What started out as a ‘let’s take a photo of Toulouse’s shaved butt’ cat photoshoot, turned into a hunt to find some fun photos in evening low light with a smartphone and one adventurous tabby cat.
My ‘phone is an iPhone 12 not the latest model, so your iOS or Android camera may do even better in low light.
Your smartphone can do the work of a DSLR/Mirrorless camera without much of the heavy lifting (settings) for a fun and fast capture.
Never dismiss your powerhouse smartphone and its lenses
The terrible noise of the cement mixers had gone for the day so Toulouse and I went to check our newly planted ‘Five Finger’ (Pseudopanax arboreus) and Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) which are located on our side of the fence.
Smartphones are fantastic as the light fades, as I hope these cat photos show. And subtle changes in pose can make a difference to how successful you feel your shots are.
I have done very little editing in this series except a small amount of cropping to ensure consistency and touch of dodging to ensure clarity.
Cat Camera View
Remember the direction you point your camera matters too. Our fence is nearly two metres (6 feet) high and my fearless tabby cat leaped up using the supports, then the wooden pillar before he began to explore. Don’t just point downwards!
I pointed the smartphone camera upwards which gives Toulouse the dominant pose of a confident tabby cat. I then stepped in towards him between the third and fourth photos which changes the light and look.
Smartphone Feline Focus
Your smartphone camera can be relied on to help you keep your images sharp too.
TOP TIP: If your lens does not appear to be focusing on your cat, tap the screen to guide its focus. You may find a yellow square dancing around on the screen trying to focus. Tap your cat’s position on the screen and it will focus there. Take several images (or a burst) to ensure you catch your pose.
Be Brave With Light
Not every photo needs to be perfectly lit. This gathering dusk image of Toulouse works really well as a dynamic silhouette. A quiet moment looking out over the high fence.
Very nice, indeed!
Great tips again!
Mee-yow Toulouse iss a Model an Miss Marjorie yore cammyra werk iss purrfection!
***nose rubss*** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Such a handsome boy. XO
Such stunning pics of Toulouse. Love the low light silhouette, but also the dusky ones! Handsome kitty!
Super tips and super results to demonstrate them. As ever, your cats pose so well 😉
ERin
I find my smartphone camera works excellently in low light, just using the automatic settings. I don’t worry about it too much, in any case, because I know I can always edit the photos afterwards, if somethig does go wrong.
I love the photo of Toulouse at dusk.
Cell phone cameras sure have come a long way since the flip phone days! Terrific tips and captures, as always, Marjorie. The one with Toulouse as a silhouette is quite dramatic, and we love the one with him looking straight at you. Hugs!