January 7 - Oops!

About the picture:

Ahhh!!! Taking this picture today is why I started this 365 project!! Today on my snow day, I was sitting around in my PJs until noon and realized that the natural light bouncing off the snow would be really pretty to shoot. I grabbed my camera and the nearest model, my roommate's cat Sugar.

The pictures started off more as "glamour shots" (shown below), and they were nice and all. I was having fun doing macro photography and focusing on her eyes. But at one point, Sugar was sitting on the coffee-table with her back to the light. My camera was on automatic, so I flipped open the flash to compensate for the backlight, and started to shoot. One time, the flash didn't fire, and I almost deleted what I thought was a dark picture right then and there... but when I opened it up on my computer, I was so surprised to find my photo of the day!

Assessment:

I think it's obvious by now that I LOVE this picture. Let's see if I can explain why...

• First of all, I think I love this photo because it was unexpected. I love when you do something great on accident. It shows me that it's okay to not be in control ALL the time! Sometimes, mistakes can be wonderful!
• Adjustments: Cropping this photo might have been the biggest adjustment I made -- it defined the white versus black that you see in the picture. I also increased the exposure, making the black/white distinction a little stronger.
• Contrast: The contrast in this photo is obvious. The entire picture plays off of the black versus white element.
• Lighting: This is probably my favorite aspect of the shot. I knew the backlighting would make the cat be too dark, but I didn't anticipate the silhouette that was caused by it. And it's amazing! Her whole shape can be very clearly outlined by against the black background. At the same time, no features on her front side are discernable.
• Balance: The last thing I love about this photo is the balance. Besides the obvious division of black and white sides, I think the overall balance is really enhanced by her tail (still in silhouette) stretching over into the white side. It's just perfect!