Cats have a natural curiosity and love to investigate their surroundings. They can find themselves in some peculiar situations, perfect for any budding photographer. But what do you need to know to get the best photos? Here are a few pointers you might consider when taking photos of your pets.
Firstly, be patient. Chances are, as soon as you go to fetch the camera, your cat will promptly stop whatever they’re doing. If there is a place were they prefer to play (this is usually where your cat feels most relaxed), keep the camera nearby, so that it can be got quite easily when the moment arises. Plus, make sure you have enough film or memory left in the camera, there is nothing worse than to start taking the pictures only to find you’ve only got one picture left in the camera, and that one went wrong!
Secondly, think about the background. If your cat is dark, try not to photograph them against dark backgrounds, and likewise white cats will be hard to distinquish on a light background. Also, avoid messy backgrounds. A background with a lot going on in it will distract the eye from the main feature (your cat!). Many cameras now have an auto focus facility, if there is a lot going on in the picture the camera will have difficulty in focussing on your cat rather than the furniture behind it.
Thirdly, lighting. If you find yourself taking shots indoors, it’s much better do it in natural light, so avoiding the neccessity to use the flash. A flash will cast a very strong directional light that will create hard shadows and the “green eye” effect. If you have the chance to photograph your cat outside, do it early in the morning or evening, strong midday sun can make a picture look ‘flat’ though overcast days will soften hard shadows and make it more conducive for photography.
Lastly, try different angles. Try to avoid taking the shot from your view point, as this is how you see them every day, alternatively take it the level of your cat for a more unusual composition. Also, a toy can be a useful tool to distract your cat and get them to look in the right direction.
Given time, you will eventually get a great looking picture and, once you do, consider using the photo as a reference for a pet portrait artist and have the image transformed into a marvelous oil painting that will be a great reminder of your pet for many years to come.
Post a Comment