Animal Photoshoot — Contessa

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Calamansi Ube Dalandan in morning's radiance
Canon EOS M50m2 | ISO 1600 | f6.3 | 1/500s



Calamansi Ube Dalandan, an allergy's nightmare
Canon EOS M50m2 | ISO 2500 | f6.3 | 1/500s



Calamansi Ube Dalandan sitting politely
Canon EOS M50m2 | ISO 6400 | f6.3 | 1/500s



Calamansi Ube Dalandan, my dear friend's American Blue Shorthair cat, prances around her Southeast Portland home with a cascading name often shortened affectionately to Cud. I was lucky to visit Cud recently, but in her vocal and skittish nature, she did not feel quite as lucky to have guests. 

Cud speaks a language none of us can understand, and she's apprehensive to my bonding gestures, so trying to get her to be still and well-lit was a challenge. My friends and I coaxed her next to a window and into the sun, and I was able to capture some acceptable photos, even without a telephoto lens!

I am proudest of the first photo in which you can see a brightly-lit green eye, but I could have reduced the ISO a bit. The same goes for the second photo, and in that one, I enjoy the excessive amount of fur floating around Cud. I think I could have framed it a bit better, too. The final photo is sweet and simple but a bit too dark; I could have decreased the shutter speed. I like that I can see individual strands of fur, and I love the way Cud shimmers in the golden sunlight.

I enjoyed the challenge of this photoshoot. With some pets, others may have the advantage of getting closer or moving the animal, but I had to work around Cud's plans because she'd get nervous if I approached her. American Blue Shorthairs are known for their friendliness, but maybe I need to spend more time with Cud before seeing that side of her.

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