Ideas for a Different Cat Portrait

It is easy to energise your cat (and dog) portraits with just a bit of inventiveness and, maybe help within your camera or software. After this post you might think twice before pointing your camera down and taking a photo. Let’s do what the Apple Computer ad used to say and ‘think different‘.

Not Eye Level Again?

Yes, because it works folks!

Remember, eye level can bring the cat up to you. A cat up in a cat tree, on a chair, perched on a wall, 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 possible.

• FAST SHOT TIP Grab your smartphone > camera > and tap to focus; or do what I do with my DSLR and mirrorless cameras and 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 (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 table. Toulouse was awake and looking at my camera from his eyrie. 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?

• I made it black and white for a touch of drama.
• I added a vignette so attention is focused on Toulouse.
• All photo editing software will create a vignette. Check your 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. It is a fun, less certain way to capture a shot but this can mean a more satisfying shot if it works. I have taken a lot of double exposures that I discarded.

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.

• Celebration Cat Using Layers in Software Post

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!