Finding Focus: Mindful Cat Photography

We live in a vibrant world of endless inspiration, where a quick scroll connects us to so much beauty and so many cats! It is so easy to snap a cute kitten photo, share the joy, and keep scrolling or sharing. But, there’s a quiet magic waiting for us when we slow down.

What if photography wasn’t just about the post you scroll past, but about the connection you make? There is a deeper way to capture your cat, a more special one that moves past the ‘cute factor’ and records the unique soul and spirit of the cats you love.

Let me propose a different approach, something that might allow you to change your mindset from time to time and give you a way of becoming more mindful and deliberate as you capture your cat’s nature with your camera. A way you can enjoy and appreciate your cat photos, and enjoy your cat photography skill building journey.

Deliberate Creation and Intent

I was browsing a photography magazine and there was an article by street photographer Antonio Pisano, that really hit home. His super power was taking time to slow down and really look, connecting more strongly with the world around him.

“For me, this isn’t just a method or technique- it’s a way of being, deeply rooted in a philosophy of mindfulness and intention, and this is why I recommend slowing down when creating and consuming photographs.”

This got me thinking. Could we learn to slow down a little? Allow ourselves to explore beyond simply documenting our cats to create something meaningful. Not just a cat portrait, but a portrait showing the deep love you have for your cats?

Here’s an example of what I mean. This is one of my portraits that was taken with a slower mindset. I stopped and stood, waiting a moment. Then, I raised my camera and quietly checked the settings before taking the photograph.

There is a little gentle editing to darken the background of this peaceful portrait of senior cat Jack, and some subtle colour enhancement, but no heavy handed adjustment. The intention behind this photograph? How every older cat should enjoy their sunset years safe in the sun.

• Best Practice: Observation, Patience and Being Present enough to realise a special moment can be captured.

The Benefits of Slowing Down

I am discovering that this is not an instant skill, but something to be worked at, and you might agree. Slowing down can take a conscious effort but here are some upsides to taking your time with your photographs:

• Feeling a deeper connection with your cats and photography.
• Notice details or fleeting moments you might otherwise miss. A sideways look or a haughty head tilt.
• Improving your composition skills by taking more time to frame your cat within your viewfinder or on your screen and see how you can use light to your advantage. How would your cat look further to one side? Can you shoot from a lower vantage point?
• Enhance your growing portfolio of ‘really good photographs’ a bit faster and…
• Increase your social media presence with outstanding captures.
• BONUS Really enjoy your camera and photography to creating images with impact; rather than uploading for a fleeting ‘like’ on social media.

Cats – A Perfect Slow Photography Subject

You can’t always tell a cat when to pose so you have to be prepared to observe before you shoot, waiting for the right moment. This patience can be the hardest part!

Sometimes it is a sudden opportunity like the portrait of Toulouse on a high fence at the top of this post, or Jack and Toulouse posed together. Another time you may wait for a gesture or movement your cat has a habit of doing, like Miranda’s ‘right moment’ look. You wait, stepping back a bit if you need to, check your settings and your patience will be rewarded with a satisfying shot.

Tools for Slow Photography

What do I mean by tools? You might think a camera is all you need and for smartphone photography, and that’s largely true. But, once you move into the world of DSLR or mirrorless systems, your ‘camera’ expands into a whole collection of specialised lenses you can choose from.

Tools can also include your editing software. Then there’s film. All of these things can help you slow down, and yes, this is a good thing.

For DSLR/Mirrorless users let’s take a look, then check out some Smartphone ideas:

Film

If you have access to a film camera this is a more daring way to slow yourself down. Older readers may remember disposable film cameras from holidays. Film cameras are in the ascendant once again appearing in many camera magazines as a realistic option for photographers.

Why is this a more mindful approach? Unlike a data card, you have a limited number of frames on a roll of film, so each shot is more precious and your settings need to be carefully considered. Then you have to wait for a roll to be developed.

Manual

Another suggestion. If you are new to Manual on a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, try working with just Manual mode. It will slow you down as you get to grips with how each corner of the exposure triangle impacts on the others. You may take time to make mistakes but you will learn a lot.

Editing

You can work in your editing software in a more thoughtful way. Mindful editing means looking at your tools and discovering what they can do, and them making choices about the results of your edit.

Don’t just sneak into presets where everything is done for you, actually work on an image and assess your progress one tool at a time. This smartphone image of Harvey was a lucky closeup that has been carefully cropped and gently lightened.

A Smartphone Exercise Idea

• Try working in black and white where shape and texture matter more than colours. Focus on a cat’s shape or pose and how the light falls on to their fur.
• The number of lenses on your smartphone might guide what you can do, so check any information your manufacturer might have online.
• Try working in ‘Portrait Mode’ and nothing else. Smartphones have some restrictions when using portrait mode, usually distance, so incorporate this into your project.
• If you are nervous using your smartphone camera for anything other than ‘point and shoot’, slow down and explore your device. This knowledge empowers you as a cat photographer and makes you more versatile.

DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Exercise Idea

You may find that if you limit your choice of lens to one, you will be pushed to be more creative, especially when photographing cats.

Let me share an example to show you what I mean. I challenged myself to use only my 50mm ‘nifty-fifty’ prime lens as a slow photography challenge. The 50mm is a relatively inexpensive lens, available for all DSLR/Mirrorless cameras. It is sharp, takes lovely clear photos and makes your camera very light to carry. Prime lenses don’t zoom so you need to zoom with your feet, or re-frame your cat shot.

• Take time to feel how each image feels with your chosen lens and how your approach changes and what you might have to do differently.

Why a Prime Lens is a good challenge
A prime lens only has to cover one field of view, the optical formula (all the differently shaped pieces of glass that make up the insides of a lens) can be a lot simpler.  Photography Life

Rewards for the Deliberate Cat Photographer

You will find yourself assembling a more thoughtful portfolio of images, a collection that means a lot to you because you did not put yourself under pressure and enjoyed your cat photography more.

I don’t know about you but the thought of adding depth and appreciation to the photographs of my cats makes me very happy.

Conclusion – Pressing Pause not Delete

In this age of the instant snapshot, maybe the most radical act we can take sometimes is to slow down. This can take real effort sometimes as we are hard wired to rush things, finish things and worry about just about anything.

By bringing patience, observation, and a more deliberate approach to your cat photos you can enjoy the deep satisfaction of a really personal image that touches the hearts and minds of others. This undefinable feeling really does come across in your images as you will discover.

So may I suggest you pick up your camera, take a slow calming breath and take your time looking for your next amazing moment. It’s out there waiting, so go and find it.