Taking cat pictures you will be really happy with on a smartphone as never been easier. And, one of the most effective tools in smartphone cat photography is ‘portrait mode’.
You can use this mode to take gorgeous and fun cat portraits and you only need to know one simple setting to confidently ace your own cat portraits.
What is Portrait Mode?
Portrait mode is a camera setting that artificially blurs the background of your photos, creating a bokeh (soft focus) effect around the cat.
Find the Portrait Mode/Tool on your Smartphone
On my iPhone the portrait mode is part of the camera and yours may operate in a similar way. To move between camera options I slide my finger across the bottom of the screen.
Once you navigate to your portrait option you may find a series of different options available. Mine includes ‘Stage Light’ ‘ ‘Contour Light’ and two different ‘Key Light’ options. You can try these out to see what a difference they make. Each option is worth trying to push the ‘limits’ of your smartphone camera.
Lighting is Key
Natural light is best, if you can get it, but, if your room or flat struggles to get the kind of light you need, remember the one awesome thing your smartphone can do.
It works amazingly well in low light.
So well that you might drop your smartphone in surprise. OK I’m kidding but so many people are genuinely taken aback by the superb quality of images like this one of Toulouse. One cat, one small lamp (off camera) nothing else.
Distance Matters
Each smartphone is different and your distance from your cat is something you will be able to experiment with so you can find the most successful distance for taking a good cat photo.
My iPhone 12 lets me know if I need to step further away. Usually it prefers me to be about 60 cms (2 feet) or so from my cat subject. Your Android or iPhone may be more versatile and work at closer distances. Most smartphone lenses work out when you are too close and display a reminder to step back.
Composition is Crucial
First, remember that you need to have an uncluttered background. Even with portrait mode, a clear background makes the out of focus area look smoother and less busy. This image of Taz works really well and only uses portrait mode with no other editing.
Taz also breaks the rule of not placing your subject in the centre of the frame. He is a strong enough colour and has such presence it works. Remember that this indefinable ‘presence‘ is something your cat has, if you are lucky enough to capture the moment.
While you can successfully pose your cat front and centre like this; using the Rule of Thirds is a second option you can try. For some reason the human eye finds a cat placed one third of the way across the image field looks pleasing. So, try this while you have your model in position (and before they move away with the bored meowdel strut).
Focus on the Eyes
Even though your smartphone doesn’t have the state of the art ‘eye focusing’ tech. of a mirrorless camera keeping your focus on your cat is easy. Tap your smartphone screen.
This works for almost every ‘phone out there and helps you to focus on your cat’s face. Even if you move slightly, your cat’s face should remain in focus while you shoot.
Practice Makes Perfect
Keep practising your Portrait Mode skills on your cats. The more cat photos you take, the better you will get a judging what works, and going it with confidence.
If all else fails, you can incorporate a touch of bokeh (soft focus) from an app like Snapseed. But, getting it right ‘in your smartphone’ saves so much time.
Now go and try it and let me know how you do!
My crummy Samsung phone has Portrait mode but it doesn’t appear to blur backgrounds or have any effects associated w/ it. These photos are amazing. That first one of Toulouse in low light is stunning!!
Cathy, if portrait mode on your phone is disappointing, try a smartphone app like Snapseed. The app will add a degree of bokeh (soft focus) that is a good substitute.
Great tips for cats and dog, and people photos, too! I love portrait mode. I used to blur it out in a photo program, but this mode makes pics look great! You always break it all down for newbies or season photogs so well! Sharing with my followers!
Great post for those that have one, I have still not invested in one and use the old fashioned camera as it is easier for me with my eyesight
Excellent tutorial on using your smartphone portrait mode successfully! I love the rule of thirds. That does seem to make a huge difference. Most of my photos of Henry are in portrait mode. Lightening is definitely everything! I’m sharing this with all my pet parents and I know we’ll all be great pet photographers soon with your help. Thanks, Marjorie!
Oh my word, I practice like crazy, using my new iPhone 15 Pro to capture Manny & Chili Bruce.
Their black/really dark brown fur is very challenging to capture without blurring or pixelating, but I keep clicking.
I use portrait mode, and photo mode, play with the exposure setting, turn on overhead lights (making sure to keep my shadow out of frame), and sometimes The Hubby grabs a flashlight to add lighting.
Thank goodness we aren’t paying for developing!
You made me laugh! Yes indeed, developing costs would be a new top earner in the world’s economies!!
I often use portrait mode when I’m taking photos at PAWS. It really does make for some awesome cat photos!
I agree, it works so well.