Taking Better Pictures of Your Cat (3)

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

18 Aug 2007 09:27 AM

We've discussed three tips already that will help with better photographs of your cat, but there are still a few more to talk about. Cats are harder than other animals to photograph, only because of their independent nature, and the fact that they tend to not enjoy cooperating much. Not to say that all cats are that way, but in my experience they just tend to be more difficult than other animals to photograph.

So what else can you do besides avoiding use of the flash, good lighting, and getting down to their eye level.

Avoid Treats, Use Toys

Toys make a much better solution to capturing your cats attention. Usually food or treats make them leave their position to come and get the snacks. Using a squeaky toy, or another type that makes noise (my favorite is a crinkling toy) is the answer to getting their attention and keeping it.

Use Back Drops

Even just a piece of poster board is perfect. However, sheets draped over the background work well too. Use a lighter color for a darker cat, and a darker color for a lighter cat. It would help to use special lighting (discussed in Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (2) to get the desired lighting effects. The photographs you take with a back drop is going to look far more professional than just snapping a picture of your cat on the floor or couch.

Fun With Props

You might try to get your cat interested in a toy or another object and begin just snapping photographs. The power of digital is great for this, as you don't waste any film! Cats love string, shiny things, lights and other items, and getting your cat interacting can be not only entertaining to watch, but you might just capture the perfect shot. In fact, my other favorite photograph of my cat Maple, was when she found a cardboard box (she loves all boxes and bags!). She took her toy inside it and was playing for nearly a half hour in the box until I had the common sense to grab the camera finally. Be sure to use toys, string, bags or boxes to keep kitty entertained and you should get some hysterical, yet perfect shots.

More great articles on working with your cat, see:

Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (1)

Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (2)

Taking Better Photographs of Your Cat (3)

Tips and Techniques for Photographing Your Cat

Coming next week, a special series on photographing your dog, with a special surprise from me!

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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