level with Mr Happy to give the impression of being in his world with him, as opposed to a more voyeuristic from-above shot.

Hope you like it, comments appreciated.

Shaun

Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure 8
Aperture f/16.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 1600
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Post Production: None yet. (Shot in RAW, exported clean to jpg via iPhoto).

[sambayer]

Amazing that there is no blur in him!

Nice shot.

[shauncunninghamphoto]

Originally Posted by sambayer

Amazing that there is no blur in him!

Nice shot.

I know, right? Maybe Mr Happy heard the shutter open and thought, "I better keep still 'til I hear it close!"

Good job he didn't blink!

Thanks for commenting.
Shaun

[Vernian]

Nice catch, like the sambayer, I'm very impressed with how sharp this shot is for 8 seconds!

The only thing I would look at is the white balance. Your photo (on my monitor) has a very yellow cast to it. Otherwise I love the composition from his eye level and with him watching you.

[crockny]

Do you shoot RAW? It's very easy to change the white balance in RAW and will improve your picture greatly! I'm sure there are ways to do it in PS too. Love Mr. Happy's expression ...

[crockny]

I'd also clone out that white blob behind him ...