This one's for psmith

It is a beautiful portrait. I don't think I would burn the edges of this one though. If it were a darker color, then I probably would. Not the creamy color it is though

i like it, fix the eyes and it's a done! to many distracting catch lights. I do like the pose and the exposure. . . well done. . .

Here is a comparison of the original and one possible edit outcome. Also, notice the left eye (our right) in both views. The fragmented catch lights don't bother me as much as the general appearance of the left eye in the original. I don't presume to know what the final image 'should' look like in terms of your artistic vision, Jim - nor do I have a good sense about what sells in the pet portrait world. So, my edit is strictly in the service of friendly discussion. When I mentioned burning the edges above I had in mind something like this - somewhat subtle but leaving the area around the cat a bit brighter as in a classic portrait presentation. The overall darkening of the image is, IMHO, a little easier on the eye. I bumped up the saturation of the blue in the eyes too. Regardless of what you do with it Jim, it's a lovely capture.

Thanks Buddy. I like it. I had boosted the blues in the original at first, but didn't take the time to make it look natural, so I killed that layer. I'll definitely be working on that some more before the final version.

I think the overall darker look adds to the pastel feeling of the image too.

Thanks again,
Jim

Hey Jim,

Is this guy a snowshoe? Anyway, great photo. I prefer the first one to the second shot. I like the way the cat begins to blend into the white. I do agree with fixing the eyes if necessary.

James

Thanks James,

For the proofs, I went about halfway between the lighter and darker versions.

I thought snowshoe was a type of crab

He's a Siberian something-or-other that the owners got because he is hypo-allergenic and the husband has cat allergies.

I love that you chose a white background. Very elegant.
Great classic looking cat portrait - I think it is beautiful.

P.S. I am a new member and this is my first post - - I just really loved this pic!

WOW! Jim that's GORGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOUS!

Barbra

Since Buddy opened the door, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and show my version of Jim's wonderful image.

I hope you don't mind me playing a bit to create this digital "painting".

- Gary

Very interesting Gary.

Mind sharing your steps?

This one was just a quickie, Jim.

Standard tools are a Wacom tablet, Painter, and a bit of patience.

If you think your clients might be interested in something like this, I'd be happy to work with you.

- Gary

One out of three ain't bad I've got the Wacom tablet

Some of them might be, but I think most want an actual oil painting if they go that way.

Oils can cost thousands and take months. Sell them a Giclee on watercolor paper or canvas.

- g~

I know people who triple their cost and sell digital paintings. You have to be talented at it, but if you are, it is a huge $$ maker.

Hi Julie. What do these folks tend to specialize in?

- Gary

Portraits, I met Marilyn Sholin and she was awesome http://www.msholinprosales.com/ At some point, I'll probably take a class.