How to best photograph cats
Veterinarian and photographer Chris Brown reveals five tricks he uses to better photograph cats.
Cats are mysterious and self-sufficient, making taking a good photo of them challenging. They act on their own desires, failing to meet their owners' expectations.
Renowned Australian veterinarian and animal photography expert Chris Brown reveals the details to consider when trying to capture a great photo of your cat.
Brown is famous in Australia not only for his role in the hit series "Vondi Vet," which has enjoyed great success since 2009, but also as an animal photographer. Brown has photographed numerous animals around the world, from bears in Canada to alpacas in Ecuador.
"There's a reason why cat videos are always a hit on YouTube. People generally know that cats are incredibly attractive, but filming them is incredibly difficult, a real challenge. But if you succeed, it's a huge moral reward, much greater than filming dogs," Brown explains.
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Revealing your cat's personality
The key is to understand that when trying to photograph a cat, you're arguing with an animal with a strong personality. With dogs, this task is easier; it's easy to call the animal and pose it for the photo you want. Cat owners, however, know that doing the same with their pets is no easy task. You won't be able to pose your kitty for a photo, no matter how hard you try.
To get a good photo, it's worth being a bit of a "scout." Accompany your cats as they explore. Drop to the floor if necessary and crawl on all fours after your pet. Occasionally, your cat will stop, take a rest, or something similar, and will likely look in your direction. Be patient and prepared to capture this moment on camera.
Don't force the pussy
You often have an idea for a future photo of your pet that you really want to bring to life. Some people wait to photograph cats while they're playing ball, but this often leads to failure. You'll never get a good photo if you expect your cat to do exactly what you want. You need to focus and accept that cats can come up with something spontaneous.
Check the lighting
Lighting is crucial to appreciate a cat's most striking feature: its captivating eyes. Its pupils can reveal a lot about its mood and help you choose the right moment for a photo. Cats in a good mood typically have wide-open eyes and dilated pupils. A good foreground, highlighting a cat's eyes, is the perfect moment to capture your pet in a photograph.
If the animal is sleepy or relaxed, its eyes will be more closed. When cats' eyes are barely open, they may appear distant and slightly cold, as if they're not in the same place as you. Cats with dilated pupils appear a little crazy. Finding a middle ground is best. Everything may be a bit of a rivalry with your cat, but you'll get a lot of emotional compensation for it.
After rest
This is undoubtedly the best moment of the day, although there's a lot of trial and error involved. If cats want to stay asleep, there's no chance of waking them up, no matter how much entertainment you offer them. If cats no longer want to sleep, they'll settle into this middle ground. When a cat wakes up, it's a good opportunity to get their attention. But don't rush or force them.
Get down to the cat's eye level
Don't be afraid to lie down on the floor. The more you move around, the more interesting you become to the cat. The cat will be attracted by the soft sounds of your movements. Take advantage of this opportunity to lower yourself to eye level and do something that earns her attention. And then you'll get that photo you've been craving.
Translation by O. V. Ryndina
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