Rat Patrol

While taking some photos for a church assignment one snowy evening, Iturned around and saw this pack of a dozen cats emerging from the junkyard across the street. They were friendly as long as they thought Imight feed them, but quickly lost interest in posing when theydiscovered I had nothing to offer.

This shot was entered into our state fair photography competition tobe judged later this month. I'd love to have any constructivecriticism on the shot.

Excellent work, I liked also the framing, it provides more character.

Two years ago I was taking a class in a University where cats are more than welcome, they have a permanent assigment in there, now from your picture I know the name for that position "Rat Patrol".

Have a look:

http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7685300

Hi Ben!

Absolutely wonderful shot! nice choice of B&W. Wonderfully captured attitude of those animals - it is clear who's the master of the territory!

Congrats!

Irina

Thanks for your kind words. The State Fair results are in, and this photo didn't make the cut. However, I did win 8 ribbons for the 21 photos I submitted, include first place in one class for this photo:

I have no constructive criticism for this image.  Frankly, I wouldn't touch it.  It immediately drew me in and, although I have a cat, I am not usually one to comment on photographs of animals.  There is such life, such personality, to this image.  The group of them, looking indeed like a pack, walking very purposefully.  It engages as it amuses.  I'm surprised it did not make the cut.  Regardless, it certainly grabbed my attention.

I love the cat second from the right! He looks like the rign leader and the rest look like his goons.

So original looking.