Inspiring Photo: Harley 2 #5384240

Harley 2

Uploaded: December 28, 2007 10:58:31

Description

Shutter Priority
Exposure: 1/15
f/3.0
ISO 200
External Flash bounce on ceiling.
12/07-D&M
3/2 - Animals
EFP
POTD-2/25/08

Exif: F Number: 3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/150 seconds, Flash: fired, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 18.00 mm, Model: FinePix S7000

Comments

Jillian Danielson December 28, 2007

Whoah!!! GORGEOUS!!! #816564

Vicki L. Filippin December 28, 2007

WOW, thank you, Jillian. I've been messing with this one for 2 days now, trying to get it perfect. I've got another version of it on my gallery, but can't decide which I like best.
Thanks for the kind words!
:-) #5261767

Michael S. Baker December 28, 2007

Both works for me, Vicki. Looks like you decreased the sharpness/contract a bit on this image. It still works for me. I'd submit either image to the contest.
Good luck!
Mike B- #5262544

Vicki L. Filippin December 28, 2007

Thanks, Mike. Yes, I lowered the sharpness on the entire image and then replaced it just at the nose and face. I'm still on the fence of which one I like best, but always appreciate your feedback. #5262559

Cindy Bendush December 31, 2007

LOVE this portrait of Harley Vicki! His eyes are really amazing!!! #5271021

Vicki L. Filippin December 31, 2007

Thank you so much, Cindy. His eyes have been 'tweaked' a bit, but he is definately a force to be reckoned with!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! #5271749

monique gresser December 31, 2007

Beautifully done - I like the cropping/composition #5271795

Vicki L. Filippin December 31, 2007

Thanks for the kudos, Niq. I really tossed back and forth with this or the other version. #5271851

monique gresser December 31, 2007

I like this one better - it has a warmer feel to it. #5271867

Vicki L. Filippin December 31, 2007

I appreciate the feedback, Niq. Anything that 'warms' up Harley is a good thing!! He's not a very nice kitty at all. Good thing I don't have to live with him...LOL
xoxo
#5271882

Gary Lange December 31, 2007

Cool shot here, Vicki!! #5272244

Vicki L. Filippin December 31, 2007

Thanks, Gary! How are things in sunny California?
HAPPY NEW YEAR #5272258

Arnie Horwitz January 02, 2008

Great capture, Vicki! #5284392

Vicki L. Filippin January 03, 2008

Thanks for your visit and nice comment, Arnie.
:-) #5285800

Jessica Jenney January 04, 2008

This is so gorgeous, Vicki! Wonderful detail and color in the eyes! I love the reflections! #5291926

Vicki L. Filippin January 04, 2008

Thank you SO much, Jessica.
I was laying on my stomach as I took the image, so that's what you see in the reflection of his eyes....plus the light from the kitchen behind me. I had to snap quickly before he attacked. He was growling the whole time!
:-) #5291936

Sam Britt January 04, 2008

Wonderful close-up of this beautiful cat, Vicki. #5292038

Vicki L. Filippin January 04, 2008

Thanks for the kind words, Sam!
It really wasn't hard to get a full-frame of him being that I'm sure he weighs close to 20 lbs. hehe #5292078

Howard B. Cheek January 08, 2008

Hi Vicki,
These eyes are razor sharp and clear..& you lowered the sharpening?
Well composed, very nice closeup work :)
Howard #5311281

Vicki L. Filippin January 08, 2008

Hi Howard~
Thanks for the visit and your so kind words. Yes, I lowered the sharpening a bit and made the eyes look a tad more normal. I'm a perfectionist, what can I say? :-)
You can see the other image on my gallery, too.
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/big.php?photoID=5379986&catID=&style=&rowNumber=46&memberID=131689

I got EFP's on both of them, so decided to keep them displayed. #5311295

Jim Baines January 10, 2008

Magnificent, Vicki! Love the deep colorations! Is Harley the real name? #5320292

Vicki L. Filippin January 10, 2008

Hi Jim, and thanks for stopping by my gallery. Yes, his real name is Harley. He belongs to my brother-in-law. I took this while visiting their home for Christmas. #5320387

Imar De Waard February 14, 2008

Love this, a beauty! #5495354

Vicki L. Filippin February 14, 2008

Thank you so much, Imar! It's one of my favorites. #5496190

Nick Lagos February 24, 2008

A very eye catching image that really draws you in Vicki...congrats #5542566

Vicki L. Filippin February 24, 2008

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Nick!!!
His 'mom' has chosen to use this image as her screen saver at work. Not sure if it's cuz she loves the image so much or wants to have a show of intimidation...hehe...
Harley is every bit as intimidating in person and he appears here. #5543033

Dianna Murphy February 25, 2008

this is great Vicki, I looked at the first version too. This is way superior in my opinion. The white flecks in the first are distracting and his eyes in this version are far better. #5548991

Vicki L. Filippin February 25, 2008

Thank you so much for your visit and feedback, Dianna. I agree with your thought pattern. It's all part of that learning process we go through as artists. I entered them in different categories at the time and both got EFP's which was great, but I did think I'd do better. I think I'll put this version in the animals category this month and see if it does better than it did in details and macro.
Have a GREAT day!!!
:-) #5549089

Michael Umbreit February 25, 2008

Vicki - I agree with Dianna. The softness of the fur and the additional color/details in the eyes makes this one the winner to me. Wonderful image! - Mike #5550745

Vicki L. Filippin February 25, 2008

Thanks a bunch, Mike. I think that next time I'm not sure, I'll post them first before entering. You have all been so kind with your critiques.
:-) #5551190

Cheryl Meisel March 11, 2008

Awesome shot! He is a blackie all right. Beautiful!
Big CONGRATS on your wins with this sweet shot!
Cherylm #5624869

Denise Denomy March 11, 2008

What a terrific capture, Vicki! CONGRATULATIONS on your EP & POTD!!! :0) #5624878

Avril Young March 11, 2008

wow outstanding work...he sure is a beauty, just love those eyes!!!!
wow...congrats on your win! #5624883

Faisal Almalki March 11, 2008

Wow indeed! LOL

Brilliant composition and great details. Well done and congrats on your POTD #5624887

Evy Johansen March 11, 2008

Big congratulations on your beautiful POTD, Vicki!! #5624977

Susie Peek-Swint March 11, 2008

Many congrats on POTD Vicki ~ stunning capture! #5625083

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 11, 2008

Those eyes, those beautiful eyes!!! Excellent potd Vicki, congratulations! #5625147

Kate Jackson March 11, 2008

Oh my gosh - the most fantastic cat portrait ever! #5625164

Michelle Alton March 11, 2008

Absolutely BRILLIANT POTD! So well deserved congratulations!
Michelle #5625263

anna nielsen March 11, 2008

Excellent photo! #5625587

Melinda F. Schneider March 11, 2008

Congratulations on POTD! It's a wonderful shot!! #5625764

Nancyj E. Hovey March 11, 2008

Awesome tweaking... and congratulations. What photo program do you use? #5625767

Patricia A. Casey March 11, 2008

Oh my word, Vicki...what a lovely portrait! You've captured this cat so beautifully....congratulations & all the very best in the next round...can't help but think this is a winner! Patricia #5625807

Sharon F. Morris March 11, 2008

Beautiful image Vickie congrats on your POTD and EFP #5625837

Lori Carlson March 11, 2008

Great subject & great full frame shot, Vicki! :0) I like that little bit of white showing in the one of those two beautiful eyes. Congrats to you! :0) #5625853

Joy Rector March 11, 2008

congrats on the POTD #5625877

Michael Umbreit March 11, 2008

Vicki - Congratulations on your POTD! - Mike #5625884

Susan M. Smith March 11, 2008

This is definitely not "just another" cat picture! Vicki, you did a beautiful job capturing Harley. Not easy to do with a black cat! Big Congrats on your POTD! #5626117

Vicki L. Filippin March 11, 2008

Thank you all so VERY much....I'm still crying and my hands are shaking.
Your comments and encouragement mean the world to me.
Nancy~ I use PS2 for editing.
WHAT A WAY TO START THE DAY!
:-)
#5626131

JO ANN CLEVELAND March 11, 2008

WOW, WOW, WOW!

Congratulations on this fantastic image!

jo ann c. #5626214

monique gresser March 11, 2008

Congratulations on your POTD!!!! wooo-wooo awesome! xxxooo #5626240

Jim Britt March 11, 2008

Wow great detail and perfectly exposed. Nice job and congrats on your POTD. #5626249

Vicki L. Filippin March 11, 2008

Thank you JoAnn, Niqui, and Jim.
I'm sooo excited! #5626292

Kathy L. Clark March 11, 2008

Vicki congrats on your fabulous POTD. What a beautiful kitty. #5626537

Cyn Valentine March 11, 2008

Awesome image Vicki..congratulations on your POTD!! #5626541

Gary Lange March 11, 2008

AWESOME image here, Vicki!! Where have you been lately, girl? Congrats on the POTD!! #5626716

Christian Rosito March 11, 2008

WOW! Great capture, beautiful eyes. Congratulations on your POTD! #5627097

Sarah G March 11, 2008

WOW!! Love it! I'm glad it made POTD just so I would see this beautiful image.

Congratulations! #5627129

Les Rhoades March 11, 2008

Stopped in to offer my Congratulations on your POTD! #5627131

Amy Weiland March 11, 2008

hey girlie! congrats on the POD! That's awesome!!! Amy #5627392

Cindy Bendush March 11, 2008

Awesom photo of Harley Vicki! Congrats on your POTD! #5628026

Michelle L. Frick March 11, 2008

What a handsome kitty! Congratulations on your POTD Vicki! #5628043

March 11, 2008

Congratulations, beautiful eyes, love it #5628200

Nancy (Peaches) Harker March 11, 2008

WOW, I dunno how I missed a cat photo LOL! Awsome capture girl, amazing clarity and reflection in Harleys eyes.
I too have looked at both and do think the eyes are much better one this one.
We have a VERY BIG FAT Black cat exactaly like Harley, could be twins!
HUGE Congrats o your POTD!!! #5628428

Corinne M. Thompson March 11, 2008

Big Congrats to you Vicki on your POTD for this magnificent capture! :)
#5628727

Jeff Robinson March 11, 2008

Congrats Vicki on your wonderful POTD!! Jeff #5628808

Lindley Johnson March 11, 2008

Vicki - congratulations on your terrific POTD! Great photography and great processing! #5629051

Kathleen R. Struckle March 11, 2008

Awesome image!! Congrats on POTD!! #5629073

Vicki L. Filippin March 11, 2008

Thank you ALL, again. Sorry I didn't get to reply sooner, but I had to go to work after receiving this AWESOME news. My feet still haven't hit the floor yet!
All of your comments and encouragement truly mean so much to me. I am humbled by so many extremely talented photographers that have taken the time to encourage me with this image.
:-)
#5629076

Vicki L. Filippin March 11, 2008

Diane Reddy
Amazing Photo!!!!

Jan Filippin
great news - congrats. you made my kitty famous.

Thanks
Jan

Hi Vicki: Congratulations on your Photo of the Day, Harley. What a gorgeous photo/cat! I have a black cat and he is so difficult to take pictures of. His fur is always too shiny or looks dusty! Great job. Your photos are very inspiring.

Stacy

#5629084

RC Fritz March 11, 2008

WOW, WOW! !Fabulous POTD, Vicki! Congrats! #5629661

Vicki L. Filippin March 11, 2008

Thanks so much Diane, Jan, Stacy and RC.
This is beyond cool!!
:-) #5629942

Robin R. March 12, 2008

Great image. Congrats. #5635074

Vicki L. Filippin March 13, 2008

Thanks so much, Robin!
:-) #5636242

March 13, 2008

Beautiful. My mom had a good idea when she saw this. It would be cool if in his eyes you would see another cat in the background... if you could get the other cat to stay in the same spot. You can see a reflection in his eyes of what looks like a person and maybe some furniture. Just a thought!
Good job!
Chris #5639167

Vicki L. Filippin March 13, 2008

Hi Chris, and thanks for your thoughts. The reflection you see in his eyes is me laying on my stomach in front of him...he was sitting under a dining room chair. #5639274

Hayden Cannon March 14, 2008

WOW this is superb Vicki just such a beautiful capture I love everythibng about it and congrats on the potd fantastic photo! #5640541

Vicki L. Filippin March 14, 2008

Thanks for your visit and kind comments, Hayden. It was quite an exciting day for me! #5641351

Vicki Tinnon Brock March 26, 2008

Vicki,

Harley is AWESOME - what a wonderful image - nice job!

Take care.

Vicki :) #5702915

Vicki L. Filippin March 26, 2008

Thank you so much, Vicki. I'm quite excited about it! #5703053

Lisa J. Boulden March 27, 2008

Such a fabulous shot!!!
Love the details in his fur... and those intense eyes!
Wonderful!
~Lisa #5705244

Vicki L. Filippin March 27, 2008

Thank you so much, Lisa. It's definately one of my favorites!
:-) #5705422

Candice L. Carter March 31, 2008

Breathtaking intense capture! #5724651

Vicki L. Filippin March 31, 2008

Than you so much for the kind comment, Candice!!
:-) #5725246

Michael S. Baker April 04, 2008

Didn't realize you got POTD on this one, Vicki. Not surprised at all- it is an EXCELLENT image! Big congratulations on this well deserved recognition!!!
Mike B- #5743991

Vicki L. Filippin April 04, 2008

Thanks a ton, Mike. You were a big part in helping me decide which of the 2 were the best. I still can't believe it got POTD, though. I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm sure you can appreciate how exciting it is having had one yourself. #5745407

Cindy Bendush April 21, 2008

Great image Vicki! Congratulations on your finalist! #5821447

Vicki L. Filippin April 22, 2008

Thanks so much, Cindy #5822891

Michael S. Baker April 22, 2008

Way to go, Vicki...BIG congrats on your finalist image! You know I'm pulling for you all the way for achievement at the next level! I'll be watching!

Well done!
Mike B- #5823463

Vicki L. Filippin April 22, 2008

Thanks SO much, Mike. You were a big help in me getting this far. This image has been really good to me.
Glad to see you are feeling better...Ken said you had that nasty flu. #5823495

Michael Umbreit April 22, 2008

Vicki - Congratulations on your finalist! - Mike #5826364

Vicki L. Filippin April 22, 2008

Thanks, again, for the support Mike!
Crossing my fingers for the next round. #5826661

Virginia Leone April 23, 2008

I love cat portraits and this is a beauty!! Well done! #5831019

Vicki L. Filippin April 23, 2008

Thank you so very much, Virginia. He wasn't an easy subject to work with, but definately good to me in BP-land!
:-) #5831428

Colleen Farrell April 23, 2008

Fabulous pet portrait, Vicki! Congratulations on your POTD and finalist! #5831869

Colleen Farrell April 23, 2008

Woohoo, and now it's a WINNER!!! Big congrats, Vicki! #5832441

Mary K. Robison April 23, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS on your win, Vicki! #5832960

Colette M. Metcalf April 24, 2008

Congratulations on your win!!!! #5833532

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thank you SO much Colleen, Mary, & Collette. I AM TOTALLY STOKED! I thought POTD was waaay kewl, but THIS is the bomb!!!!
Super Congrats to all the other winners!
:-) #5833829

Michael S. Baker April 24, 2008

SO Happy for you, Vicki!!!!!! Persistence pays off! Well deserved kudos for this image! Big congrats!
Mike B- #5834037

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thanks for the continued support, Mike. Maybe one day I'll catch up to all of your coveted awards....one can hope!
:-) #5834178

Deborah Lewinson April 24, 2008

Stunning winner, Vicki!

Congratulations,
Debby #5834337

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thank you SO much, Debby. I'm quite thrilled!
:-) #5834512

Elida Gutierrez April 24, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Crystal Rosse Trophy
A Special Trophy for
"The March Winners" #5834588

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thank you, Elida. What a lovely 'trophy'. #5834605

Lisa J. Boulden April 24, 2008

HUGE mega-congratulations to ya, Vicki!!!
WTG!
~Lisa
#5834934

Jessica Jenney April 24, 2008

Congratulations, Vicki on your beautiful win! #5835208

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thanks Jessica, and right back atchya, Lisa. WTG to you as well!!! #5835226

Holly J. Jackson April 24, 2008

Congrats on an AWESOME WIN!!! ;) #5835278

Nadine A. Lewis April 24, 2008

FANTASTIC capture, Vicki!!! CONGRATULATONS!!! <>< #5835723

Donna La Mattino Pagakis April 24, 2008

Congratulations on your win Vicki!!! This is truly excellent!!! #5836009

Vicki L. Filippin April 24, 2008

Thank you all, Holly, Nadine, and Donna. Your encouragement means the world to me.
I couldn't be happier!
:-) #5837604

Michael Umbreit April 24, 2008

Vicki - Congratulations on your well deserved win! - Mike #5838216

Vicki L. Filippin April 25, 2008

Thanks again, Mike, for your continued support. I really appreciate it. #5839374

Nancyj E. Hovey April 25, 2008

Congratulations on your Winning Image.Great work. #5839424

Vicki L. Filippin April 25, 2008

Thanks SO much, Nancy! #5839459

April 25, 2008

Congratulations, Vicki!!!! Powerful portrait! #5841956

Vicki L. Filippin April 25, 2008

Thanks, Deborah. I appreciate the kind words.
:-) #5842163

Jill Flynn April 25, 2008

Beautiful eyes and cat and I love the crop. A big Congratulations on your win Vicki! #5842534

Aggie Villanueva April 25, 2008

Your full-frame crop and those eyes you captured so well sure won me over quick! Congratulations. #5842559

Vicki L. Filippin April 26, 2008

Thank you so much, Jill & Aggie. I suppose with all this recognition, I should make a visit to Harley and bring him a treat....I'm just afraid he'll bite my finger off!!!
:-) #5843443

"emmanuel ""nolax""" N. Montemar April 27, 2008

BIG CONGRATULATIONS, Vicki!! #5850300

April 27, 2008

Congratulations Vicki!!
Your photo is very cool.
I like the handsome cat of your photo. #5850630

April 27, 2008

Congratulations Vicki!! This photo is very cool. And this cat is very cute!! #5850652

Vicki L. Filippin April 28, 2008

Thanks for the kind words, Nolax, Hikari, and Megumi! I'm quite excited. #5851599

Amy Weiland April 29, 2008

Congrats on your winner! That is so awesome. I haven't been to BP much lately... too busy with Bella. Congrats!!!! #5860559

Vicki L. Filippin April 30, 2008

Thanks, Amy! I don't get on as much as I would like, either...Bella DOES keep us busy! #5861612

Mitzie Loland May 06, 2008

Congratulations on this gorgeous photo - great work Vicki!! #5893506

Vicki L. Filippin May 07, 2008

Thanks for the visit and kind words, Mitzie! I really appreciate it. #5894269

Corinne M. Thompson May 14, 2008

Congrats to you on your win! :) #5921923

Vicki L. Filippin May 14, 2008

Thank you so much, Corinne! #5922092

Gary Lange May 26, 2008

Vicki, MANY, MANY congrats!!! I should have been paying better attention. What a wonderful win!! #5980819

Vicki L. Filippin May 26, 2008

Not to worry, Gary, and thanks. I've been a bit busy as well, but am starting to get back into things. How have you been?
Keep in touch! #5980832

Nancyj E. Hovey May 26, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS!!! 8o) #5980861

Vicki L. Filippin May 26, 2008

Thank you so much, Nancy!
I'm still pretty excited about it.
:-) #5980866

Pat Gamwell June 21, 2008

Definitely a 'double-Gold' winner! WTG! #6089915

Vicki L. Filippin June 21, 2008

Thanks, Pat. Just goes to show that re-subbing can make all the difference!

:-) #6090010

Tim A. Meaddows October 09, 2008

A gorgeous photo! Black cats are so hard to photograph! You've really captured this one well. #6573562

Vicki L. Filippin October 09, 2008

Thanks a bunch, Tim. Make no mistake, I used the spot healing tool more than I care to admit, but I felt it was very much worth my time. #6574070

Debbie E. Payne November 10, 2008

Stunning, Vicki! Added this one to my favorites. This was before you joined Phellos, right? #6735042

Vicki L. Filippin November 10, 2008

Thank you, Debbie! I'm quite proud of this one. Yes, it was taken before joining Phello's and was pre-SLR, too! #6735134

Arman E. Barbuco December 11, 2008

This is a truly a winner. Love this shot, nice portrait, lovely details and those eyes it so adorable... #6878481

Vicki L. Filippin December 11, 2008

Thanks a TON Arman! I was tickled pink (or black...hehe) to see the double award in one month! As far as adorable? Well, If you knew Harley, that is NOT a word we or his owners usually choose, but they certainly are engaging! #6878575

Carlos R. Naya February 04, 2009

Gorgeous. #7126529

Vicki L. Filippin February 04, 2009

Thanks so much, Carlos! #7126802

Christine Lobsinger April 14, 2009

WOW Vicki... Harley is beautiful...you sure did capture him perfectly!! Congrats to you for this capture- PHOTO of the Day and WINNER!!! Awesome shot!! I found him in the Photo of the Day section- I just signed up for the newsletter!
Christine
SMILING WITH YOU #7406000

Wm Nosal June 04, 2009

WOW! What a Beautiful Shot! #7598738

Vicki L. Filippin June 05, 2009

Thanks a TON, Christine & Wm....I'm quite proud of it. #7599565

Amanda D. Austwick July 03, 2010

This is a beautiful image, and well deserving of it's golden win!!!
I wish my cats would sit still long enough to take a good shot! #8731834

Vicki L. Filippin July 03, 2010

Hi Amanda!
They definately are a challenge to shoot, but is very rewarding when you finally get "the" shot! #8731909

Nadine A. Lewis May 03, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! #11469840

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