DIY Pet Portraits: Tips for Photographing Your Cat Like a Pro

Capturing your feline friend’s essence in a photograph can be a challenging experience, and we do love to try. Cats are independent creatures, and yet it’s their charming unpredictability that makes them such delightful subjects when we do get that one-in-a-hundred magical shot. Whether you’re looking to snap a picture worthy of a frame or just want to up your Instagram game, here are expert tips to photograph your cat like a pro.

1. Embrace Natural Lighting

Natural light is your best friend when photographing cats. Take advantage of natural light by positioning your cat near a window or in a softly lit outdoor space. Or to avoid frustration, simply wait for your cat to settle in the ideally lit spot. You can use the flash function, but this may blow out the cat’s eyes on the photo, giving them a rather demented look as well as creating shadows. Natural light creates soft, flattering tones. Early morning or late afternoon sunshine (called the ‘golden hour’ by pro photographers) casts rich, warm lighting that’s ideal for lifting your photo to new levels.

2. Focus on the Eyes

A cat’s eyes are captivating and often the focal point of a great photo. Ensure the eyes are in sharp focus to create an engaging and memorable image. If using a DSLR rather than a camera phone (actual cameras are still a thing), you could use a fast shutter speed to minimise blur if you’re expecting the cat to be moving. I personally prefer to time my shots to coincide with the cat’s tempo. If you really want to make your cat’s eyes ‘pop’, use a shallow depth of field and focus on the colour area around the pupil. If using a camera phone, adjust the shooting mode to portrait as this will have the same outcome.

3. Get Down to Their Level

Perspective matters. Shooting from your cat’s eye level or even below can create a sense of intimacy and authenticity. By shooting from their level, you capture them as they truly are. Avoid hovering above them unless you’ve got a particular composition in mind.

4. Use Toys and Treats

Cats have short attention spans, but you can hold their gaze with a favourite toy or treat. Dangle a feather wand or gently crinkle a bag to get their attention and elicit an adorable expression. This works wonders when trying to capture that iconic "alert ears and wide eyes" look. Be warned, timing is critical here, so be patient. If it doesn’t come together, take a breath and come back to it another time.

5. Experiment with Backgrounds

Keep the focus on your cat by choosing uncluttered backgrounds. In photography terms, this is called house cleaning. Remove clutter before you shoot rather than trying to dodge it or crop it out. For the background, neutral tones or simple textures work best to highlight unique fir colour and patterns. If you’re feeling creative, use a blanket, sheet or even a large jacket to create a studio-like setting.

6. Patience is Key

As mentioned earlier, cats aren’t typically ones to pose on command, so patience is essential. Allow them to move around and get comfortable while you wait for the perfect moment. Unleash your inner paparazzi  and snap quickly when they strike that winning pose.

7. Try Different Angles

Experiment with angles to showcase your cat’s personality. A close-up of their whiskers, a shot of their paw mid-stretch, or even a playful upside-down pose can result in charming and unique portraits.