Eye on you

[photog1107]

I really love my cat's gorgeous green eyes, and am always drawn to them when the light catches their color just right. I took this shot with my Canon 75-300 IS zoom set to 75mm with a 36MM Kenko extension tube. Natural indoor light (mix of tungston and flourescent) and handheld. Exposure is ISO 1250, 1/60th, f/4. I shot in RAW and did some color balance afterward to make it as natural as possible; and added just a tinge of sharpening.



My aim was to get as sharp as I could with the eye itself and really try out the power of the tube, but in getting this close, I wonder if I have lost something compositionally. I did several others that were cropped horizontally, but in the end, felt this vertical suited it better.

Any critique, either technical or compositionally, is welcomed. Thanks!

[GeorgiaPeach]

I like it but I find myself drawn to the self-portrait in the pupil.

[Kyle]

First off, that is a stunning photo, there is great detail in the eye. My tip, (if you already don't know it) is all in post production. Sure some photographers don't believe in that and say that you should do it all before you take the photo, but hey if its available to make the photo better I say use it.

Attached is the photo you supplied after i put it in photoshop. First I straightened the photo so the pupil went straight up and down. Then i used the polygon lasso tool with a 20 pixel feather to make an outline around the eye. I inverted the selection to include everything but the eye. Then I applied curves to the selection to bump up the contrast and saturation. I did this because I felt that the fur was too washed out and made the eye stand out too much, and specifically left out the eye, because if I applied curves to it, it would look over edited.. Lastly I used a feathered paint brush and erased the reflection of the camera and made the pupil pure black.

Thanks for sharing that amazing photo, hope I can help.

[MSidPhoto]

Amazing shot, the detail in the cat's eye is absolutely amazing. Great shot.....

[photog1107]

Thanks, Kyle, I actually do like the higher contrast version you created and very much appreciate your outlining the steps you took to get there. I would have attempted something much more elementary than the technique you used, so I am eager to try that out. Also, I was likewise distracted by the reflection in the pupil, but was curious if anyone else would comment on it, one way or another.

As always, thanks to all for the thoughtful comments--practical criticism/advice--as well as occasional positive feedback--is what makes DPS such a great resource.

[medwaylass]

Great shot and I my attention was drawn to the reflection in the pupil. I think that the step by step from Kyle was amazing and just what we need to take us on a step. I have just purchased a macro lens so I will post some shots when I have some

[alphasco]

I think Kyle said it all. Great work, both of you!

[jopeek]

How in the world did you get your cat to pose like that Nice shot!

[photog1107]

I definetely caught her in a relaxed moment... she was sprawled across the top of an armchair.... the light from a nearby reading lamp was nice and warm, so she was quite happy to just sit. She kept wanting to close her eyes, however, and settle into a nap, so the trick was keeping one hand up to grab her attention while being at the ready to click!