How to Take Better Photos of your Cat
Have you ever wondered why you see so many pictures of dogs posing for the camera but not as many of their feline counterparts? If you’re a cat owner like myself, you probably already know the answer. Cats have big attitudes and generally play by their own rules! Although they sometimes get a bad rap for not being very affectionate, cats are some of the best furry companions that you can have and deserve equal amounts of love from your camera.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture better photos of your cat, nor do you need a fancy camera. Instead, try using the following tips and tricks to capture their best angles and features.
Focus on their eyes
The term “cat eyes” is a popular make-up trend for an obvious reason - cat eyes are stunning! From their unique, vertical pupils to their brightly colored irises, it’s a safe bet that if you use an auto-focus to capture one of their best features that you will get a decent photo. Just remember to not use a flash as the light reflections will make it appear as though their eyes are glowing.
Move in for a close up
Portrait shots show off your cat’s best angles. Once you’ve got their eyes in focus, make sure that their ears are not cut out of the frame. If your cat isn’t one to pose or stay still, try calling their name and have a treat or toy handy so you can capture the moment they come toward you. If your cat will sit unbothered, get creative with angles. Try placing your camera low to the ground facing up toward the cat. The end result will be a majestic shot showing off their noble feline stature!
Capture unique features
My cat Winston is a Maine Coon and one of my favorite features about him is his is gorgeous, fluffy tail. Like most cats, he can often be found lounging around the house. When that tail softy blows about or the light catches it just right, my mama heart swoons! If one of your cat’s features gives you all the feels, take a photo of it. If you’re looking for that extra pop, contrasting background colors will make it stand out even more. (Ie; if you have a black cat, opt for white or lightly-colored backgrounds and vice versa). If your cat has a safe or favorite spot in house, this is also another great opportunity to capture them at their best when they are most relaxed.
Use a fast shutter speed
Cats are quick, so another great option is to utilize your camera settings to get the best shot. If you’re using an iPhone, the timer mode lets you to take 10 photos in 1 snap, allowing you to then choose the best images of the burst. Similarly, you can also use the live photo setting, which allows you to snap a photo over the course of a few seconds and then choose the desired frame.
I’d love to see more cats in my studio, however I understand that their unique temperaments mean that this isn’t always possible. Please ask me about in-home photography sessions. I’m happy to travel to your home to photograph your pets!