Do you want to capture your cat’s quirky traits and actions? Are you looking for ways to create stunning cat compositions? Do you wish to snap the best photos of your cat’s playful activities? If yes, this is a must-read article for you.
The journey of owning a cat is an exciting and rewarding one. Cats’ ability to give unconditional love and tenderness brings them close to humans. These adorable furry friends help individuals unwind and enjoy life, relieving stress and worries.
Even though people enjoy taking photos of their adorable cats, the process may be challenging. Filming felines requires effort, patience, and commitment, regardless of whether you are a professional photographer, a novice, or a cat owner. Cats, unaware of the camera, become impatient and difficult to control.
But do not worry; this article has got you covered. If you also plan to click memorable pictures of your cats, sit back and follow this guide. This article will direct you through the methods of taking exceptional cat photographs.
Besides, you will also learn about the appropriate approaches, tools, and measures to follow. So, let’s get started to understand cat photography's simple tips and techniques better.
What is Cat Photography?
There’s no doubt that cats make the best pets. Cats are endearing creatures that are always affectionate, friendly, and inquisitive. These feline companions possess adorable qualities, making them one of humanity’s favorite animals.
Cat photography is a specialized niche of pet photography focussed on pictures of cats. This photography genre helps individuals capture a cat’s beauty, personality, and characteristics. It is a fun and enthralling experience to display the unique attributes of felines.
Clicking pictures of a cat's graceful actions, captivating eyes, and unique personality is delightful. We often see cat lovers’ phone galleries, covers, or wallpapers filled with cute cat pictures and videos. People love recording and cherishing every little activity of their kitties as they grow.
Image Credits: Freepik
In the late 20th century photography, cat pictures emerged as Walter Chandoha’s feline images gained popularity. People regarded and recognized Chandoha as the pioneer who introduced and defined this genre. Chandoha’s cat pictures were everywhere in those days, from advertisements, calendars, books, games, cat food, and more.
Walter Chandoha
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Image Credits: Hunterdon Art Museum
Though Walter Chandoha also clicked photos of other animals, he found his passion in capturing the expressive qualities of cats. Walter left behind over 90000 cat photos and an authored book on cat photography as his legacy.
Chandoha’s Photographs
Image Credits: New York Times
Chandoha’s Photographs
Image Credits: Vanity Fair
Today, many photographs inspired by Chandoha’s work bring cat pictures right out of the imagination. Cat photographers relish the challenges of clicking cats and finding new ways to distract them. They look for ways to document cats' peculiar looks and actions and showcase them to the public.
Some other famous cat photographers are Harry Whittier Frees, Edward Weston, Carli Davidson, Ken Drake, and more. Cat photography is the best way to preserve and store pet cats' precious and cherishable memories. No matter how difficult the process is, you can showcase the beauty and individuality of cats with the right skills and techniques.
Benefits of Cat Photography
Cats' versatility makes cat photography a great niche to discover and master. Just as there are many joys of owning a cat, cat photography also has several benefits. Let’s look at the list of these advantages and benefits.
- As a beginner photographer, cat photography is an excellent and versatile genre to explore as it is challenging and takes time to excel. Cat photography lets photographers attempt new techniques and work with various props and toys. This experimentation ensures a complete creative learning adventure for freshers.
- Photographing or viewing a cat picture acts like a stress buster. This activity releases dopamine and oxytocin, giving way to positive emotions. These beautiful photos arouse a feeling of well-being, improving overall mood.
- Capturing feline pictures is the best way to preserve and adore your beloved companion's treasured and memorable moments. The adorable photos and videos of pet cats become a symbol for lifelong remembrance and memory.
- With the increasing number of pet parents, the popularity of pet photography is also rising. Today, pet lovers and owners are keen on displaying professional pictures of their furry friends. This fame has significantly increased the demand for seasoned professionals in the market. These opportunities allow photographers to gain experience and search for different styles and types.
Types of Cat Photography
1) Cat Portraits
Cat portraits are the best form of photography for showcasing a cat’s personality, traits, and attributes. In portraits, the focus entirely lies on the characteristics and habits of the subject. Portraits give the viewers an essence of the nature of the model, giving them sole importance.
Nowadays, people opt for custom cat portraits ( designed according to customer preferences. These personalized portraits concentrate on a kitty's physical features and in-built qualities. Cat portraits are perfect for gifting or decorating purposes. These bespoke paintings keep the pets alive in our hearts even after parting ways.
While taking cat portraits, a photographer can go for candid images, planned shots, or burst clicks. The angles, proportions, and camera settings can vary to give each picture a new look. However, it is essential to remember that tackling cats, matching times, and clicking the best shots is tricky. It requires a lot of practice, patience, and effort.
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2) Street Cat Photography
Street photography is a genre that explores random candid shots clicked in a public place. In street cat photographs, the pictures result from instances from everyday life. The cat photos are spontaneous, accidental, and unexpected, depicting the simple actions of felines.
Street cat pictures showcase the actual moment. These images are realistic and unique, featuring the peculiar qualities of the kittens and cats. Street photography is a unique genre to master, as the pictures arise from sudden encounters and unplanned incidents.
You must be familiar with the camera and its various settings to capture the best street cat photographs. Try seizing the cat’s facial expressions, gestures, postures, and styles. Wait for the stray cat to approach you first, then click your subject in a regular and authentic stance.
Image Credits: Unsplash
3) Action Shots
An action shot displays a dramatic scene in a single wide-angle image. In an action shot, a photographer uses a photography technique combining the elements of panorama and videography. This type of cat photography requires a lot of prior planning and a thorough understanding of the subject.
Action captured in a cat photograph gives it a dynamic motion and vibrant feel. It is best to have a fast shutter speed with a suitable autofocusing mode to get an action shot. A cat action shot gets best clicked when the feline runs, jumps, or plays around. Their sudden movements cause a perfect dramatic click, enriching their screen presence.
Image Credits: My Modern Met
Best Gear for Cat Photography
Good photography is about expressing an emotion, connecting with the subject, and creating a story that viewers can comprehend. However, a proper set of tools and equipment is essential to click high-quality images. In this section, we will enlist the gear required for cat photography.
1) Camera and Lenses
A good quality camera is a must-have to click a high-definition picture. The camera is the most essential component, without which photography is impossible. With a dynamic range of digital cameras available today, buying a suitable camera is not an issue.
Photographers can pick a point-and-shoot, a mirrorless camera, an SLR, or a DSLR depending on their requirements. People who want to click cat pictures only for their enjoyment may also use their phone cameras. Now let's look at the differentiating qualities between the various camera types:
a) Point-and-Shoot Camera
Point-and-shoot cameras are compact cameras used for carrying out simple actions. These cameras, mainly designed for amateurs, benefit them because of their single fixed lens. Point-and-shoot cameras have automatic systems for setting the exposure options.
These cameras are inexpensive and easy to use, with the consumers only having to point and shoot the subject.
Image Credits: Wikipedia
b) SLR Camera
Standing for single-lens reflex cameras, SLRs have rigid, rugged, mechanically robust bodies. The strong bodies of SLRs protect against possible outdoor accidents and worse weather conditions. Beginner photographers and professionals both use SLR cameras.
SLRs also provide the flexibility of mounting the lenses at different focal lengths on a single camera body. With the help of a viewfinder, a photographer can also see how the picture appears in the actual frame.
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c) DSLR Camera
Experienced and professional photographers generally use DSLRs to obtain high-resolution images that are sharp, precise, and clear. DSLRs are more expensive than point-and-shoot cameras and have the best autofocus system with versatile interchangeable lenses.
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These wide-ranging changeable lenses include the following:
- Prime Lens-
Prime lenses have fixed, focused lengths ranging from 12mm to 5200mm. A prime lens helps create a deep depth of field and is fit for low-light shooting as it provides a wide aperture. These lenses do not zoom in or out, making them easy to use. DSLRs with prime lenses are travel-friendly with cats as they are easy to handle and carry.
- Wide-Angle Lens-
Photographers use a wide-angle lens to create pictures covering a wider frame. A wide-angle lens gives you a more expansive view, i.e., a broader perspective in the full-frame camera. It makes the closer objects appear more prominent and farther things appear smaller.
Wide-angle lenses are helpful while capturing pets along with the surroundings. However, it has its disadvantages. They often distort the picture and are not a good option when capturing cat portraits.
- Telephoto Lens-
A telephoto lens allows photographers to bring and emphasize faraway subjects closer. The best-recommended telephoto focal length is between 70-200mm. The best way to capture shy and stressed cats is to use a telephoto lens from a distance.
A longer lens lets individuals capture wider surroundings and click a picture from a distance. It helps avoid distortion, blurred images, and a shallow depth of field.
- Fisheye Lens-
Fisheye lenses are specialized wide-angle lenses that provide vast images by changing straight lines into curves. This lens helps create panoramic and hemispherical photos.
- Macro Lens-
Macro lenses benefit photographers who want to capture the sharp details of a cat, like eyes, nose, mouth, paws, or fur. Wildlife photographers usually use these lenses to click small insects like ladybugs, butterflies, ants, etc.
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2) Lighting Equipment
As a beginner photographer, understanding the working and arrangement of light is essential. Initially, you may find the use of light equipment confusing and complex. But, once you get the basics, the usage becomes very easy. Thus, comprehending and using appropriate lighting is vital.
For cat photography, natural lighting is the best. A picture captured in rooms with abundant sunlight or outdoor locations produces excellent results. Natural light brings out the best color and texture of the cat’s fur. Unnecessarily using artificial lights that are focused, pointed, and defined is harmful to the pets, as they are harsh on them.
One should also avoid using flashlights as their noise is startling for pets, and they can get scared. Cats get anxious, annoyed, and irritated when a flashlight reflects on them, resulting in discomfort. Most cameras have flashlights that may create intense and unflattering shadows. Also, the eyes of your pets can turn red and look devilish.
Despite the drawbacks, external sources and additional lighting sometimes become necessary due to the conditions. So, let us look at the various artificial light sources and modifiers.
a) Lighting Strobes
Strobes are mono lights that professionals in a studio setup commonly use. Electric cords or battery-powered inputs connect and operate lighting strobes to produce regular flashes of lights. Various models are available in lighting strobes that are distinctive in prices, functions, and uses. Photographers can choose their preferred type depending on their budget and demand.
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b) Flashguns
Flashguns, or speed lights, are lighting equipment mounted on the camera while photographing. These lighting equipment are versatile and easily portable, with high power outputs. Speed lights are small and produce a brief glint of intense light.
Photographers use flashguns in case of indoor poor light conditions. These light sources are more affordable than any other type of light equipment.
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c) Umbrellas
Umbrellas are one of the photographers' most important light modifiers to shape light. Umbrellas come under the category of diffusers that spread the light over a larger area. This light modifier converts hard light to soft, diffused light.
The umbrella diffuses light to give the photographer softer lighting in the images. So, instead of light focusing directly on the subject, it bounces off in different directions. In cat photography, umbrellas are beneficial to prevent harsh, sharp light from falling on the cats straight.
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d) Softboxes
Softboxes comprise translucent cloth attached to a light source on a stand. When appropriately used, the softbox diffuses the light into pleasing, even rays. It even reduces harsh shadows and protects the subject from focused light.
The shape and size of softboxes may vary from rectangular or square to octagonal. Small softboxes are more portable and are thus great to carry to outdoor location shoots.
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3) Tripods
One of the essential devices that ensures stability and support is a tripod. A tripod is a three-legged stand that helps to elevate and strengthen cameras, flash units, or measuring equipment. Photographers use tripods in still photography and sudden movements to prevent unwanted shaking or vibration.
A tripod helps create maximum sharp images by reducing fumbling and jerky motion. Tripods allow photographers to use slower shutter speeds for long exposure images while lowering the amount of camera shake.
In still photography, tripods let photographers create beautiful zoomed, panned, or tilted shots. It gives people control over the camera and the freedom to produce their desired photos. Tripods and monopods come in various materials and sizes, with multiple attachments and adjustment settings. Thus, the versatility of tripods is beneficial to photographers.
Image Credits: The New York Times
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1) Costume and Props
Costumes and props are striking components of a portrait that help create a scene, deliver some message, or state the overall mood of the picture. Likewise, colorful cat costumes and props like sticks, balls, and bows enhance custom cat portraits (.
Cat owners use squeaky toys, hats, ropes, etc., to excite and comfort their furry friends in front of the camera, resulting in good pictures. Remember not to force anything unnecessary on your cats; that is unsafe for them and can hamper their mood or injure them.
Image Credits: The Chron
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Tips for Capturing Exceptional Cat Photos
1) Choosing the Right Camera Settings
An appropriate camera mode is crucial in determining the perfect lighting and exposure in portrait photography. Selecting the most suitable camera settings depends on the weather conditions and the type of picture a photographer wants to create.
Let us understand and look at the two semi-automatic shooting modes that help pick the best exposure settings. These semi-automatic shooting modes assist in capturing fast and unpredictable cats. These modes help speed up the process of clicking the eager and keen cats.
a) Aperture Priority
Aperture priority is a camera mode that allows the photographer to set the aperture manually while the camera fixes the shutter speed and ISO. The aperture determines the amount of light entering the camera. A wider aperture lets more light in, while a narrow aperture restricts light. Aperture priority (A or AV on the camera mode dial) helps individuals select a specific aperture value as the camera picks the best shutter speed.
A wide aperture captures less area in the backdrop, creating a shallow depth of field and vice-versa. If a pet photographer only wants to focus on the subject and blur the background, they can change the value of the aperture accordingly.
The value of aperture measures in f-stops, with the lower number of f-stop resulting in the biggest aperture. For instance, photographers prefer increased f-stop numbers on a sunny day to ensure less light enters the camera.
Image Credits: The Creative Photographer
b) Shutter Priority
Shutter priority mode, represented as Tv or S on the control dial, depicts the camera shutter speed settings. With the help of this semi-automatic mode, you can adjust the shutter speed while the camera automatically picks the aperture and ISO.
Shutter speed is the speed at which the shutter of the DSLR camera opens and closes. A faster shutter speed helps in clicking fast-moving objects. For example, if you want to capture a running cat, use a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting mode to freeze different angles of the feline.
Choosing a suitable shutter speed helps get a well-exposed photo with appropriate lighting conditions. You must keep a faster shutter speed to capture wagging tails, sudden grins, or sudden movements of cats. Remember, the longer the shutter is open, the longer you have to keep your hand steadier.
Thus, an appropriate shutter speed prevents moving subjects from turning blurry and dim.
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2) Capture Cat Pictures From Different Angles
Experimenting and exploring various camera angles is the best way to produce innovative pictures in your own style. Every shot captured from unusual angles gives a distinct perspective making pictures aesthetically pleasing.
Avoid working on the lines of traditional two-third techniques and other picture composition rules. Try inventing something raw and original to make your cat photos stand out. Use a macro lens to capture the unique features of the cat’s face, including its eyes, nose, and whiskers.
Capture shots in continuous shooting mode to picture your cat’s energy, vitality, and playfulness. Surprise your feline companion with a favorite toy or treat to get candid photos. Get down to your cat’s eye level, and click great images of your cute kitty. Such cat photoshoot sessions will produce excellent clicks full of dynamism.
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3) Time Your Session
Apart from deciding on a good shooting location, weather conditions, and lighting setup, check your kitties’ timing. The success of a shoot depends upon the selection and scheduling of suitable sessions. Cats are habitual in their daily routines and behave in a certain manner during specific hours.
The key to good photos of cats is knowing your pet inside out in depth. Understanding a cat’s moods, habits, and body language is essential regardless of all its physical attributes. Matching your pet cat’s timing and moods is vital to capture unique and fulfilling shots.
For instance, if your kitten is energetic and cheerful at a specific time of the day, try clicking action shots then. Use faster shutter speeds to take cat movements while they play with their toys. Ensure your cats are not cranky or frustrated, as their grumpy mood can ruin the whole essence of the photos.
On the other hand, if you want to take pictures of a cat sleeping in cozy, comfortable shots, feed them just before the photo shoot. Choose warm and cordial areas like a sunny windowsill or light background, with soft blankets and calming beds. These pictures showcase your cats' quiet, relaxed, and restful side.
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4) Make Your Cats Comfortable and Prepared For The Shoot
Animals are oblivious to the camera and do not understand photography. Cats fear flashes and jarring sounds to the extent that they may run away. Thus, to capture amazing pictures, comforting and calming felines are crucial.
To begin with, gently help your shy cat adjust to the new atmosphere and feel less anxious. Ensure you do not rush the entire process and take one step at a time. Give your cat the space to adapt to the environment and let it trust you. Make sure the cat likes your taking photos and is camera-ready.
Lower the lights so the cats do not feel overexposed, and avoid playing loud music or talking loudly. Create a comfort zone for them by playing and interacting with cats and making them feel safe. The worst thing you can do is yell at the cats, leaving them confused and annoyed. The pictures will be memorable and beautiful only if you are patient and chilled throughout the process.
5) Use Continuous Shooting Mode
Continuous shooting or burst mode is automatic, where several pictures get clicked in one shot. In this consecutive high-speed mode, images get captured in quick succession by you either pressing the shutter button or holding on to it. This automatic focus mode lets you capture a burst of photos in a single click.
Cats are unpredictable and fast-moving creatures. Read your kitten’s facial expressions and body language, and act quickly. Capture an amazing cat photograph using the burst mode. Take multiple images in a short time frame, and then pick the most appealing shot. You can take time to sort your clicks and then choose the best pictures.
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6) Focus on the Eyes
Cats tend to have the most mysterious and gorgeous eyes. Similar to human portraits, sharp eyes are essential in cat portraits also. Focusing on the cat’s eyes helps the viewers to connect with them emotionally and get attracted to the image naturally.
Cats have expressive and emotive eyes that reflect their mood. Soft, relaxed eyes show happiness and joy, whereas glassy eyes indicate stress and fear. Some cats’ eyes are filled with goofiness and playfulness, whereas others have worry and anxiety.
Professional photographers make their cat photos exciting and vibrant by grabbing the cat’s attention and clicking their eyes' rare, beautiful colors. Many cameras have animal eye AF, identifying animal eyes and consistently focusing on them. You can also use macro lenses or take close-ups to focus on the pet’s face and eyes.
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7) Practice, Practice, and More Practice
Practice and patience are no secrets to success. Suppose you are a beginner cat photographer and want to capture alluring cat images and study and research cats’ nature, characteristics, and body language. Spend time with pet cats to analyze their behavior and reactions to various situations. Work on how you deal with and treat animals.
As a new pet photographer, learn about basic camera settings and shoot in multiple locations and lighting conditions. Read about the different tips and tricks of portrait photography, and implement the best ones in your work.
Take advice and helpful tips from a professional cat photographer. Explore the dynamic range of photography by experimenting with the various manual and automatic focus modes. Change the camera setting if you get overexposed or blurry images.
For example, if you click a white photo with a blurred background or a color shot on a bokeh background, try adjusting the exposure settings and then capture images. Thus, with dedication, persistence, and correct executions and implementations, you can master the art of cat photography.
Some Cat Photography Ideas
Here are some ideas and bonus points if you are planning for your next photoshoot.
- Give a sneak-peak into your cat’s sleeping slot. Capture your cat curled up in a blanket, snoozed off, relaxing under golden rays.
- Cats are curious animals, constantly moving around inquisitively. When the cat investigates a new toy or accessory, click a fantastic shot.
- Try taking pictures when your cat explores nature and its surroundings. Clicking outdoors can help you showcase your cat's adventurous and sporty side.
- Cats love cuddling with their owners and playing with them. Take pictures when the cats are snuggling and bonding with their owners.
- Cats are energetic, playful creatures who love jumping and pouncing around. Shoot pictures of your tiny kittens before they grow into big cats.
- Spruce up your cat in cute attires during Christmas and New Year festivities. Then, click candids or planned family pictures of people and their feline companions enjoying and having fun together.
- Always shoot under natural lighting if you click pictures of a black cat. The fur of dark cats absorbs light, thus requiring a lot of light while photographing.
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Image Credits: Catster
Conclusion
Cats are loving, graceful, and affectionate species humans adore and treasure. Cat photography is a challenging yet fun genre to discover and master. With felines' unique personalities and beauty, working with them becomes exciting and enthralling.
However, when photographing cats, one should understand its boundaries and limitations. If the cat seems uncomfortable and stressed, it is ok to stop at that moment and start afresh on another day. Remember that your pet’s comfort and well-being should always be your top priority.
Patience, creativity, and hard work are the stepping stones to success. You can only gain excellence in any field if you stay determined and focused on mastering it. So, with your talent, skills, and firm resolution, you can also do wonders in the rapidly growing cat photography industry.
