Content
- catch your attention
- It's better to stay at your level
- the right time
- Not a cartoon character
- Other advice
Like any father, he is completely in love with his cat and, of course, thinks he is the most beautiful cat in the world. He spends his time doing funny and interesting things or just walking around beautiful and you can't get that photo you wanted. Surely you have a cell phone or your camera's SD card full of pictures of your furry friend.
What you like most about this whole process is showing the photos to your family and friends so that they can see that you have a super cat, and that they fall in love with it as much as you do. The problem is that many of these photos don't come out as well as you'd like and never get to be shown.
Then, in this article by Animal Expert, we gather the best advice for photographing cats. With this little guide you'll end up becoming the best photographer of your cat and you'll get the best results so you can show off your photos with the greatest pride.
catch your attention
Avoid forcing your cat to do something he doesn't want to do. Always treat him with great respect and bet on your natural curiosity. You can use toys, treats or even some food to get your attention.
If you want photos where he is quiet but a little attentive, a good time to photograph him will be a few minutes after waking up from your nap. As he woke up a short time ago, he won't be too restless.
It's better to stay at your level
Crouch down and photograph your cat from your height level. A very common mistake is wanting to catch the cat's attention from our height. When we look down, we reduce the cat so much that it's out of proportion to the surrounding landscape. Shooting at your height will increase your cat's chances of looking straight into the camera and being able to shoot a nice portrait.
The focal point must always be in the cat's eyes, this way, it will create positive tension in your photo, ie, more emotion. Out-of-focus eyes are a sign of bad photography. Depending on the frame you choose, make sure you don't cut off your friend's ears, paws or tail in the photo.
the right time
If you want to take spectacular photos, you must have the camera with you at all times. You more spontaneous moments they will always be the most beautiful and interesting. Be patient, it may take time, but this "decisive moment" will surely come. Your cat won't be waiting for you to get the perfect shot, and it's unlikely that he'll behave the same way more than once. Keep an eye out, but don't live thinking about it either.
It is best to learn to know your cat's personality and behaviors. Try to photograph him simply being him, the photograph will be even more personal. Once you're upright, lying down the way you want or jumping, it's time to shoot.
The best time to photograph your cat is at dusk. The light is softer, so the shadows on your face and skin will be much smaller. Natural light is always the best option, especially when your cat is taking a walk on grass or climbing trees.
Not a cartoon character
Remember that your cat is not an animated comic character. cats are elegant and graceful creatures, so avoid the costumes and ridiculous disguises or makeup. Don't force him into poses that are not his own. Try to do fun and quirky things with your cat, but always emphasize its feline attitudes and qualities.
Another factor that can turn them into weird characters is red eyes. Flash light bounces off the top of the cat's eyes and reflects off the lens. How to eliminate this? The best option is avoid the flash fully and use more natural light or artificial light that is available locally.
Other advice
- Try using different angles but be aware of your cat's good and bad angles. If sitting up looks a bit wider, then picking it up while you're stretched out or when you're standing is probably the best option. Try your profiles, they will be great for sure.
- capture the contrast between your cat and the background. If your cat is black, it would look great in front of a stark white wall, and it's a good opportunity to try out the black and white technique.
- Speaking of scenery, don't forget about it either, use it to your advantage. Frame your feline in a beautiful background and expressive. It will help give a little depth to the photo.
- If you want to photograph your cat while it's running or jumping, don't feed it first. It can hurt you.
- Among the most beautiful moments to photograph cats is nap time. You'll see how your cat has more tender and curious postures, perfect for freezing in a photo. However, be careful not to make any noise, your cat may appear to be sleeping very deeply, but at the slightest noise it will wake up.
