Photographing your cat doesn't have to be complicated

You really don't have to be a expert photographer to take great photos of your cat.  With a little time, patience, and a good camera, anyone can take amazing pictures of their favorite feline companion. I personally, am no photography expert and have no training, and still had no problem taking wonderful photographs of my cats.  So please don't feel intimidated into thinking that you need expensive equipment, and classes, to take great pictures. Although, classes are a great way to learn more, and having a expensive high quality camera can help, it is not required. There have been fantastic photos taken with very inexpensive cameras, with little to no experience.


 I personally, love taking photos of my cats, and I prefer using digital cameras over film. My two cameras that I use regularly are my Kodak Easyshare C180, and my Fujifilm Finepix S3100. The Kodak is a 10.2 MP and the Fujifilm is 4.0 MP (MP = Megapixel).  In my opinion, it's just easier to take a quick shot here and there. Also, given the choice of memory cards available for these type of cameras, it allows you to take hundreds to thousands of shots, depending on the card size.. Also, the convenience of being able to see the results of a shot instantly, and retake a shot if necessary, is just one of the best features this type of camera offers.

Key items and info you will need to get started:


1, A Digital Camera - The higher the megapixels, the better. Higher megapixels generally means better resolution and better photographs. Keep in kind though, you can still get great shot with a lower megapixel camera, however I don't recommend using one under 4.0 MP.

2. Memory Card / Cards - There are a wide variety of them out there in different sizes and types. The size you choose and how many you get is totally up to you. Myself I prefer having one loaded into the camera and one as a spare. Also, the most popular type card out there is the SD memory card. (Unlike my first digital camera, the Fujifilm, which takes a XD that is hard to find) So please keep this in mind when shopping for a camera / card.

3. Rechargeable Batteries and Charger - A digital camera will drain regular batteries very quickly ( even more quickly when using the flash on shots), so it a must to get rechargeable batteries. I recommend having a spare set fully charged on hand in case you are taking a lot of shots.

4. A Computer / Printer / Storage Device - You are going to have all of these wonderful pictures, so you are going to want to store them, edit them, or print them.

5. A Cat / Cats (of course!) - What would cat photography be without the cat? Whether they are your own or you simply love cats, taking photos of them can be a great experience. Capturing a moment of play , documenting their growth from kittenhood, or just catch a spur of the moment shot, can result in truly fantastic photos. Just make sure it's done safely, and don't put a cat in, or allow a cat to engage in a dangerous activity to get the picture.

Now that you have everything you need, the rest is simple. You simply start taking photos! Casually follow your cat on their daily activities and try taking a few photos. Also, you can try enticing your cat to play, to get a few action shots. You can try taking some stealthy shots too, when the cat is unaware you are looking. Be sure and try different camera settings, taking photos in different lighting, etc. A majority of the techniques developed out there, began with a person, a camera, and them experimenting with different settings and light. So don't be afraid to give it a try.

If after awhile, you decide you'd like to refine your skills and learn more, by all means go out and seek out as much knowledge as you desire. Just remember, even though it can be a great asset, it's really not required. Also, don't be afraid to use photo software such as Photoshop. There are many versions of paid and free photo editing softwares that you can try, that can help you get really creative.  One last tip though, make sure you work with copies and save all originals. You don't want to risk losing that photo!

Having said that, what are you waiting for? Go have a great time bonding with your cat, and I hope you take some fantastic pics!