Cat House Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

The Cat House is one of many interesting buildings in the Old Town of Riga. There are two cats - one perched on each of the 2 towers.
The story goes that 100years ago the owner of the building was not welcomed into the powerful Great Guild of business leaders which was situated just over the road. To insult these enemies he ordered that cats be turned around so their backsides faced the Guild. A lengthy court battle took place, the owner was eventually admitted to the Great Guild and then he turned the cats to face the Guild again.

This is a repost. My original version had a white sky and the lighting was not the best. I have borrowed a layer of cumulonimbus clouds from Nepal. I was sitting on the right hand side of a plane flying into Kathmandu, which is the side to be on if want to see Everest, when I photographed these clouds. Unfortunately these clouds blocked my view of Everest. I am imagining such dramatic clouds are not common in Riga, Latvia.

sarahnatalie, patshoo, Kielia, ilDottore, Atousa has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

fkostas (444) 2008-09-06 19:08

Hi Marlene,

I really liked the original photo, even with the dead sky. I admire your PP ability, but this sky just doesn't look right. (It's done skillfully enough, it's probably that I remember the original) I think it would be better with a greyer sky with some clouds for texture, but not so...big.. clouds.

Farah

sarahnatalie (693) 2008-09-06 20:23

Hi Marlene,
While I think it was a neat idea to borrow the sky from another photo, and while I think you pulled it off nicely, I actually like the original better. It sets off a nice contrast with the building better in my view. Anyway, the sharp angles of the Cat House and the excellent POV you've captured make for an overall excellent post. Interesting information you have shared with us, too.
Thanks,
Sarah

goodwill (4033) 2008-09-06 21:07

Yes the clouds make the difference here. Its the vita most point in this photograph.
Otherwise its a strong compositionw with repetition of so many windows.
About cats.........see different nations have diffeent perceptions about cats.
In my part of the country, cats crosing the raod is not considered auspicious, and people seldon have pes as the cats , where as here the cats get a better status then their HP counterparts.

TFS

Rajeev

patshoo (944) 2008-09-06 23:13

Nice PP work for the sky,Nice capture POV and lovely composition to place the cat icon in attractive cloud BG.Nice job,TFS.

Kielia (8739) 2008-09-07 0:13

Hi Marlene,
it was the sky that caught my attention at once, it matches outstandingly with the yellow house! Personally I do not care where the clouds come from, it is the result that counts. Your POV is excellent and your note very interesting. Tfs!
Warm regards
Harriet

fanni (8889) 2008-09-07 1:16

Hello Marlene,
what an interesting idea to add fairy-talish-looking clouds to this photo:) At once this reminded me of some Grimm's Fairy Tales! Looks like an illustration from a book of fairy-tales, indeed! I consider it a creative artwork... + a very interesting POV. I should say that I like the "original" version, too. But they look very different: they both are interesting and good in their own ways. So I can't say which is better... they are simply different!
kind regards,
Elena

ilDottore (4004) 2008-09-07 4:49

Hi Marlene,
Fantastic story and very nice photo of interesting building with Everest clouds. Very good all together.
Best Regards.
Chris

syrus_persia (2222) 2008-09-08 2:07

Marlene,
Its the vita most point in this photograph.The colors and composition are very good.
Bravo
Cyrus

BWJ (1777) 2008-09-08 20:07

Hello Marlene,
What impressive sharp contrasting colors with great clarity. Your substituted sky is gorgeous. A good note too!
Warm wishes,
Betty

Atousa (3466) 2008-09-12 23:31

Salam Marlene,

Very interesting shot n story!..it reminded me of the name of a novel n a film related to it..I like your POV n the way you captured the cat on the roof..thank you

Best regards, Atousa

jmdias (19935) 2008-09-13 8:08

marlene

here the image was more clear and more interesting and atractive, the subject is amazing, fabulous pov and work

hugs

jorge

foozi (4735) 2009-07-10 20:04

Hi Marlene,
a very beautiful building with very brigt colours in a dramatic cloud and sky. The contrast is so good and the details are well seen.
I like noticing the cat statue on the top of the roof.
Well given perspective in a pleasant view.

Regards,
Foozi