I thought I would set a cat photography challenge as a skill builder for myself and other aspiring camera ‘improvers’. The aim is to get you thinking about your to approach pictures – with a bit of inspiration.

Interested? Grab your camera and pick a challenge to try, you can work through all ten, or pick one or two.

#SnapToTheChallenge!

A challenge, even if it is self-paced, can be a great opportunity to discover more about your compact or your DSLR. If you have a GoPro you can even try small video clips then edit and upload to YouTube.

Why a 10 Day Challenge?

A relaxed challenge and skill builder is the opposite of a fierce competitive athletic event, no pressure and more fun. If something doesn’t work you can try again, after you have figured out what went wrong.

June and July will be a great time to take pictures with your pet, good light in the northern hemisphere on summer days. In the southern hemisphere your great light might start December and run through April. Do one challenge a day, or fit a photograph in when you have time.

Here’s why I chose a 10 Day Pet Photography Challenge :

• TOP TIP: Horrible pictures happen to EVERYONE! Even David Bailey took bad pictures sometimes.
• This is meant to be a fun way to expand your pet picture skills.
• Do it for fun, not frustration. If something hasn’t worked, take a breath, sit down for a moment with your manual or ask a question online. Maybe the Crew can help, get in touch.
• Use the challenges to expand your cat photography skills or dogs in action photographs, or close-up focusing. Try a different time of day.
• TOP TIP: You are not pretending to be an ‘expert’. If you attempt five that’s great, two is fine. Make a start.
• You have until the end of July!

Pet Photography Challenge Ideas

I have added some prompts for you to try in brackets if you need inspiration:

1. Patterns in the Fur. (Whiskers, muzzle fur, ear furnishings).
2. A Silhouette.
3. A close-up (front, back, side).
4. Pets and Technology (Do they use your phone, or watch TV ?)
5. Night time pets (sleep, repose or stalking the garden.)
6. Pet in a window or the garden (Bird TV?)
7. Pets with a Crazy Filter.
8. Black and White picture (shoot of B/W or colour and change in photo software).
9. Composition with your pet(s). Find tips here.
10. The Favourite Pet Toy.

Enter the Pet Photography Challenge

At the moment I need to work on my settings because I have a lot of very over-exposed pictures.

What will your biggest challenge be in a 10 Day Pet Photography Challenge? Let me know in the comments.