I came across these long-established (but new to me) suggestions for improving your skills as a photographer. They come from the famous New York Institute of Photography and are called the ‘Three Guidelines for Great Photography‘. I think you will find them as inspiring and easy to incorporate into your cat photography practice as I am.
The suggestions are simple, easy to follow and will make you think just a little bit more about the next cat photo you take. Here’s how they go:
A Good Photograph Has a Clear Subject
Every photo you take is about something, or someone. It may be a mood, or a message telling a clear story, or making a statement of some kind. This could be a sleeping cat that embodies peace, a cheeky kitten pouncing joyfully on a litter mate, or a single cat looking out at the viewer with a look full of quiet confidence.
A Good Photograph Focuses Attention on The Subject
A magnificent tuxedo like Angel Thomas, or a Maine Coon will not look half as amazing if it is surrounded by clutter or crumpled clothes. People will start looking at what kind of toys the cat has, how soft is the blanket. How distracting from your photography is that? So. Make sure any other things you include in your photo matter.
A Good Photograph Simplifies
Simplicity matters. What is your cat photo? A dignified or playful rescue cat portrait to promote their adoption, like those appearing on selfie friend Animal Shelter Volunteer Life blog. Or your favourite fluff ball full of mischief? Or, a curious stranger in grey. Keep the message simple: ‘this cat is amazing, adopt it’ or ‘I love my Ragdoll/Tuxedo/Tortie very much’. Keep their eyes sharp, their gaze fixed on you (or a helper/wand toy if they are lively) and the background unfussy.
For us beginners, I think these ideas let us get a message across in our cat photography with thought and care. The photo-bomb that makes us smile works even better if the focus is simply on one cat with the other behind, so maybe get in a bit closer (or zoom!) A single portrait, or a two-fer works well if there is plain space around the cat(s) so we gaze deeply into gorgeous eyes not at the furniture.
The New York Institute of Photography has given me a lot to think about, how about you?
- This post gives a lot of insights into the power of simplicity
- Photographing Cats – Jerry Rice. A 2011 article still relevant and fun today. (NYIP)
My problem is not realizing until I’m cropping that once again, I did not concentrate on one subject. I need to be more mindful!
Great tips, and fabulous photos!
Lovely pics and good advice!
Grate foto tipss Miss Marjorie!!! Mee nose sumone who can use these 😉
Mew mew mew BellaDharma an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Excellent tips. Mom often gets lost in the background on some photos.
Great tips. Of course, if the subject is a Cat, you’re already halfway there to a masterpiece 😉
True indeed!!!!
Such lovely photographs. Many if not most are personally allegorical.
Which is why great images, be they art or photographs, brings so much to our lives. And why how we describe them can affect how they are viewed.
ERin
Great tips…I often have to crop out a lot of ‘junk’…or even use a background eraser.
My father, an amateur photographer, taught me a lot about taking images from natural scenes, but taking pictures of animals or even people is a whole different thing!