Cat Photography Ideas: How to Take Beautiful Photos of Your Cat

Cats are the most photogenic creatures on earth — until you pick up a camera. The secret is to work with their nature: photograph where they already like to be, in the light they already choose, and let them come to you.

Tips that work with cats

• Shoot where they rest. Sunny windowsills and favorite chairs are ready-made sets.
• Use window light, turn off the flash, and keep the phone steady.
• Get to their level — lie on the floor if you have to.
• Wait for the slow blink or the moment after play, when they’re relaxed.
• Black cats: use side light and tap to expose for their fur, not the background.
• Kittens: photograph right after play, when they slow down.

15 cat photos worth taking

1. The windowsill silhouette.
2. A soft-light portrait.
3. Paws tucked in.
4. The sleepy curl.
5. Whiskers, close up.
6. Ear tufts and tail — a detail series.
7. The mid-play pounce (burst mode).
8. Their reflection in a window.
9. The box they’ve claimed.
10. On your desk while you work.
11. A black-and-white portrait.
12. Your matching expressions.
13. The same favorite spot, once a month for a year.
14. A “then and now” recreating a kitten photo.
15. Your hand and their paw.

Keep the moment

Add a caption with the date, the place and what was happening. Want a place for your best shots? Your Pet Memory has a Cat edition and a full photo chapter. For more ideas, read 50 things to do with your cat.