Purrfect Profiles (2023)
Date: March 2023
Medium: Digital Photography
Tools Used: HD DSLR, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
Exhibition & Features: Digital Photography Critique (2023)
Medium: Digital Photography
Tools Used: HD DSLR, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
Exhibition & Features: Digital Photography Critique (2023)
Overview
Purrfect Profiles is a photographic series that captures the distinct personalities of cats through carefully framed profile portraits. Using a consistent lighting setup and neutral background, the images highlight each cat’s facial features, fur textures, and subtle expressions. Arranged in a structured grid, the collection emphasizes both individuality and repetition, creating a visual rhythm that showcases the elegance and curiosity of feline companions.
Concept & Inspiration
✅ What inspired this project?
This project draws inspiration from Walter Chandoha, renowned for his expressive feline photography. His meticulous lighting techniques and composition influenced the decision to use soft, directional lighting and a neutral background to accentuate each cat’s personality.
✅ What themes or emotions does it explore?
Individuality vs. Repetition – Each portrait captures a distinct subject while reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic.
Timelessness & Elegance – The structured grid format evokes a museum-like presentation, treating animal portraiture with formal artistic intent.
Observation & Expression – The side-profile composition reflects a contemplative quality, as each cat gazes beyond the frame.
✅ Are there artistic or theoretical influences?
Walter Chandoha (Animal Portraiture) – His approach to capturing personality through structured lighting and framing directly shaped the project.
Minimalist & Typology Photography – The repetitive composition and grid arrangement align with typology photography, emphasizing subtle variations within a uniform structure.
Process (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
✅Photography:
Captured high-resolution images using a DSLR camera with a fixed focal length to ensure consistency.
Positioned subjects near natural light sources to create soft, even illumination.
Maintained a neutral background to keep the focus on the cats’ profiles.
✅Editing & Composition:
Adjusted exposure, contrast, and sharpness in Adobe Lightroom to refine fur texture.
Used Photoshop for final touch-ups, ensuring consistency in tone, lighting, and composition.
Structured grid layout – Arranged the images to create a cohesive series, balancing color tones and spacing for visual harmony.
✅Challenges & Solutions:
Challenge: Keeping each cat still for a clear, well-framed profile shot.
Solution: Used patient observation, treats, and quiet environmental control to encourage natural poses.
Challenge: Maintaining consistency across different subjects.
Solution: Standardized camera settings, angles, and lighting conditions throughout the shoot.
Role & Collaboration
✅ Was this a solo or collaborative project?
This was a solo project, where I managed all aspects of photography, editing, and artistic direction. However, collaboration with cat owners was essential to understanding each cat’s personality and ensuring a comfortable, stress-free photoshoot.
Reception & Audience Interaction
✅ Where was the work exhibited or critiqued?
Purrfect Profiles was featured in a digital photography critique (2023), where it was praised for its clean composition, structured approach, and attention to detail.
✅ How did viewers respond?
Audiences appreciated the balance between uniformity and individuality, noting how the structured grid format made small differences in posture and expression stand out.
The project sparked discussions about typology in photography and the expressiveness of animal portraiture.
Media Gallery
Process Screenshot 1: A look at the individual profile shots before editing.
Process Screenshot 2: Final arrangement in Photoshop using a grid system for alignment and spacing.
Reflection & Next Steps
✅ What did you learn from this project?
This project reinforced how subtle variations in posture and gaze communicate emotion in animal photography. It also deepened my appreciation for the role of composition and repetition in visual storytelling.
✅ What would you improve or change if you revisited it?
Expanding the series to include different breeds, fur textures, and alternative lighting setups to experiment with mood and contrast.
Exploring motion photography, capturing cats in action to contrast with the static profile series.
Developing a printed version or gallery installation to enhance the presentation and impact of the collection.
