Cats — fluffy baby-breathed Silver and Golden Persians! Yummy!
These are no ordinary cats - they are pedigrees with elegant long, thick silky coats with black and silver undercoat tipping. Some of these gorgeous cats are retired show cats who have found the comfortable life at the Townshend. I just love those big round eyes: emerald or blue-green with black eye-liner rims as if they were wearing make-up!
The three Silver Persians:
The cats quickly got used to my presence and remained themselves despite me sticking my big lens right in their faces. They were all very well behaved; placid, affectionate and seemed to know they were having their photographs taken — well, at least for Gambit and Simon.
(Plus, I got to try out a new camera body that just arrived the afternoon before — Canon 7D. Great for indoor low-light photography.)
Here are the characters - I’ve put these together with the help of the Townshends:
Gambit (from the Nero Wolfe detective novel by Rex Stout)
boy • 6 years old • silver persian
This little guy is a professional model / actor when it comes to having his picture taken - truly candid and natural. And he's not shy letting you know he needs some time off to take a little rest. I fell in love with those big marbly emerald eyes! How soulful.
Simon Templar or just Simon
boy • 5 years old • silver persian
According to the Townshends, Simon would have been a Chinchilla under the old breeding rule.
James Bond or just Bondy
boy • 4 years old • silver persians
This little guy turned out to be quite the opposite of the Mr Bond 007 we all know. Bondy is a very shy and sweet cat who loves his food. It was easy to pick him out from the other Silver Persians — just watch the tongue! He’s a sookie when he is around his Mum ...
Merry
girl • 10 years old • silver persian
The oldest of the lot, Merry is very shy and hid from us throughout the photoshoot. But loved a bit of a game when the drawstring was out.
Purdey
girl • 6 years old • silver persian
As with Simon, Purdey would have been a Chinchilla under the old breeding rule. Purdey is awfully shy and sits by the window most of time. I caught a glimpse of her as she turned — this has to be my favourite shot that reflects Pudey's mood.
Goldie
boy • 9 years old • golden persian
This little guy was included at the very last minute and he wouldn't stay for a second to have his portrait taken! We'll have to arrange a special photoshoot just for our Golden Boy the next time.
Steed
boy • 5 years old • golden persian
Check this sleeping beauty out — he just wanted to get back into bed the whole time I was there . Look at those lovely eyes! I captured a glimpse of Steed the last time I took The Townshend bunch in March. His colours and markings are exceptional — like a piece of art in itself. Steed's photograph still hangs on my wall.
Can't get more candid than this, Mr Bond probably got a bit bored with the photoshoot (or lack of my attention):
I just love cats being cats.
Are you all catted-out yet? This is only half the kitty population who live a very comfortable life in the Townshend household. All adopted retired show cats - did I forget to mention that the Townshends are most generous when it comes to giving animals a good home.
This is why I love photographing animals — I love their sweet innocent nature and I love meeting folks like the Townshends who care so deeply about these lovely cats.
I had so much fun hanging out with The Townshend bunch. Thank you Rochelle and Oliver for a wonderful time.
