How to Photograph a Cat

Recently I put it out into the universe for people to send me their cat pics for possible paintings. I knew I might be opening up a can of worms! Most people love every picture of their cats, but even a good photograph does not always make a good painting (and vice versa). It's been fun seeing all the adorable cat pics sent to me and it is obvious why cat lovers are so devoted to their feline friends! But I thought it might help to list out some simple rules for getting the best shot possible for a painting subject. So here goes!

1. Good Light Source: This is the MOST important factor. Flash photo or flat light is a recipe for disaster. Natural light hitting the subject from any angle but directly above or directly in front is good! Sunny days make a strong statement either indoors or out. Cloudy days are tough but a high thin cloud at least makes interesting colors and a subtle glow. Days in between bright sun and clouds are optimal because you get shadows as well as good color.

2. Design: Getting down to the level of your cat is great. Lay on the floor and snap many different angles. If shooting from above make sure the shapes are interesting, not just a lump of fur. The one above works because of the shadow designs. Don't worry about the edges. I will crop as I see fit. (The original pic is below and the cropped version above.)

3. Props: As cute as it is to you to see your cat wearing bunny ears or costumes or sitting in a cardboard box, these props do not lend themselves to a beautiful oil painting. Think of your cat as a model for a classic painting that can hang in a museum. How would you portray him or her? Take a look at the pic below of the cat looking out the window and see what I mean. This is a very appealing and romantic composition.

4. Camera: Today many of the cameras on phones take good quality shots. Poor quality photo resource = poor quality painting. I prefer an SLR digital camera, but whatever you use make sure its the best you can come up with. The awesome thing about digital is you can take a hundred pics to get that one perfect photo!

5. Have fun with your cat!! Hang out with them for a good while and see what they do. When I do a photo shoot I ususally spend up to an hour with them, playing, hanging out, snapping away. I let the cat dictate what will come of it and usually they deliver!

This photo shows good design because the shapes around the cat and the 

shadow make it interesting. Also the light catches just one side of the face and 

lights up his eye magnificently, creating a focal point. 

The cropped version is at the top and what I most likely would

personally do to paint it in my style. 

 Even though the light in this outdoor shot is from above, the glow created in his fur makes good value changes from light to dark and shows the color that bright sunlight would bleach out.

 This kitty lounging in a sunlight window is photographed well. 

The eye travels well around the entire shape but the glow on the fur near

 her face creates a focal point. 

 Cats don't always cooperate and sometimes it's good to have an assistant.

These 2 photographs show how you can sooth a cat by having a friend 

pet her. Have your camera ready! When the moment is right

your friend can pull back their hand and viola! You have your shot!

Here is an example of a poor quality photo for a painting.

 This is the same cat as above. Even though she is very adorable

and the owner probably would love this pic, it wouldn't

make a strong painting. The light is flat and the angle awkward.

Another couple of examples of cute photos but not well suited for paintings. 

This cat cracks me up! Look at that expression! I suppose this would

work well for a contemporary piece but the flash has made the face 

too one dimensional. But still....what a character.

Now that I have outlined my advice for good cat pics....feel free to share them with me!

Send them to Cheryl King: redfriend1@msn.com

Who knows....your cat may end up featured in oils! 

Check out my cat paintings at www.cherylkingstudios.com