Cats are masters of surprise, from unexpected acrobatics like mid-air leaps to those precious moments of pure cat-like curiosity. Either your DSLR/Mirrorless camera or your smartphone is the perfect tool to capture these ‘blink of an eye’ moments so start snapping those captivating ‘phone shots today. Here’s one fun idea to try…..
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A Cat Photo Series
For this, your cat photographs don’t need to be perfect captures, I tried both portrait and landscape shots for practice but a series of consistent shapes really helps to create a more cohesive set in the mind of your viewer.
One important thing I want to share is that if you have an intention to make a record, or preserve a set of memories – a plan helps keep you on track.
Think Beyond One Shot
I want to encourage you to think beyond the ‘single shot‘ that captures a moment to a series of images that tell a story or set a scene for some cat fun. What that fun is depends on your cat’s personality or attitude to the camera. This set with Thomas is a perfect example of a set coming together really quickly.
Setting up Your Series
This set of images are from an evening walk in the garden. I went to check the progress of the trees we have planted. The weather has been chilly so I took a quick look to check for frost damage and any new growth on our Cherry tree (planted a couple of months ago).
As you can see, I used both portrait (upright) and landscape (wide) format to see what kind of shot I could get. The landscape shots show a lot more of the bright blue sky while the portrait shots include some of the nearby foliage. Your images might focus in closely, or show background depending on your choice of subject..
Does Camera Orientation Matter?
When you try for a series of shots like these, don’t be afraid to turn your camera on its side to see if you can get a better shot too.
Both orientations work, and can help you find that cool shot.
Focus on Your Cat
Even if you are not going to do a big series of portraits, you still need to do your best to focus your shot.
On an iPhone as well as an Android smartphone, if you tap where you want the camera to focus, choose a cat face or paw, it will focus there, then you can take the shot (keep your camera steady). Many DSLR/Mirrorless cameras have automatic eye focusing capabilities but whatever your camera – aim for a sharp eye.
As I tapped my own screen to focus, Thomas turned towards me and rested his front paws on the fence support looking down at me (which is SO MUCH fun, even if it’s not perfect!) then he looked to his right. This is the kind of opportunity a short series of images can give you.
If I wanted to I could straighten the fence, but I don’t think it matters. It is such a fun shot. What do you think? Will you try a series of portraits now?
What wonderful photos! I especially love the one of Thomas on the fence and the b&w…wow. Stunning!
I did not know I could tap the screen to focus … that might be a game changer for me. Thanks!
It makes life a lot easier when you want to focus on a single area or pet.
Thomas is a great model and I always only take one photo so it is time I try a series also, great post as always
I always focus on taking that “one” picture, but I love your idea of a set. Certainly makes the photos a lot more interesting.
I do think it’s a fun shot! Great tutorial on how every angel matters and how to turn a photo you don’t like as much into a stunning shot. Thomas seems to jump from the screen! What a great model! Another wonderful instructional article, Marjorie! Thank you!
It’s nice to catch a “story” when you can. In fact, i caught one the other day when two shelter cats were trying to catch an anole lizard through the window. The photos aren’t good at all, but they are funny!
Great shots!! Good advice!
Somehow I didn’t know about tapping on the screen for focusing! I have to try that soon.
Thomas is a handsome boy- and quite brave.
Handsum man cat Thomas!
**purrss** BellaDharma an **blowss kissess** BellaSita Mum
Great shots of Thomas. Lovely cat!
lookin my tee hansum thomas frum each N everee angle !!! 🙂 fallz all most heer for uz….springz
just round de korner for ewe ! ♥♥
Yes, our beans are coming up. Peas plabted, stuff is growing.
Wow, just love those pics of Thomas! They really capture those fully engaged expressions cats have when active and exploring! I find those really hard to catch!
Thank you, just the story I was trying to tell Leah!
Love them all. I’m always experimenting with my I-phone, more so now than ever. It used to be I could get down on the ground, twist-n-turn “me”, but that’s harder now (me is older!) so need to put that “work” onto the camera for the different angles and such. THANKS as always for your tips, reminders and lessons, always good and helpful.
Lovely shots! On Android phones there is actually a setting for a series of shots.
Those are delightful! They really do show Thomas’ personality!