Getting a professional Photo Of Cat is a wonderful way to celebrate your feline friend. While it might seem straightforward, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a successful and enjoyable photoshoot for both you and your cat. Here’s what you need to consider when planning a professional photo of cat session.
Location, Location, Location: Choosing the Right Spot for Your Cat’s Photo Shoot
One of the first decisions is where the photo of cat session will take place. For many cat parents, our feline companions are homebodies, only venturing out for essential vet visits. Deciding whether to bring your cat to a different location for their photoshoot hinges entirely on your cat’s personality.
Think about your cat’s travel habits. Is getting them into a carrier a breeze, or does it resemble a wrestling match? Are they calm during car rides and adaptable to new environments, or do they become stressed and anxious in unfamiliar places? Prioritize your cat’s comfort and enjoyment when making this decision. The goal is to capture beautiful photos of cat, not to create a stressful experience.
Some cats are surprisingly adventurous! I’ve encountered clients whose cats happily travel in spaceship-style backpacks, observing the world through the clear dome. Others arrive at the studio on a leash and harness, ready for anything. Some even thrive in outdoor settings, making a park photoshoot a fun option.
However, for cats who are more attached to their familiar surroundings, a home session is often the best choice for a photo of cat. But consider how your cat reacts to visitors. Are they curious and welcoming, or do they disappear under the furniture at the sight of a new person? Be realistic about your cat’s behavior. Remember, we can only photograph what your cat is willing to do. Even the most potent catnip might not coax an extremely fearful cat into posing for a photo of cat. For cats who are comfortable, a photoshoot can be a delightful experience.
If you appreciate the aesthetic of studio photos of cat but your feline friend is a homebody, there’s a fantastic compromise. I can bring a portable studio setup to your home. With a backdrop and professional lighting, we can create studio-quality photos of cat in the comfort of their own environment. This allows for both classic studio portraits and relaxed “lifestyle” images within the same session. All we need is a small area, about 6 to 10 feet square, to set up a mini-studio. This approach ensures a much more relaxed and cooperative cat, leading to stunning photos of cat.
Theo beautifully demonstrates the success of an in-home mini-studio setup for a photo of cat:
Theo posing for a professional photo of cat session in a home studio setup
Toys, Comfort Items, and Tempting Treats: Essential Props for Your Photo of Cat Session
Toys, beds, and treats are invaluable tools for a successful photo of cat session. If your cat is playful, absolutely bring their favorite toys! Capturing cats in action – pouncing, swatting, and leaping for toys – results in dynamic and engaging photos of cat. Especially in a studio setting, we can utilize professional lighting to freeze those fleeting, action-packed moments for truly striking shots.
Feather wands and other lure toys are ideal. Toys on a wand allow you to stand back and direct your cat’s gaze, helping to create perfect compositions for your photo of cat. Crinkle balls and jingle toys are excellent for subtly capturing their attention and encouraging eye contact with the camera. While some cats enjoy chasing balls or plush toys, wand toys that can be pulled upwards are generally more effective for getting those captivating action shots in a photo of cat.
A familiar bed or blanket will provide your cat with a sense of security and comfort during the photoshoot. These items can also serve as charming props in your photos of cat. If you have a few options, select those that complement your cat’s fur color or enhance their eye color for a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing photo of cat.
A cat relaxing on a blanket with toys around, perfect for a comfortable photo of cat session
Catnip can be a game-changer for cat photography, for cats that respond to it. It can help them relax (or sometimes energize them in a playful way), often leading to adorable rolling-around poses that are perfect for capturing in a photo of cat. If you prefer to avoid loose catnip scattering and sticking to their fur, liquid catnip spray is a great alternative. Simply spray it on their toys or bed to entice them with the scent.
While stressed cats might refuse treats, it’s always wise to have their favorite snacks on hand for the session. Squeezable gel treats are often very effective, or even small amounts of tuna, chicken, or wet cat food. Wet, smelly food tends to be more enticing than dry treats, but be prepared for potential mess and bring wipes to clean your hands. Treats can be a great way to reward cooperation and capture positive expressions in your photo of cat.
Fabric Finesse: Keeping Fur at Bay for Flawless Cat Photos
Unless you own a hairless breed, your cat probably sheds – often quite profusely! When preparing their favorite bed or blanket for the photoshoot, take a moment to remove any loose fur. Similarly, keep a sticky lint roller handy for your own clothing, or choose outfits made from fabrics that don’t readily attract cat hair. These small details will make a significant difference in the polished look of your final photos of cat.
Practice Makes Purr-fect Posing: Holding Your Cat for Connection Photos
Images that showcase the loving bond between you and your pet are incredibly precious. If your cat tolerates being held, incorporating this into the photoshoot is a beautiful way to express your relationship in a photo of cat. However, if your cat absolutely dislikes being held, it’s best not to force it.
If your cat is amenable to being held, practice different holding positions beforehand. Try paws over your shoulder, sitting on your lap, or cradled against your chest with paws resting on your forearm. Practice in front of a mirror to see what feels comfortable and looks natural for both of you. I can guide you on posing for flattering photos of cat, but starting with a comfortable and natural position is crucial.
A cat owner holding their cat affectionately, demonstrating posing ideas for a photo of cat session
If your cat prefers their personal space, we can still capture a close connection. We can photograph your cat sitting or lying on their bed or furniture, with you close by for gentle pets, head bumps, or kisses. If even close contact is too much for your feline friend, chin scratches are almost universally loved by cats. We can capture their blissful expression with your hand in the frame, creating a tender photo of cat. Depending on your cat’s personality and your relationship, even playfully capturing a moment of them “rejecting” your affection can be a fun and relatable photo of cat! 😽
Relax, Embrace the Chaos, and Enjoy Your Cat Photo Session!
Ultimately, cats will be cats. They won’t always follow instructions, and that’s part of their unique charm! Approach your photo of cat session with realistic expectations, an open mind, and a relaxed attitude. Having a stranger (like me!) point a big camera in their face is an unusual event for your cat, and any disruption to their routine can be a bit unsettling. Be patient, understanding, and let them be themselves.
I’m confident that we’ll capture some wonderful photos of cat. And if, in the rare instance, your cat is completely uncooperative and refuses to participate (think hiding under the bed for the entire session!), I will, of course, ensure fairness by refunding your session fee. Spoiler alert: In my experience, this has only happened once!
