It is easy to energise your cat (and dog) portraits with just a bit of invention and, maybe, help within your camera or software and, after this post maybe you might think twice before pointing your camera down to take a photo. Let’s do what the Apple Computer ad used to say and ‘think different‘ – stay with me for this!
Not Eye Level Again?
Yes, really. Why? Because it works really well!
Remember, eye level can bring the cat up to you. A cat up in a cat tree, up on a chair, perched on a wall, all these things brings them up to your level.
If your cat is permitted on the counter (and you can’t stop some of them – right?), this is a great chance to take a closeup without effort. Aim to have the light behind you, if you can.
- FAST SHOT TIP Grab your smartphone > camera > and tap to focus, or do what I do with my DSLR and mirrorless cameras; leave the camera at my favourite go-to settings ready to turn on and take a quick shot. [A/Av mode > ISO 200 > set for RAW if you can (optional)].
Here’s an example of a cat making it easy to grab a cool shot.
Sleepy tabby Toulouse was positioned slightly above me dozing on the new cat tree which is nearly 5ft/1.6mtrs tall, near a window. I stood up, leveled my Nikon Z50 and took the shot. There is natural light from the window but I made a couple of small edits and lightened his muzzle and eye a little. It’s a nice shot with no distractions, just a tabby cat, and just a bit different.
REMEMBER: Eye level doesn’t mean getting down on your hands and knees!
This second cat capture was taken as I sat at our dining room table. Toulouse was awake and looking at my camera from his eyrie again at the top of the cat tree. There are a couple of overexposed edges on his chin and the edge of the cat bed but, I think it’s a fun shot.
What have I done to make the portrait look a bit different to an ordinary point and shoot shot?
- I made it black and white for a touch of drama. This works well with uncluttered shots.
- I added a vignette so attention is focused on Toulouse.
- TIP: All photo editing software will create a vignette. Check your photo editing software menu or a manual.
Double Exposure Drama
Readers who managed to catch my adventure in double exposures (two or more layers taken in the camera) will recognise this image of Toulouse layered over garden foliage and trees.
An image like this can be created in the camera believe it or not. I used my mirrorless camera and many other camera models have this multiple exposure function. Check your manual or manufacturer’s website for the exact settings. It is a fun, and definitely a less certain way to capture a shot, but, this can mean a really satisfying shot if it works. I have taken a lot of double exposures that I discarded but the risk is worth it for the fun surprises.
Importantly, the double exposure idea also works beautifully as an editing project in software like Luminar Neo, GIMP or Photoshop Elements (maybe in a smartphone too – suggestions anyone?) If you prefer to experiment in software and take your time, this method gives you control over the layers you use. Check my ‘Celebration Cat’ post to see how it all comes together.
So, your portrait does not have to be a pet looking upwards into the camera lens. It can be you looking across, or upward. Colleague Kim of the Wonderpurr gang also suggests bending down and turning your smartphone upside down if you need to get lower.
You will get plenty of blurry shots but you might grab a lovely profile shot with a sharp eye and soft focus whiskers, or a full face that fills the frame. As long as you aim for sharp eyes you are on to a winner. Now go celebrate your cat with your camera!
Check my comprehensive monochrome (aka black and white) tips
They can be. Check this vignette information.
A double exposure is a camera technique that superimposes two different images on to a single frame, combing them into a single photograph. Double exposures can also be created using layers in photo editing software the results here are less free and creative – but more controlled. See the layer workshop here.
Plenty of tips to stop the fuzzy focus here.
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
Beautiful shots! I do love B&W as I feel it truly changes the mood and style of a photo. But a double exposure is so cool! Sometimes, we can be really surprised that. Great post (as always!)
I love taking photo & video shots of my dog at eye level, I think it makes such a great shot!
I agree. Eye level shots seem to get the viewer so much into the pet’s world!
Love the photos, you just amaze me with your photos and wish I could do better also with Nili
I really like the black and white portrait. So gorgeous. I always get in all sorts of positions whenever I photograph cats, even lie down on the street; quite funny when I’m photographing strays when I’m outside.
I am the same at my local cat cafe, down on the ground or holding my camera up!
I absolutely love black and white photos. They always look artistic to me, which, of course, they are very artistic. I love the photos of Toulouse. The black and white photo has such a great expression. I can almost hear him saying, “Mom, I’m trying to nap!” You have done another great tutorial. I’m looking forward to put these tricks to work on Henry.
Beautiful pictures! Black and white is such a great idea, makes them more dramatic. My husband always tells me to switch up how I take a picture, not always eye level but for me to get down and try from that angle. Definitely makes a difference.
Love how you did these pictures, Marjorie and such a purrfect model😺Double Pawkisses for a Happy Day🐾😘💞
Bless you sweet kitties. I so admire some of your lovely portraits. You do so very well.
Once again, wonderful tips and ideas to use! I have put our pets up on the table…works best for the dogs…
Excellent shots!
Wee love you Toulouse! You so beeuteefull….
Grate fotoss Miss Marjorie two.
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
These are fabulous shots!
These all look great. XO
Great tips. Mom doesn’t get down on her hands and knees because she might not get up!
Pawesome ideas and tips, and a meowvellous photo! 😻🐾😻🐾😻
Great ideas, and so many new ways thanks to modern tech and software.
Your cats sure do shine these days, as do your photographs.
ERin
Since we don’t have a tall cat tree and our cat doesn’t climb very high anyway, I hadn’t thought about bringing the cat up. I’ll have to figure out if there are opportunities.