What It’s Like Filming & Photographing Cats IRL

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

More often than not, I forget to take pictures of Blue in action when I know I’ll need them for one of our weekly writes. I’m almost certain there is nothing more painstakingly awkward than an attempt to stage a photo shoot with a cat after the moment has passed. Blue could not be any less interested in recreating a moment or participating in my shenanigans.

I don’t usually enlist my family for my picture-taking escapades. My boys make it nearly impossible to capture what I need, although their hearts are in the right place. Blue, unable to match their stagecoach enthusiasm, usually gets spooked and dips. Occasionally, I recruit my husband and task him with sending me specific angles, spots, or situations – which he does. He still sends me new pictures of Blue napping in her favorite spots.

Most of the time, I prefer to be left to my own devices and get creative. A single shot may take a few days and that’s completely fine.

My Picture Tips

Unless you’ve mastered the art of snapping real moments in real-time, there are a few things I swear by and would recommend to anyone who is looking to take regular pictures of their pets.

1. Use a Tripod

Not all pictures are selfie-worthy and when it comes to handling pets, we likely need two hands and running film to later screenshot to get the job done. Nothing fancy. Mine is itty bitty with bendy legs and a remote. Seems to get the job done just fine.

2. Catnip & Treats

Incentivizing the process is a given. If you’re thinking on a grander scale, it probably wouldn’t be incredibly difficult to convince someone to hang around if they were offered treats and their version of catnip.

3. Patience

I do have to admit that Blue is fairly agreeable when it comes to taking pictures, considering her coy-cat, free spirit. She’s willing and malleable until we’ve gone one picture too far and darts off for a nap. At the end of the day, she’s the boss, and she always calls the shots. Tomorrow is a new day with endless opportunities to create moments, spend time together, and potentially capture them to share our lives with the world.

Wrapping Up

We always find a way to make it work without sacrificing anyone’s comfort or happiness. Luckily, my phone is filled with a mountain of images that I can rifle through as a backup plan.