Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Two Cats
Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo. I strive to take the 'Tokyo Cat' picture.
Permalink / posted by and copyright of akikana : 12:44 PM
Comments:
Hmm, in my mind the "Tokyo Cat" picture would be a darker, grittier, urban jungle sort of affair. I'm not sure this works on that level, although maybe you have something different in mind.
Having said that, I like cat photos in general. The tonal range in this is nice, and I can see the composition in there somewhere with the diagonal line of the bench, but I'm not sure that it all comes together in the end.
BTW, I'm working on taking the "Korean Cat" picture.
Is the 'Tokyo Cat' the same as the Santiago (de Chile) dog? In other words, is the cat a creature that occupies its own space in the city, semi-feral? If so, these two would seem to be quite a civilised pair, intent on finding the nicest places. In fact, they look quite sleek and well-cared-for. I don't necessarily look for Matt's "grittier" picture but I agree with the thoughts in his second paragraph.
I've only been to the centre of Tokyo. A well to do and sophisticated sort of place. These cats fit in well with that image.
I don't think that there is anything here which gives the location though, so without the caption I'm just seeing a couple of cats and a nice bench. It would work in a series. You sound like you might be working on one.
Likewise, the picture does not say Tokyo to me. I get the feeling that the dominant cat has appeared and a lesser cat is running off, out of his way. Nice composition between the two cats.
About the cats….they look like they are exhibiting typical cat superiority in this photograph. One sloping of to the left, perhaps a little indignant and another looking completely disinterested in the indignation. I’m not a cat fan because of their refusal to be subservient to man and how that manifests itself in their behaviour. This is a very ‘catty’ photograph.
In addition to my previous comment, I do see this as being in Tokyo or, at least, in an Eastern Asian country, probably Japan. I like John-Jo's musings on cats: indeed I like cats for the precise reason that he doesn't! The picture is stronger on cats with further viewing but I still think that Matt's second para on composition is valid, even if this photo were to be part of a series.
Thanks everyone. johnjo - you've nailed the characteristics of 'Tokyo Cat'. Never met such an unfriendly bunch of felines. 'Tokyo Cat' is an ongoing project. I have another ongoing for canines 'One man and his dog'.
hard to judge. love cats. hate pet shots. but this is not a 'pet shot'. hmmm?! I viewed it several times before and always didn't know what say. guess it doesn't 'speak to me'. so sorry, can't add anything ingenious here.
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Having said that, I like cat photos in general. The tonal range in this is nice, and I can see the composition in there somewhere with the diagonal line of the bench, but I'm not sure that it all comes together in the end.
BTW, I'm working on taking the "Korean Cat" picture.
I don't think that there is anything here which gives the location though, so without the caption I'm just seeing a couple of cats and a nice bench. It would work in a series. You sound like you might be working on one.