Take Amazing Photographs of Your Cat

By Kristin Bailey Murphy

Wouldn't it be nice to have your own professional photographer on standby, just waiting to take the perfect shots of your cat stretching, playing, or even curling up in your lap? Even if you're not a pro shutterbug, it turns out you can still take professional-style photos of your feline friend. So grab your camera and snap up these picture-perfect ideas from New York City-based professional pet photographer Steven Fromewick.  

Purr-fect Portraits
A portrait is a unique way to record the stages of your cat's life. Cynthia Smith, a 40-year-old White Plains, New York native takes portraits of her two cats every year. "I frame the pictures and display them on the piano alongside the ones of my kids," she says. "I love seeing how they all grow and change."

To take frame-worthy portraits of your cat, try these tips. First, visualize the final shot. Will your cat be in its favorite napping spot? Will it be posing with its favorite toy or sitting on someone's lap? Next, create an attractive, uncluttered setting. "Sometimes you have  to move furniture and hang sheets to  create a clean background for the picture," says Fromewick. "If you want to take a picture of your cat in its favorite chair but the chair is in front of a messy bookshelf, slide the chair out of the way."

Lighting is another important consideration. Portraits are best when taken in a controlled, indoor environment. Fromewick suggests positioning your cat next to a window or in an enclosed porch to take advantage of the ideal natural light. "Early morning and late afternoon sunlight is the most flattering," he says.  At other times, make sure to use a flash so the picture doesn't come out too dark. 

With the background and lighting in place, it's time for the photo shoot. After giving your cat's coat a gentle brushing -- which relaxes and primps your subject at the same time -- place it in the setting. As you operate the camera,  a friend or family member sits near the cat and works to focus its attention. "The friend directs a laser pointer right above your head, and the cat's eyes will almost be directly on you while you get the shot," Fromewick says. Use a tripod to cut down on camera-shake, and set your camera on portrait mode, which provides a wider aperture (aperture refers to how large your camera's "eye" opens), and a shorter depth of field (your cat will be the main focus as opposed to its surroundings). "And if your cat doesn't cooperate, don't get discouraged," Fromewick says. "The best shots come with a lot of patience." 

Awesome Action Shots
Whether it's chasing a butterfly, batting at a shoestring, or jumping from one high perch to another, a cat on the move can be a challenge to capture. Your two biggest obstacles will be blurriness, and getting the best shot. It's not unlike being a sports photographer. First, set your camera to action mode, which will increase the shutter speed and cut down on blurriness. Next, prefocus your shot. "Action shots require planning, says Fromewick. "You need to figure out which location will result in the best picture and prefocus on that area." To do this, put your camera on a tripod and in position. If your camera has a flash, use it. Extra light will help to catch your cat in mid-action. Fromewick suggests using the laser pointer to guide your cat through the action.

When it comes to the cat's action-shot environment, less is more. Even though the camera is set to focus on the cat, you'll get a higher quality picture with fewer distractions in the background. And if you choose to take action shots outdoors with natural light, be sure the environment is a safe one for your cat.

Super Snapshots
Spontaneous moments often result in the best photographs. Fromewick suggests trying to capture special characteristics or behaviors of your cat. For example, maybe your cat loves drinking from a dripping faucet, or napping on the open newspaper when you are trying to read. The trick to getting great snapshots is to always be on stand by. "It's important to have your camera ready to go at a moment's notice," Says Fromewick. By keeping your camera set on its automatic mode, you'll be more likely to catch those special, unexpected moments.

Steve Lake, a 37-year-old cat owner in Los Angeles, Calif., is a regular shutterbug in his home. "The best pictures of my Siamese cat Jarvis have been taken when he's mischievous and exploring the house," says Steve. "I've taken some great shots of him maneuvering his way along the mantel and playing inside a paper bag."

Even though candid shots are easier to pull off than portraits and action shots, it's still important to make sure the background doesn't include unwanted distractions. "If you take a shot and there's a person's leg in it, your eye will be drawn to the leg instead of the cat," explains Fromewick. Another thing to consider is the angle at which you take the photo. "The best shot is getting down on the cat's level," says Fromewick. "If that's not possible, bring the animal up to yours." Close-ups are also a good way to add humor and fun to a snapshot.

Dynamic Display
You already know how to put your photographs in a frame or a photo album, but there are other creative display options, as well. You can have a photo transferred onto a mug, calendar, blanket or even jewelry. You can publish a collection of your photos in a custom hardcover book. And you can even display your cat's image on a postage stamp, or turn it into a Warhol-inspired canvas wall hanging.