Cats are awesome and fun. And if you ask me, they can be darn difficult to photograph. In this video, Josh Fenn and his four-legged model Wolfie show you five quick tips for taking better photos of cats, with any camera and in any conditions.
1. Use a fast shutter speed
Cats move really fast, and if you want to capture their play in a sharp and crisp image, shoot at fast shutter speeds. Josh aims to shoot at 1/1000s, and recommends a minimum of 1/500s. In case you don’t photograph a kitty in play, but want to take photos while it’s asleep, you can go lower than that.
He’s so calm when he sleeps, I can shoot at 1/30s : )
2. Use enough light
If you’re shooting at a fast shutter speed, you’ll need enough light. Josh suggests you utilize a natural window light and direct your cat towards that part of the room when you want to take photos.
3. Use a zoom or a telephoto lens
Using a zoom or a telephoto lens allows you to step back and capture the action without interrupting your cat. The lenses with longer focal length will also give the cat a nice separation from the background. Josh points out that even if you shoot with a smartphone, many newer models have two options when it comes to focal length.
4. Shoot at the cat’s eye level
Many cat photos are taken from above, as us humans are taller than our precious pets. So, get down to the cat’s level and bring your four-legged subject closer to the viewer.
5. Capture the action
Cats are awesome and fun, and watching them play or hunt makes me think that they’re even slightly crazy. : ) Try capturing these moments when the cat is in the middle of the play and freeze the action. All of the above tips will help you get splendid photos: use a fast shutter speed, enough light, a long lens and shoot at the cat’s eye level.
Cat lovers out there, do you take photos of your four-legged friends? Do you have any tips and tricks to share? You can also share photos you took, I’m pretty crazy about cats. : )
[CAT PHOTOGRAPHY 101 via FStoppers]
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