Bella in Black & White

When I first started this blog, I posted a few photos of my princess monster Bella.  Although you haven't seen her since (don't want you to think I'm a crazy cat lady), I often take photos of her when trying out different lenses or camera settings.  She's not terribly patient with me or my camera, but she's cute and looks good in print.  And well, let's be honest, she's a captive subject. 

Well, this weekend, I wanted to play more with the external flash I got for my camera.  It's embarrassing to admit, but I've had this external flash for a long time and haven't really used it much.  I've always been a natural light kind of girl.  I tend to hate the built-in flash in my camera and avoid it at all costs.  It just looks too much like a camera flash, which usually is not the look I'm going for.  Blech.  I was afraid that the external flash would disappoint me as well.  But let me tell you.  I learned this weekend that I really love (underscore love) this external flash.  I'm just kicking myself for not using it more before.

So Bella got to pose again.  And Bella, well, she was generally a good subject.  She played with her toy (the mouse) while I played with my toy (the camera).  We were two happy campers.  But every once in a while she reminded me not to interfere too much with her playtime.  The claws literally came out.  Just look at the second to last photo if you don't believe me.  She didn't get the nickname Princess Monster for no reason. 

P.S. This is my first time participating in Black&White Wednesday, hosted by The Long Road to China.  I'm excited to share these black and white photos of Bella.  I've had fun looking at the other blogs that join in and think you should take a look at them, too.

(Bella, photographed August 2010)