Great Cat Photos One Skill At a Time

My readers are the best readers. They enquire, they comment, they suggest what has worked for them and I can see different ideas working. So, when Mimi commented it gave me pause. Maybe we often try to do too much learning at once?

….. I have to concentrate on one, though, I couldn’t use all of them at the same time as I have to practice slowly. Mimi

The title of the Oscar® winning absurdist comedy ‘Everything, Everywhere All at Once’ suggests how we often approach our cat photography learning (yes, me too). We throw ourselves into learning everything, get it wrong and feel defeated.

We may even give up …

How do we stop trying so hard?

I have a suggestion. Maybe … we should attempt things one skill at a time not rush and try to do everything?

As Mimi says, she concentrates on one skill and leaves the rest. When you feel confident with one skill, move on to the next. No timetable, no ‘must do’, just at your own pace. Not sure where to start? Make a list.

I am learning a new camera so here’s my to-do list because I am learning my new mirrorless Nikon Z50. Keep your list short, like mine, then make a start. Be realistic, but add a splash of ambition.

1. I will learn to use Nikon focus modes. There are at least half a dozen and I need to find out what they do for my cat photos.
2. I want to become confident using shutter speeds to capture moving cats and freeze motion.
3. Learn about histograms. I know what they are but how they can help is something I need to investigate.

Here are some common frustrations from my fellow cat photography learners, and how to tackle them:

• Fuzzy photos? Learn to hold your camera by bracing yourself or holding your camera correctly. [Arms close to your sides and left hand supporting your lens, like the photo).
• Frustrated by your smartphone? See what it can do.
• Change your camera’s ISO for instantly brighter photos with better exposure.
• Out of focus photos? Maybe you can sharpen your focus skills. Check for a manual (online) or a videos for your camera type. Tapping a smartphone screen on your focus point instantly improves so many images.

Fast fixes for cat photos in a hurry

Here are some fast ways to sneak an improvement. These are adjustments you can think about as you pick up or lift your camera. With practice they become natural skills.

Angle is one most shutterbugs can try right now. After all we all look down at a cat to take a photo at some point, but, think about eye level. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get down on your hands and knees! A cat may be beside you, or even slightly above. You can also lower your camera. This works brilliantly with smartphones and cameras with a moveable rear screen.

Lighting. If you are lucky enough to have a window your cat enjoys, use that. Posed upright, napping or stretching near a window gives you lots of natural light. If you have a dark cat, you might try reflecting some light back at your model using a piece of white card (something firm works best). If not a window, a patio door or skylight might work, or a small softbox for very dark homes.

Background. No-one wants to see a chaotic room behind your perfect subject. Keep it clean or, if that’s not an option use bokeh or smartphone portrait mode. One or two things you can ‘clone‘ out but keeping a clear background is the biggest help. Honestly though, sometimes, like this image of Taz and his dad, you need to capture the moment… The background isn’t as important as cat dad love.

Timing. Not the easiest but even a slightly blurry can moving can have a lot of charm. Catch your cat turning towards you for an over the shoulder look. A stretch or a cleaning lick can catch that fleeting moment to treasure.

Thanks Mimi

We all try to be overachievers and forget that every photographer, great and small begin by learning their skills one step at a time, like Mimi suggests. Select the skill you want to sharpen and grab your camera NOW!