Cheap and Free Cat Photo Ideas

Times are tough for so many people these days. Often budgets go on essentials and leave little for pleasure and fun for you, or your cats, and any dreams of improving your cat photography. But, don’t give up. Let’s take look at some of the things you might try while not spending much (or any) money.

Oh and if you have a simple free/fun idea I don’t cover, please share it in the comments and I will add it (and a credit) to this post.

How Well Do You Know Your Camera?

This might not seem a thrilling idea but wait, hear me out.

The quote that knowledge is power applies to your camera as much as it does to ‘real life’. If you just lift your smartphone, point and shoot then you are missing out on valuable skills like Adjusting Exposure, Shooting in RAW (new models) or adding stylish Bokeh (soft background) with a smartphone’s hidden modes. All of these are adjustments that can turn an OK photo into an eye catching image. They are easy to access and fast to use – once you know they are there. check online.

Adding an Overlay for Free

An overlay is an image you add on top of your photo as an extra layer, just like an onion has layers. This photograph of Thomas and Toulouse was taken in summer but I added a layer of silly snow! Any image can be added to, and the images you add as layers can be free from an online site, an image you already own, or one purchased for a few dollars. I used an image of our boy Taz and a starlit sky for the image below.

OK I can see you might wonder how this is done. Let me explain, as it took me a while to grasp the idea of layers but, trust me this is fun. This is a great free project.

• Your first layer is the original photograph you begin with.
• Then you add a layer or two.
• When you add a layer this is added on top of your original image. Each layer will affect what the photo underneath looks like but, but it does not change or damage the original photo. 

To experiment for free there are several fee online editors, or you can use a software package already on your computer such as Paint Shop Pro, GIMP, Photoshop Elements, Or Luminar Neo. The results can be fun and help you build your skills while not spending a penny! I list more free options in my tutorial.

My fun free tutorial post here is a real confidence builder

Take Free Time to Improve Your Skills

Sometimes our lack of results comes from honest to goodness lack of practice. I am struggling a bit with my mirrorless Niko Z50 so, I am going to have to knuckle down and get some confidence by using my camera, not grumbling it ‘doesn’t work’.

Do any of these apply to you?

1. Frustrated with your cat portraits?
2. Lack sharpness or light?
3. Not happy with your composition?

Are your wonderful cats surrounded by a lot of space making the cat look lost? Zoom in, or move closer if you can.

Are your cats looking fuzzy (and I don’t mean their fur) see if you can improve your focus. This is sometimes an issue for me too. It’s an area I spend time trying to improve (and that’s free). See what your camera has to help you focus. Some cameras have Autofocus, most smartphones let you tap the screen to focus in on your cat.

• Check online literature if you can and if bandwidth is tight, is there a nearby Mall or Library you can hop on to to watch ‘how to’ videos or grab a manual?

Lots of detailed tips to make your cat photos look a lot better

‘Own’ Your Composition Skills

If you are vaguely dissatisfied with your cat photo composition ask yourself how your cat photo actually looks. How your cat is positioned? Too far away and, worst of all, when you look down on your cat, they are diminished. Remember, you can get close and create stunning compositions by getting down or up at cat level.

Use the Rule of Thirds as a starting point to build your composition confidence. Take some practice shots with your camera. Position an element such as your cat’s eye, body, or face on a point where the lines cross. The human mind seems to appreciate this and likes your portrait even more.

You will find most cameras and smartphones will allow you to have an overlay on your screen to help. As you will mostly be working with digital images you can practice all you like for free.

Solarise Your Cat

Transform your cat into something wild and wonderful by using your computer software to ‘solarise’ a portrait.

Find out more details and a How To in this post.

Give Yourself a Special Treat

Finally, if you work in your (free) time and create a work you are thrilled with, one you are happy to show to friends, or want to frame, see if you can have a small print made. This will give you tangible proof you are doing great, even if your bank balance is mostly fresh air and hope.

Save your image, and every other one you find you really like as you improve. Maybe keep them on a free Dropbox (secure) not Google Photos. One day, sometime in the near future, you may be able to get a canvas print made and hang it proudly on your wall, or even enter a photography competition.

We all have tough times but, if you have a camera and access to a computer, or a smartphone, you can spend time, and very little money growing your skills and becoming a better cat photographer.

You Can! You Will. Now Take The First Step.