Take Action Photos of a Cat

Everyone loves sharing images of their furry friends. Whether your cat is napping, playing, or hunting, these pictures showcase the cat’s personality and provide you with a lasting memory. However, it can be difficult to get a quality photo of your cat in action. In order to take action photos of your cat, you should set up the shot, learn basic photography techniques, take candid shots, and stage action photos.

Steps

Setting up the Shot

1. Use natural light. It is always best to use natural lighting when shooting action photos. The best lighting occurs when the sun is low in the sky, typically around dawn and dusk. This will give a warm and soft light and you will not see as many shadows. If you are taking pictures inside, position your cat near a window. The light should come from behind the photographer so that it brightens the cat.
   • If you have to shoot during the middle of the day, try and find a shady spot.
2. Avoid using the flash. A flash aimed directly at a cat may distract or even scare them and will result in a red-eye effect. As a result you should avoid using a flash when taking action photos of cats. If a flash is required due to low lighting, make sure to aim the flash upwards into the room and not directly at the cat. This will add light to the image without startling the cat.
3. Choose a comfortable location for your cat. You should always take photos of your cat in a place where they are completely comfortable. The cat will be relaxed and you will be able to capture it in its favourite environment. For example, your cat may enjoy looking out the window, or scratching on a cat tree. These photos will best capture your cat’s personality.
4. Create contrast with the background. Your cat will show up best in a picture if you use a contrasting and simple background. For example, if you have a black cat, you could hang a white sheet for the background. This way your cat will stand out. If the background is patterned or too busy, the cat may blend in rather than stand out.

Adjusting Your Camera Settings

1. Use Aperture Priority Mode. To take an action photo of a cat you will need to open up the aperture of the camera. This will allow you to focus on the cat and blur out the background, creating a dramatic effect. Using Aperture Priority Mode will automatically adjust the shutter speed so that you can capture your cat in motion. A wide aperture will require a fast shutter speed.
   • A wide aperture is also necessary for shooting indoors.
2. Adjust the shutter speed. When taking action photos of your cat, you should use a fast shutter speed. This can help to freeze the cat in motion. To create this effect, try setting your shutter speed to 1/500th of a second or higher. To do this, you can shoot in “manual mode” or “shutter priority mode.”
   • Alternatively, you could choose a lower shutter speed. This will blur the image, giving the appearance of motion.
3. Set your camera to automatic mode. One way to capture a cat in motion is by setting your camera to automatic mode. This will save you time and will make it easier to take a photo at an unexpected moment. You will not waste time fiddling with the camera settings. For example, the camera will automatically focus, making it easier to capture the cat.
   • This is also a great setting if you are new to photography and you are still learning how to manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture.
4. Take a series of shots. If you want to capture your cat jumping, you could take a picture of the cat taking off, in mid-air, and landing. This will be very difficult to do manually, unless you have cat-like reflexes! Alternatively, you can set your camera to “continuous drive” or “burst mode.” This way your camera will take a series of fast photos and will make it easier for you to get a quality image of your cat in motion.
5. Get down to your cat’s level. If you are taking photos of a cat, they can have more of an impact if you take them from the cat’s level. Get down on the floor and shoot directly at the cat. You will get a more intimate photo and will do a better job capturing the cat’s personality.
   • For an action shot, you could get down on the floor and take a picture of the cat in hunting mode. This adds drama to the photo and provides a unique angle.

Taking Candid Photos

1. Carry your camera with you at all times. Cats can be difficult to photograph because they are quite independent and will not always pose for a photo. As a result, you should have your camera charged and ready to use at all times. You never know when you will see your cat in a unique position, like chasing a leaf or playing with toys.
   • Having your camera ready and accessible will make it easier for you to capture candid photos of a cat.
2. Be patient. It will take time to capture the perfect action photo of your cat, and as a result you need to be patient. Your cat may not immediately respond the way you want. Do not force them to move to a certain spot. Instead, you may have to wait until they are ready. It could take a number of photo sessions to get the exact image you want.
3. Use a camera extender. Sometimes cats will sleep on top of cupboards or under the bed. It can be difficult to take pictures in these hard-to-reach locations. Try using a camera extender. This works the best with small point-and-shoot cameras or cell phone cameras. Simply attach the camera to the extender and then position the camera so that you can see the cat.
4. Sneak up on your cat. Sometimes the best action shots are unplanned. For example, two cats may be playing with each other and you happen to see them. In order to take candid photos, it is best if you are quiet and the cat is unaware of your presence. Avoid making sudden movements so that you do not distract or scare the cat.
5. Use the zoom mode to capture close ups. You can also capture candid shots by remaining far away from the cat and then using the zoom on your camera lens to get a close up shot. This way you will not distract the cat and can still set up a shot of the cat in motion.

Staging Action Shots

1. Use treats to get the cat moving. Treats can be a great way to get a cat to pay attention to you. Begin by giving the cat a few treats to get their attention. Then you can use treats to get the cat to move into a certain position or look in a specific direction. For example, hold a treat near the lens so the cat will make eye contact with the camera. Alternatively, you can attach the treat to a string and get the cat to move by following the treat.
   • Treats can be a great way to get a cat feeling comfortable with you and the camera. This is especially true if you are taking pictures of a cat that is not yours.
2. Gain the cat’s attention through their natural curiosity. Try rustling paper to get them to look in a certain direction. Alternatively, you could throw stones or pebbles to try to move the cat to a certain spot. The cat will likely move towards the stones in order to check out what made the noise.
   • You could also place a box or favourite item in the middle of the room. Your cat will likely be curious and examine the new item. You can then take photos of your cat interacting with the box.
3. Play with the cat. Try turning your next play session into a photo shoot. Have a friend or relative play with the cat using toys. Try to make the cat chase or jump after the toy in order to get the cat moving. Then, use this playful time to take photos of your cat in action.
   • Try using a toy that is attached to a wand or pole. This way you won’t get the person in the photograph.
4. Wake your cat up to get yawning photos. Many people want to capture a photograph of their cat yawning. These images show the cat with their mouth completely open. In order to get a yawning picture of a cat, you need to wake them up. When a cat wakes up it typically yawns about 15 to 30 times. You can be ready with your camera to take a photo of your cat in action.

Tips

• Keep photo sessions short and sweet so that your cat does not get frustrated or bored.
• Try to focus on your cat’s eyes.

Warnings

• Avoid using the flash while taking picture of your cat. This can scare the cat.
• Don’t force your cat to do something it doesn’t like. For example, wear clothing, go outside, cuddle with another animal, etc.
• Avoid feeding your cat right before taking running or jumping photos. Your cat will be less inclined to run around on a full stomach.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Dog‐Sit when You Have a Cat
• Convince Your Parents to Let You Get a Cat (Teens)
• Give Selamectin to Cats with Parasites
• Use Cats for Pest Control
• Find Your Cat's Preferred Play Style
• Use Cat Tunnels
• Give Atenolol to Cats with Heart Disease
• Give Your Cat Cozy Sleeping Spaces
• Treat Burns on a Cat
• Help a Cat Recover from Hip Dislocation Surgery

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