On November 19, 2024, I set out to photograph the Nebraska State Capitol under a soft, overcast sky. The diffused light was perfect for capturing the building’s grand architecture. As I composed my shot, a small figure approached — a cat, meowing confidently. Without hesitation, he leapt onto a ledge directly in front of my camera and posed, displaying all of his regal feline elegance.

This spontaneous visitor was Cameron, famously known as the Capitol Cat. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Cameron has long made the Capitol grounds his home, often seen lounging, greeting passersby, and adding charm to the historic site. Cameron, a local celebrity, became well-known for his daily appearances around the Capitol. His journey to fame began years ago when he made the Capitol his adopted home, forming a unique bond with the building and its visitors.

Cameron’s presence is more than chance; he has become a symbol of resilience and belonging. A true character of the Capitol, he has captivated hearts and drawn attention far beyond the state lines. In 2022, he found himself briefly at the Capital Humane Society after being mistaken for a stray. His strong ties with the community, however, led to a quick reunion with his owner, and he was soon back on the Capitol grounds, where he continues to be a beloved fixture.

When I captured the image that would later become "Cameron The Capitol Cat," the encounter felt almost surreal. Cameron’s pose was nothing short of regal — a perfect display of his larger-than-life personality. In that moment, I decided to switch to my 28mm (XCD 28P) medium format lens on my Hasselblad X2D 100C camera. From a lower perspective, looking up at Cameron, I was able to capture a strong profile that emphasized his presence against the grand backdrop of the Capitol. The choice of lens and angle gave him an almost monumental stature, making him appear larger than life next to the Capitol’s iconic architecture.

For this shot, I set my camera to 1/200 of a second at f/8.0 with an ISO 64 setting, allowing the certainty of both Cameron’s fur and the Capitol building to remain sharp and crisp. The soft light of the overcast sky helped illuminate both the cat and the architecture, creating a stunning contrast between the textures of Cameron’s fur and the smooth, towering structure behind him. The monochrome rendering of the image enhanced the dramatic sky and brought an added layer of depth to the photograph, emphasizing the timeless elegance of both Cameron and the Capitol.

The photograph has since become my most requested and sold piece. It’s fascinating to see how Cameron’s larger-than-life presence in the photo has captured the imagination of so many. From children to adults, I’ve received countless comments, with some laughing and remarking that it “looks like a giant cat.” Others have playfully called him “Catzilla,” as though he’s a towering, mythical creature taking over the Capitol. These lighthearted comments speak to the dynamic nature of the image — the way it plays with perspective and scale to evoke a sense of wonder and amusement. Cameron, in his majestic pose, almost seems to defy the laws of nature, becoming a larger-than-life figure in the eyes of viewers.

Every time I look at this photograph, I’m reminded of the beauty of unplanned encounters — how a single, unscripted moment can tell a story that resonates far beyond the frame. It’s a celebration of chance, of Cameron’s charm, and of the timelessness of the Capitol itself.

You can view "Cameron The Capitol Cat" in my collection at johnshawphotography.org. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me on that unforgettable November day.