Challenge Yourself to Cat Closeups

Ever wonder why some cat portraits stop you mid-scroll while others feel like just another snapshot? The secret usually isn’t the gear, it’s the distance.

Most owners stay back out of habit, capturing their cat on the sofa from a safe human viewpoint. But, the magic happens when you break that barrier. The whiskers, the texture of fur, the quiet soul of a feline can be found in the intimate, nose-to-lens closeups that demand a smile.

As a photographer, I’ve realised that if you want to capture a different view of your cat’s personality, you have to stop spectating from the other side of the room. You need to lean in, get on their level, and get close. That’s where the magic lives.

What is a Closeup?

First, let me define what I mean by a closeup.

For this post, a closeup means full face, filling or the frame or almost, with few distractions to let the human’s eye wander from the cat. Here’s Tigger, showing what I mean. His face fills the frame, there is a catchlight in his eye. That tiny gleam gives your capture vibrancy and a portrait full of life.

In photography, a catchlight is a gleam of light, that is reflected in the eyes of people or animals.

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Your Camera is Your Best Friend

To improve your cat photography, start by mastering your camera’s essential settings. You don’t need to know every technical detail, but you should understand how you can:

• Adjust Exposure so you get good light (ISO)
• Select the right size for your final image (print vs. social media), and
• Choose a Shutter Speed or Sport Mode to capture movement.

Pointing and shooting with hope doesn’t always work. Get the basic settings you choose right, as much as you can, in the camera before you take any photos. Here are a few quick camera tips:

• Smartphones can do amazing things when you explore their menus. Explore fearlessly.
• DSLR/Mirrorless cameras have more complex menus you should investigate. Take your time.
• Find your camera’s Burst mode or ‘Continuous Focus‘ setting to grab shots of cats in motion, even in close up.
• Check online teaching videos or blog posts about your camera. I will not reinvent the wheel when the web is full of How-To’s for your camera all created by people ready to inspire you.
• Finally! Keep your camera lens clean.

Tips For Good Cat Closeups

Composition and Background

First a simple tip to make every cat photograph better.

Keep your background simple and uncluttered (if you can). People’s eyes get distracted by toys in the background, patterned curtains or a cushion. If you have no choice but to work in a busy environment try these ideas:

• Smartphones have ‘portrait mode’. If you have to move further away for the mode to work, you can crop out the surrounding photo to focus on your cat later on. Snapseed is constantly evolving with new tricks, and both Google Play and the Apple App Store have smartphone apps also allow you to add soft focus edges. You choose which one appeals to you.

• DSLR/Mirrorless cameras can change their depth of field to introduce soft focus around your cat. This is called bokeh. Experiment starting with an f-stop around f2.5 to f 5.6 – depending on your camera and lens.

Change your Altitude

Standing, crouching or even lying down will take you to cat-level. You capture a closer more intimate shot that focuses attention totally on your cat. If you end up on the ground, stay there and hang out with your cat for a while. Who knows, you might get a perfect opportunity for a different fun shot. This is what happened with my capture of Motley (below).

If your cat comes up to your eye level on a cat tree or a window ledge, grab your camera for a super easy and fun closeup win.

Focus on The Eyes

There is a reason every single cat photography post will have this on their ‘must do’ list.

We, as humans, look at the eyes of an image first, then the rest of the picture. I have found that when I look at a cat portrait, a sharply focused eye draws my attention, and keeps it.

Clear and sharp focus on your cat’s eye(s) is a priority and capturing your cat looking at the camera will ensure your shot’s success. Tap your smartphone screen to focus where you need to. DSLR cameras often have an ‘animal setting’ that does the finding for you.

The “why” of this .. may be as simple as the adage about eyes being the window to the soul ……. but the eyes are our most visually expressive tool. 

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Lighting is Key

If you can can use natural light this is a great idea. Natural light is softer and kinder to a portrait of any kind. It is more flattering than a harsh flash which will give you unfriendly shadows and an artificial ‘feel’ to your cat photo.

• Experts can use a flash much more skillfully that we ordinary cat photographers. I have discussed fill-flash and used it successfully, but would strongly advise further research if you want to use flash correctly for cat portraits.

OK, I know that not everyone has access to natural light and this can be a challenge for cat closeups. Rather than flash though, you might want to invest in a small soft box or an adjustable light that clips to your camera – these can be adjusted from ‘gently dim to ‘dazzlingly bright’. Both gadgets will give you a flattering light, and you will find one to fit your taste and budget online.

• For a good idea of how successful a soft box can be, check out our friend Ellie-Mae and her lovely portraits. Dark fur subtly lit to perfection.

Be Patient, Be Calm

Your portrait might, if you are lucky, fall into your lap like this image of senior boy Jack. He faced the sun I raised my camera and took a shot. It is slightly over exposed in small areas but, to me, it is a deeply satisfying closeup of a cat I love.

But, for every lucky shot like Jack’s there are times you will need to be ready to capture your unpredictable cat and grab that fleeting moment before it slips away. To increase your chance of success have your camera set up with your favourite settings. Mine is often ISO 200 and Aperture Priority, you may prefer automatic – P on your camera dial.

A couple of settings ready to go means you turn on your camera ready to capture what could be a really special moment.

Stubborn Cat Tips

Some cats treat a camera lens like a personal insult, they spend their time looking anywhere but at you. When your subject is this uncooperative, it’s time for some psychological warfare.

Outsmart them by keeping your distance and zoom in from across the room so they don’t feel ‘hunted.’ Support your camera if you want to use digital zoom as this avoids camera shake. Rest your camera on a firm surface or lean against a wall or door frame. Then try a few practice shots make sure you have the right lighting and angle before your moody model model decides the photo shoot is over.

Other ideas of a sneaky nature

Maybe you need to take a shot with your cat on your lap? Angles make for fun shots, and crooked shots can capture some real real magic! Move your camera quietly, try every angle, no matter how crazy it seems.

Does your cat have a weakness for treats? Do they react to a rustling packet sound? Do they love a Churu or Puree Kiss? When they look up and alert for their delicious treat – grab the shot! Remember you can trim and edit later.

Cat Closeup Takeaways

Don’t get overwhelmed thinking you can’t capture a fantastic closeup of your cat. If you slowly build confidence with your camera you will be ready for that closeup shot. Just remember:

• Focus on your cat’s eye
• Try for natural light or a gentle indoor light
• Get down, or up, at cat level.
• Be patient and have a lot of FUN!

Now. Go plot and plan that closeup cat shot ready to take our breaths away!