The Majesty of Cat Photos
If the internet has taught us anything, it is that people love photographs of cats. Sometimes other animals get a look in, but there’s no denying that when it comes online photos of cute animals, the cats take the crown. Here at the Camera Exchange Store, we can’t quite put our finger on what it is about cats that makes them beloved by all online. Perhaps it’s their inherent cuteness, their snooty aloofness or maybe even something altogether more sinister. A cat conspiracy? Possible, but it’s probably more likely to be their expressive nature, making them the perfect canvas for anthropomorphising (attributing human characteristics to non-human things, basically how Walt Disney made his stack).
If the cats are here to stay, then it’s only natural that any budding photographer will want to get in on the action and take some cat photos of their own. So here it is, the Camera Exchange Store’s guide to cat photos!
Keep your camera on you at all times!
Cats are unpredictable. They’re not going to wait around whilst you take light readings and carefully frame a shot. The first and foremost rule of the accomplished cat photographer is to have your camera handy. You can never be sure when you’re going to catch your cat doing something funny or cute, so always be prepared to capture the moment.
Curiosity…
Apparently, curiosity killed the cat. But, for a photographer a cat’s natural curiosity can easily be exploited to get your subject’s attention. Throw some small pebbles at the spot you want your cat to be, they’ll usually investigate the noise and movement. Want the cat to look at you and the camera? Rustle some material or paper, ring a small bell, your cat won’t be able to resist having a look.
Of course, if all else fails treats are definitely a good way to go about getting your cat’s attention.
Avoid using a flash.
Most cats will probably find a flash going off in their face extremely perturbing and you may end up being. Not only that, but the flash photography makes a cat’s eyes look very unusual and almost demonic. Perhaps, a reflection of their true nature? Who knows? What we do know is that it is best to photograph your cat during the day. Make the most of the natural light.
Get down low.
If you get down to the cat’s level, then you’re likely to produce a photograph with a much nicer composition. Who wants to see a photo taken from above, your feet in shot with the cat looking indifferently at something in the distance? You may feel a little ridiculous or uncomfortable lying down on your front or crawling about on your hands and knees, but by getting down to eye level with your cat, you’ll take a better photograph.
Have Patience!
We really cannot overemphasise the need for patience when it comes to photographing cats, or any animals for that matter. All animals, cats especially, can be unpredictable, so you’ll have to accept that fact that not every photo you take will be brilliant Don’t try and force a good photo, let it happen naturally, the end result will be worth the investment of your time. Plus, by trying to force your cat to do something they don’t want to go you’re likely to agitate it, which of course isn’t good for the cat, but also isn’t good for you. Claws, remember?
Well there you have it, five tips that should help you to get a great photograph of your pet cat. Working with animals is never easy, but with enough trial and error you will eventually get an excellent shot. You never know, your picture may be good enough to make a Buzzfeed cat countdown…!
We certainly hope you enjoyed this blog, which certainly wasn’t just an excuse to post photographs of cats that we like. Check out the rest of the blogs on our site were you’ll find plenty of great tips, advice and news about the photography. Also, if you’ve got got old cameras and photography equipment lying around doing nothing, then why not give us a call on 0208 371 4179? We’ll get a quote to you within two hours!
