Hurdling the challenges using the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
BLACK cats have long been associated with mystery, superstition, and folklore. With their sleek and captivating appearance, these feline creatures possess a certain allure that many photographers find irresistible.
However, when it comes to capturing their beauty on a cellphone camera, there are unique challenges that photographers face, particularly with exposure and other technical aspects. In this article, let’s explore why shooting or filming a black cat can be difficult and provide some helpful tips to overcome these challenges.
For this short review I elicited the services of my cat, Bourbon. The sweet bunch of fur, a black hybrid of a Persian mom and a Siamese father. Bonbon as she was nicknamed, seems to eclectic at times. Only I can command her. Still like all cats she is her own self. But with patience and a good camera phone, I was able to do photograph her.
One of the main difficulties in photographing black cats is achieving the correct exposure. Whether in natural light and especially in darker conditions. The dark fur of these majestic creatures absorbs light, making it challenging to capture details without losing the cat’s shape in a sea of darkness.
On one hand, all but the most competent image engines in cellphone cameras often struggle with metering and may overexpose the scene, resulting in washed-out or featureless images. On the other hand, underexposing the photo can lead to a loss of details in the shadows, making the cat appear as a mere silhouette.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, despite its mid-range positioning is jam-packed with a proper 200MP main camera. The photography app has the tools needed for properly photographing or video recording a black car–Portrait, Night, and Ultra HD (for shootin at 50MP or 200MP). This is apart from the usual photo modes under Pro, Documents, Video. I didn’t have time to do videos and test: Short video, VLOG, slow-motion, Time-lapse but I did have some long-exposure shots also on Bourbon.
In long exposure there are a number of different modes including Moving crowd, Neon trails, Oil painting (waterfalls), Light painting, Starry sky, and Star trails. For most of these modes you can start the exposure and then end it when you’ve shot for the required time.
To combat exposure issues, here are a few things I did with the Note 12 Pro +:
- Manual exposure control: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G has one of the most accessible manual controls for easy exposure adjustments. By taking control of the exposure settings. Experiment with reducing the exposure compensation to prevent overexposure. Alternatively, you can adjust the ISO settings to increase the camera’s sensitivity to light, but be mindful of potential noise in the image.
- Spot metering: Look for the function under camera. Utilize spot metering mode on your cellphone camera. This mode allows you to meter the exposure based on a specific area in the frame. Focus on the cat’s face or the areas where you want to preserve details and adjust the exposure accordingly.
- Tap to adjust exposure: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G allows you to tap on the screen to set the exposure and focus point. When photographing a black cat, tap on the darkest part of its fur to ensure the exposure is properly calibrated.
- Use natural light: Natural light can work wonders for capturing black cats. I used a lot of it. Position your subject near a window or in an area with ample natural light. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight that can create strong contrasts and lead to overexposed highlights.
Aside from exposure, other factors can also pose challenges when photographing or filming black cats. The autofocus system in cellphone cameras may struggle to lock onto the black cat, especially if the lighting conditions are dim. To address this, try the following techniques:
- Assistive lighting: Though the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G camera light and flash work, the light is a bit harsh, especially on a black cat. Use a small flashlight or a reflector to illuminate the cat’s face or other key features. This can help your cellphone camera’s autofocus system to detect and lock onto the subject more easily.
- Manual focus: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G camera allows for manual focusing, consider switching to manual mode. Take your time to carefully focus on the cat’s eyes or distinctive features to ensure sharpness.
- Patience and persistence: Capturing the perfect shot of a black cat may require patience and multiple attempts. Take advantage of your cellphone camera’s burst mode to capture a series of images in quick succession. This increases your chances of getting a well-focused and well-exposed shot.
What the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G offers in terms of the camera is pretty impressive for a midrange phone.
- 200MP f/1.7, 1/1.4inch sensor, PDAF, OIS, 4K 30p video
- 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera
- 2MP f/2.4 macro camera
- 16MP selfie camera with 1080p video
- 6.67inch AMOLED, 120Hz screen
Remember, practice makes perfect.
Take every opportunity to experiment with different lighting conditions, exposure settings, and camera techniques. Learn from each attempt and adjust accordingly to enhance your skills in photographing black cats.
Shooting or filming black cats using a cellphone camera can present unique challenges, particularly in achieving the right exposure and maintaining focus. So I also included my son’s cat Tasha (the grey bundle of joy) and his brother’s cat Pangur (the white ex-stray now queen cat of the household).
With careful attention to exposure settings, utilizing available lighting, and employing manual focus techniques, you can overcome these obstacles and capture the captivating beauty of these mysterious creatures. So, next time you encounter a black cat, grab your cellphone camera and embark on a photography adventure to capture their enchanting essence.
