What better way to celebrate June’s Adopt A Shelter Cat Month than to help adoptable cats find homes?
A simple method to assist is to take pictures of these creatures for your local animal shelter or rescue group. A shelter cat’s life might be saved by a great photo on Catfoodsite.
It can be difficult to capture a powerful image of a caged cat. Volunteer photographer Eva Prokop, who works at Big City Little Kitty in Queens and Animal Care & Control in New York City, offers the following tips for photographing cats:
1. Consider cat toys
In order to get a photo of the cat peering into the camera, Eva suspends a necklace next to the lens. She also uses toys to take advantage of “activity possibilities.” Unsure of which toys to select? We provide guidance on choosing safe and enjoyable cat toys.
2. Adjust the lighting
The brightness of the image can frequently be changed on even the most basic digital cameras. For dark cats, Eva suggests selecting a setting that allows more light into the lens so you can capture the cat’s finer features.
3. Steer clear of the flash
It frequently washes out the cat’s features, which in addition to causing the cat desire to turn away (and bounce off metallic backgrounds like cages). Rather, work to increase the amount of ambient light. If daygentle is not a possibility, Eva suggests using a detachable flash with a diffuser to distribute the light. For a standard digital camera, you can either learn how to make your own or purchase both from a camera store. Why not using a flash while photographing dogs is explained in our tips for taking lovely dog shots.
4. Including Props
Whether you’re filming a subject in a cage or a cat colony, setting the scene can make them seem more likable to viewers. Include props like a colorful cushion, blanket, or perhaps a holiday ornament to give your image a homey vibe.
5. Pay Attention To The Face
Cats’ eyes may convey a lot of information. Bring the cat to her level and focus on her appearance. By employing macro to keep the foreground sharp and blur the backdrop, drama can be produced.
6. Examine and correct
Even the best images often benefit from some post-processing. Eva uses the free Picasa 3 program to modify her photos before uploading them to Catfoodsite. Additionally, Picnik and Gimp.org also offer free online photo editing software. Eva suggests getting to know your subject on a personal level.
7. Tell Us!
Have you suggested offering your photography services to a shelter? What was the most rewarding (or difficult) part of your job?
Want to learn more about volunteering? Investigate further employment opportunities working with dogs, cats, other animals, or even shelters and rescues.
Wondering about How Much Does a Cat or Kitten Cost? Check it out on our latest post!
