Tips on Taking Cat Photos

Creative Ways for Getting Great Shots

Oct 7, 2008 Denise Oliveri

Cats and kittens are so adorable that they just beg to have their pictures taken. But it isn't easy to get good photos of them. Here are some tips to help.

Cats are a special part of your family. Some of them love to sit on your lap for hours on end, while others disappear all day. Because your cat has a unique personality, it is no wonder you want to capture that on film. But, taking pictures of cats is hard, as they do not always want to cooperate. If you can get them, cats make wonderful portraits.

Natural light is important when taking photos of cats. Make use of this by taking his picture at his favorite window or outside in his natural habitat. These places generally make the best photos.

Here, Kitty, Kitty: Getting Your Cat to Pose

You can call your cat until the cows come home, but if he does not want to come, he won't. He may not even respond to "sit" or stay" when you place him in the position that you want to use for a photo. You will need to take photos on his terms, not yours, so patience here is a virtue.

Here are some tips for great shots:

Practice taking close-up pictures while your cat is asleep.
Take pictures of your cat acting naturally.
Use his favorite toy to entice him to pose.
Try bribing your cat with his favorite treat for a pose.
Take lots and lots of photos so you can choose the best shots to keep and frame.

Ideas for Creative Cat Photos

To practice getting close-up shots, try taking photos of your cat sleeping. Sometimes they sleep in strange positions, and getting this on film would make a great memory. Get down on your cat's level by lying on the floor and aiming the lens from this position. This makes for great pictures.

You can always take pictures from a distance and get the whole cat. Then you can crop the photo on your computer (using a digital camera) to make your cat appear closer. This will help you get some of the details in view.

Cats can be very expressive in their facial features. Have another family member play with your cat while you get some great photos. You will be simply amazed at the cute shots you can capture this way.

Get your cat off the ground and onto a chair or table. Use props to make a creative shot. Find something interesting in your home and place it near the cat. You can even get shots of your cat on his scratching pole.

If your cat is an indoor cat, be sure and use the natural light. Cats do not like the flashes. A sunroom or a room with several windows works well for this purpose.

Make a weird noise to capture your cat's attention. Avoid a loud noise, though, or he may run away. The cat will most likely give you a cute expression of curiosity.

The main thing to remember is patience, patience, and more patience. Your cat will run away or not look at you. He may turn his head just as you click that perfect shot. If you get mad and upset, it's contagious, and your cat may run off. If this happens, give up for a while and try again later. Just have fun with it, and enjoy your cat.

The copyright of the article Tips on Taking Cat Photos in Cats is owned by Denise Oliveri. Permission to republish Tips on Taking Cat Photos in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Cat Closeup Photo