Sock Garter Cat

Sometimes, you really need to take your time with a shot. Think about it before you even pull your camera out. Take a reading with the light meter. Compose. Focus. Look up, think some more. Re-focus. By the time the shutter goes off, five minutes have whizzed by.

That’s usually how I shoot with the Rolleiflex, maddening as it can be for anyone who has to dawdle around while I go through the process. I’ve been trying to be more spontaneous lately and what better to do that with than cats? It’s no wonder why 90% of my cats on film depict them lounging around in a late-afternoon nap. At least with a person you can verbally direct them – but cats? Cats don’t care. I established that long ago.

Maybe it’s just the “sock garter,” but I still like this shot a lot, despite its softness and the eyes being out of focus. There’s another frame of Braveheart stretching on this same roll that I nailed, though, so I’m definitely making progress.

Happy Caturday!