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It took me a long time to feel comfortable shooting into the light.  One of the first lessons I learned about portrait photography was “place the light behind you, not behind the subject.”  When I was using my first camera, I would spin my subjects around and turn my back to the sun to get that foolproof well-lit portrait.  Now that I’ve experimented a bit with light and learned to bend the “rules” of photography, I’ve grown to appreciate those supposedly tough lighting situations.  I’m no stranger to this week’s theme, BACKLIGHTING, and some of my favorite photos of all time were captured while I was directly facing the light.

During Week Two of the 52 Weeks Project, I got this photo of Lola that I overlooked until I brought it into Photoshop and brightened it up a bit:

I can’t believe I didn’t like this photo at first because it became and has remained one of my all-time favorite photos that I have taken.  I love how it shows Lola’s rascal personality, her beautiful golden eyes, and that soft yummy window light illuminating her ears and fur.

Since all of my pets vie for the best slice of sunlight all day everyday, I have amassed quite a collection of beautifully backlit window light photos.  I have no shortage of opportunities for kitty-in-the-window photos, especially now that we’ve stacked moving boxes up beneath them.  We’re moving into a new house this weekend and Loki, Lola, and Bella have been enjoying the box cities that have sprawled up around the house.  One box in particular seems to have a different cat on it every time I enter the kitchen.

The afternoon that I pulled out my camera, Bella had claimed it as her throne and was very aware of any felines that might usurp her territory.  What is it with cats and cardboard?

I’m happy they’re all having fun on the boxes because I was worried they would suspect the big changes that are about to happen.  I’m sure they’ll miss the boxes and have a bit of a transition period once we move into the new house.  But there is a spiral staircase at the new house and I’m sure the cats will LOVE climbing on it and playing with the toys you bet I will hang from it.  I’m so excited about the possibilities for photos on the stairs!

Check out some more back-lit photos by following the 52 Weeks Project blogring, starting with Blue Amrich Studio in Massachusetts.