Your cat is already so cute, so why not preserve the moment for years to come and share it with your friends? Some people say animal photography is too challenging because you can’t simply tell your subject to sit still, but the results are so rewarding that we think you’ll be hooked. Here are 10 ideas to make photographing your cat easier and leave you with some really amazing pictures.
Cat Photography Ideas to Inspire your Next Photoshoot
1. Get On Their Level
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If you’re looking to portray your cat as a warrior queen or stately king, crouch down and take their picture at ground level. Not only is it interesting to see the world from their point of view, but a low-angle picture makes them look tall, powerful, and in charge. Which, by the looks of your furniture and budget, they probably already are.
2. Sneak Some Sleepy-Time Shots
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Your cat is curled up on their plush blanket, snoozing as golden rays of sunlight warm their restful face. Isn’t this the perfect picture of peaceful bliss? Try a soft or warm filter to emphasize the cozy feeling. If you’re using a Mirrorless or DSLR camera, you can even open your aperture wider for a softer and dreamier look as this setting creates a shallower depth of field (area of the photo in focus).
3. Capture Your Kitten in Motion
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Raise the shutter speed to 1/125 of a second or faster and don’t blink! Taking quick shots of your cat batting its favorite toy or whisking around the house can be challenging, but you might get a stellar picture of your favorite furry athlete.
4. Go Outside
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Show your cat prowling around the flower garden, exploring the fish pond, or sunning itself in the warm splashes of afternoon light. Try to focus on your cat’s face but have them focus on their prey for added interest.
5. If Your Cat Likes Water, Take Their Picture By a Pool
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Use your cat’s reflection. Take their picture as they’re dipping their toes in water. Bonus points if you include a fish or toy in the water for them to stalk.
6. Doll Them Up
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While most cats don’t like clothes, some will let you put on sunglasses, bows, or hats… at least until the camera flashes. Just a note: never put makeup on your cat. Cosmetics can contain toxic ingredients and can put your cat’s life in danger. Also, always supervise your cat closely if you use choking or strangling hazards such as jewelry or scarves for props.
7. Uncover Their Inner Call of the Wild
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If you live near a forest, escape into nature with your kitty and capture their wild beauty. Just beware: cats are skilled at climbing trees!
8. Focus On Their Underrated Features
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Get an extreme close-up of their claws or whiskers to accentuate details of your cat that you might not consciously think about. Blur the rest of their body so that it becomes the background of the shot.
9. Catch Them in the Act
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A lot of times your best pictures might be accidents—such as snapping a picture in the middle of a yawn, or while your cat is eating or meowing. These snapshots might let your cat’s true personality shine through more than a staged shoot.
10. Play With the Lighting
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Lighting creates the mood and can determine the focus. Try taking your cat’s picture in a low-light scenario for a moody or quiet feeling. Use shadows to conceal the parts of your cat that aren’t the main part of the picture.
What’s the Best Type of Camera for Your Cat Photography?
If you have a creative eye for detail, you can take great pictures no matter what equipment you have. However, the best technology for your cat photography will depend on your priorities and how much money you’re willing to spend.
Type of Camera
File Types
Settings
Sharing
Price
Cell Phone
JPEG
Little control
Internet connection
Depends on the phone
Point-and-Shoot
JPEG
Slightly more control than a cell phone. Easy to use.
SD card and/or Bluetooth
$80-$600
Bridge
RAW or JPEG
Looks and acts like a professional camera except you can’t change the lenses.
SD card and/or Bluetooth
$150-$2,000
Mirrorless or DSLR
RAW or JPEG
Highest quality of cameras with the highest amount of control over the final image. Lenses are interchangeable
SD card, XQD card, USB, and/or Bluetooth
$1,000-$3,000
You could also use props such as cat toys, mirrors, yarn, flowers, or accessories like sunglasses to add interest to your pictures. Additional lights and mirrors could help control the lighting; just be sure not to cast a glare into your cat’s sensitive eyes.
Conclusion
While certain types of cameras are better than others depending on your photography needs, cute kitten pictures are only a click away if you’ve got a camera of some sort and spare time. With some patience and a little creative spark, you’ll get Pinterest-worthy pictures of your favorite cat to share with your friends and family and cherish for life.
Featured Image Credit: Aumphotography, Shutterstock
