Cats are finicky, they also love to move. Getting pictures is hard because of their independent nature. Here are a few quick tips on helping you take some pictures of your cat.
- Be patient – the first tip is simply to be patient. Cats are animals and animals, no matter how sweet and trainable, are not always going to be cooperative.
- Take photographs at a time when your cat is less active. Perhaps when it is first waking up from a nap, or right after it eats as it is cleaning itself.
- Tilt your camera slightly to an angle to avoid pet eye, when using your flash.
- Be sure not to cut off ears, tail or other body parts.
- If your cat can be photographed outside, be sure to do it first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting, to avoid the harsh light.
- Get up close and personal. I love filling the entire frame with the cats face. It captures a lot of detail that would be missed at a distance.
- Try to use lots of light to constrict the irises in their eyes. This allows for more color to show through and is really pretty to look at. There are examples below:
- Use natural light, as it ends to be less harsh and look better. If you don’t have a window that allows for lots of light, try posing kitty near one that does.
- Aim to get the cat when he is sitting or laying in his favorite spot. Most cats have a spot they return to often.
- Play around with scenery in your home. Use props, backgrounds and other items to make fun photographs.
For a more in depth look at how to photograph your cat and get better photos, see the three part upcoming series Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat. Watch for great articles on photographing your dog coming next week.
Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (1)
Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (2)
Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (3)
Tips and Techniques for Photographing Your Cat