Tharindhi Waduge, The Tiny Model (ANIMAL & NATURE 2025)

Just two weeks after getting my new camera, I went for a walk in the neighbourhood to test it out - and that’s when I met him. A stunning Bengal cat, glistening in the sunlight with tiger-like markings and shimmering spots. From the moment we made eye contact, he walked straight over, rolled on the ground, and invited me in for a few belly scratches. After a quick cuddle, he began to lead me around the street like a confident little guide, pausing here and there as if he knew the best spots for a photo shoot. He eventually stopped at a small white house and struck pose after pose like a seasoned model. From lounging by the front gate to leaning dramatically on a couch, it was as if he was asking, “How about this angle?” Between shots, he kept returning for a pat, making the whole experience feel like a magical collaboration. It felt like the cat chose me for the session.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.