Simone
Back in the day, I learned photography with black-and-white film. I developed my own negatives, printed my own prints, and even made a make-shift darkroom in the laundry room of one of my apartments while in college. Needless to say, black-and-white images hold a near and dear place in my heart. However, typically with pet photography, the gorgeous sunlight and outdoor locations really scream for color. I typically only convert images to black-and-white when people are included in the shots. This allows the emotion and connection between subjects to shine through. Strangely, when I was editing Simone's gallery, something just begged for black-and-white conversions. I don't know if it was the indoor location, the beautiful "eyeliner" around her eyes, or the dynamics of a kitty-cat's life. I grinned from ear to ear when I saw how lovely this feline subject became in a monochromatic image. Therefore, I've dedicated this entire post to Simone in black-and-white. :)
As a side note, I really approached this session as a day-in-the-life of a cat. I, of course, threw in some portraits, etc, but I really wanted to focus on capturing the essence of this little rescue kitty subject. So, naturally, we start off by sunbathing in the warm morning sunlight...
Then it is playtime.
A.D.D....is that a bird? or just a leaf falling?
Just hanging out on her throne.
This has to be one of my favorites. It's so quintessential cat overlooking her kingdom...
Nothing like a good chin rub and some exploring.
And the most adorable series of a kitty I've seen! ;)
After all the adventures, it's time for a nap in the sunroom...
I hope you enjoyed this black-and-white day-in-the-life of Simone. :) I can't wait to see this story come together in her Coffee Table Album! Meow!
Noel - Angel Session
Noel was a legend of sorts over at the Humane Society of Charlotte. The story goes that she was adopted three times - each time being returned for one reason or another. Finally, the staff decided to adopt her and make her the official office cat. Since then, she has seen staff, volunteers, and thousands of cats, dogs, puppies and kittens go in and out the door all while she managed to hold down the paperwork, help with typing on the keyboard, and coordinating adoptions. She was even placed at the top of the staff organizational chart. She was a legend.
Noel had been sick for quite some time but she was in the best place in the world for extra loving and medical help. Unfortunately, she had to help type her last email, take the last couple licks from her Lickety Stik, and say her final goodbyes on Friday. She will be very missed.
I'm starting to cry again as I write this but I want to keep this as positive as possible. I'm sure Noel's spirit will roam the halls and kennels at the HSC and make sure each and every cat and dog have the opportunity to find love like she did.
I only got to spend a short time with Noel but I know she touched lives throughout the Charlotte area. Let us celebrate this little queen...
Rest in peace sweet angel...
