Getting Great Pictures of Your Cats

Taking photographs of your kitty can be easier than you think with a little planning and patience. Although pets are unpredictable and have a direction all their own, they can be shy and moody and be set in their habits. Pets are naturals in front of the camera, with their innate grace and beauty, and there is virtually no pose or position that would make a bad photo. To achieve the optimal pet photograph, requires planning, patience and props. Also be sure to allot enough time for catching candid poses. Cats work according to their schedules, not ours.

Simple backgrounds and props as well as lighting should be ironed out before you bring your pet to the scene. Drape a colored sheet over a recliner and get ready to go! Experiment with colors and holding props. Buckets, boxes, and sleighs are cute to use for props. Posing or grooming tables are also handy to set your pet on. Or you can opt for a natural shot outdoors or one of kitty curled up on the windowsill. Try to get shots that capture your pet’s natural coloring and mood.

First decide whether you want a close-up, full-length, or whichever pose captures your pet’s expression best. Have patience. Set your shutter speed at @ 1/125th so you don’t get a blob on film. Cat’s sudden movements may not be able to be caught with a regular shutter speed setting. For indoor photos, make sure to have a high speed film on hand such as ISO 400 or 800. For an alert kitty snapshot, keep your cat’s iris and eyes in the frame of the camera. Kitty ears should be perky and kitty noses should be wet and shiny. Choose a familiar spot indoors and capture the furry texture of your pet with the proper exposure setting on your camera. Zoom lenses work best as they get close-up but do not intimidate your pet or scare him away. A tired pet is much more manageable so try to wear your pet out before your photo shoot. Get rid of clutter that will take away from and not add to the story behind the pet photo.

Lighting choices include sunlight, flash, artificial light and available light. A bright overcast day with natural outside light is ideal. Don’t use a flash unless your cat is black. A flash will cause red-eye but using one not attached to the camera will bring out the texture and shading of a black cat. Get down on your pet’s level whether it be on the ground, in the grass, or up on the mantel. Don’t look up or down at your pet when taking a photo. For facial photos, get as much of the face in the frame as possible while still keeping focus. If you have to, make goofy noises to get your pet’s gaze focused on the camera lens. Bring your cat’s favorite toy to dangle in front of the lens.

Group pet photos are also quite charming. Be sure to keep the area confined to keep curious creatures at bay. Baskets make outstanding photos. If you can, try to capture your cats peering over the edge of your prop, whether it is a basket or a box. Use food as a lure and reward. A toy marinated in catnip might work wonders. You can also shake a rattle or a piggy bank full of coins to get your cat’s attention. Be ready to snap the photo as your pet’s glance will be lightning fast. Dangling a feather in front of the lens will also get your cat’s attention. When the cat looks at the feather is your time to snap. You have your first cat photo!

For funny pet photos, catch your pet doing the activity that makes her unique, such as chasing flies or licking the lasagna pan. A natural pet expression or one where your cat is not looking can make some of the best pet pictures!