THE PHOTO:
Japanophiles may be dismissive of the the superstitions surrounding Maneki Neko, but I think this one just might do the trick ;)

Taken using my high-tech lighting studio (a torch on the window-sill at night), this was probably the 150th attempt trying to light this little critter (including natural light). The reflection is symbolic (if only to me and the gift giver) but does add that extra dimension to the shot.

THE LENS:
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM

POST-PROCESSING:
Sharpen, Increase Canvas (400% and fill), Crop, Curves, Noise Reduction.

EXIF:

• Aperture: ƒ/2.8
• Camera: NIKON D2X
• Taken: 28 February, 2006
• Focal length: 150mm
• ISO: 100
• Shutter speed: 1/30s