photos from first show

That is an awesome head shot of a beautiful Maine Coon Cat. Is that an LAPD?

It looks the Bengal got a light-beard....I hate it when that happens.

Congratulations on your first show. Tell us about the Savannah shoot that is also a wonderful shot.

Thanks Preston, a good part of surviving my first show and having the confidence to get through it was from all the help you and Helmi have given.

LOL, I did not even notice that beard on the Bengal. I'll have to look at the high res image and see whats going on.
You've had that happen before?

Isn't that MC gorgeous? Unfortunately all I really got on her is two shots on the christmas setup, she was pretty wound up. I'm hoping I'll be able to shoot her again on regular background in January. Its unusual for a female to have such great tufts and big muzzle I think. She's from Windriver MCs,
http://www.windwalkermainecoons.com/WindwalkerKittens_2009.html

The Savannah is an F1, she was there on exhibition only. She was pretty easy to shoot actually, pretty toy-driven so easy to keep her attention. I like that background, I tried to find fabric like Helmi's dark gold but have not been able to find it.

thanks again! Diana

here's another shot of the savannah

Oh Preston, Tugger's Mom, that I co-own, is from Lynn Landers Dickinson. Tuggers sire is Lynn's silver boy Horatio, maybe you've shot him before?

Diana

Diana,
I'm no expert on the cats themselves but your photography is excellent: good lighting, excellent backdrop selections, good expression on the cats. Love the Maine Coon! And the Savannah.

Great job. You should be proud -- and relieved .

Jim

Thank you Jim, that's very kind of you. I was rather stressed before this first show and was relieved it went well. My son came along and that was a big help. It also helped that I know a lot of the people already since this is where I've shown on and off over the years. Since I'm brand new to the field and really need to build up my portfolio, I pushed the fact I was doing all sittings for free and there was no minimum purchase. If they only wanted to buy one pose they could, and they didn't have to decide at the show, they could decide later. I made it clear this was a true introductory deal so hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the end. But it sure helped me get more breeds shot. One thing about shooting cat shows, (most of) the cats are pretty well behaved and (nearly) always very well groomed.

Thanks again, Diana

Similar to setting up for portraits at a dog show: the dogs themselves tend to be used to people, relatively well-trained and (generally) well-groomed. The effect of strobes on animals is always an issue and I would think it would be more difficult in general with cats.

As I said, first shoots are always a stressful situation. Glad you had a helper (really helps) and that you got such good images. As for getting bitten on the butt for giving away the sittings: I wouldn't be too concerned about it. The gamble you took is that you'd have good images to sell. From what we've seen, you certainly do. Plus, now you have some additional portfolio stuff. Nice job.

Jim

I rarely have problems with dogs being afraid of the flash(never with showdogs) My biggest issue is pet cats. Most of them take off and hide in the studio. Its the rare cat that doesn't do so. Which, is one of the reasons I market mostly to dogs and kids. I get them mentally. The cats I just do not. I like cats, I just don't speak cat.

If they never get out of the house, it is tough. They are not really socialized to accept strangers.

And...To them, your studio probably smells like the last 20 dogs that you shot there. If they don't have dogs in the house that could freak them out. My cats at home are not happy with me after I've been on a dog shoot.

I am sure my studio smells like a million dogs to them(and to other dogs) There are a few cats that do well, but, it is the minority. I know what I do well, and I accept what is not my strong points.

I think its a lot about being able to get into your subject's head. No matter who/what they are. Kids/dogs, are my easiest subjects to do that with. Hence, why I market to them.

I have not had cats, so, I just cannot get into their heads and know how they think. I can read a dog's or kid's body language and tell you exactly how far we can push and how to get expression from them.

We had one cat yesterday in the middle of 35 other sittings with 1-2 dogs each. Poor kitty wasn't very happy at all.

We're thinking of doing a "cat day" for the complex soon.

Outstanding images. I certainly enjoyed the shots here.

Beautiful work.

Thank you Bev!