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Catching Those Purrfect Moments
Patience is the number one tool when it comes to cat photography!
http://www.thecatconnection.com
by Cat Connection
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have your camera with you at those fantastic times when your favorite furry friend is doing something extraordinary? Cat photography can be exhausting. The challenge is to keep up with them and catch them at their best moments.
Here are some handy tips to help you capture that special moment.
• Keep notes. Record your cat's habits, your camera settings, type of film used, everything. You can refer to it continually to help improve each shot and it will help you anticipate your cat's next move.
• Look for a comfortable environment. Your cat will be more alert and interested in things around her if she is in a familiar part of the house or the garden.
• Keep your sense of humor. Cats get in all sorts of places! Take advantage of this for some quirky shots and look for comical or unusual situations.
• Fill the frame. Try to make your cat as big as possible so you see more of her and less of the background.
• See eye to eye. Get your camera down on their level or bring them up to the camera level.
• Add some contrast. Try and find a background that contrasts with the color of your cat.
• Shoot multiple shots. A couple of winners out of an entire role is all even a professional photographer can expect.
• Set the pose. Take advantage of your cats eyes and ears. Use a squeaky toy behind the camera to attract her attention.
• Use available light whenever possible. Avoid the flash, as this can unsettle your cat and give a "green eye" effect (feline version of "red-eye") unless they have blue eyes. This is caused by the intense light from a flash close to the camera lens reflecting back from the eye — much like when you take a flash picture directly into a mirror or glass window. If your flash can be removed from the camera, move the flash to the side or high above the camera and slightly at an angle. Bounce flash will also give great results for cat photography resulting in that soft lighting that enhances a cuddly cat or kitten. Taking your shot from an angle, or waiting until your cat’s head is slightly turned will also do the job.
• Think fast. To "Stop" the motion of a jumping or running cat, you will need at least a 1/500 second shutter speed. "Panning" with the action (moving the camera while following your cat's movement) will result in your pet being in clear focus (action stopped) and the background blurred — this can be a very effective tool for cat photography.
Good Luck!
ENTER NOW AND YOUR CAT COULD BE A STAR!
If you or someone you know is interested in entering Cat Connection's monthly photo contest, pleaseclick here for more details.
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Keep your eye on the birdie!
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