I don't care for expert editing but wanted to enter something so this is my baby for the month. I guess when all else fails, go back to the basics. Editing was simple: shot in b&w mode, crop, USM, save for web.
Statistics
Place: 121 out of 573 Avg (all users): 6.1686 Avg (commenters): 7.0000 Avg (participants): 6.0164 Avg (non-participants): 6.5400 Views since voting: 1304 Views during voting: 285 Votes: 172 Comments: 9 Favorites: 5 (view)
Compositionally, I like how the head fills the frame, and I think that cropping it so tightly was very effective here. I find myself following its gaze out the frame, and wondering exactly what he (she) is seeing.
Technically, the focus on this is great. So many times, it seems, with animals, something will be blurry and it detracts from an otherwise great shot. You do not have this problem. The focus is awesome. Also, the bw is very nice, not a muted gray, but clear blacks and white, and the contrast level is very appealing to me. I am on my laptop, which is notoriously flat, so it the contrast looks good here, it may have been "too contrasty" for some of the voters. Also I like the textured background.
Overall, you have an awesome shot it. It seems to really capture the essence of the cat and its personality. To score over a 6 with a pet shot in a free study is commendable in itself.
Good work.
If I need to further clarify or explain, please feel free to contact me.
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