Where’s the best place to photograph a cat?

The short answer is wherever they are comfortable! If a cat is comfy, don’t push your luck by abruptly moving them for a photo op. Having said that, you probably don’t want a professional photo of your cat in a cardboard box or cat tree. Here are some more photogenic locations I typically use for in-home cat photoshoots.

Windowsills

I love windowsill portraits! If you have houseplants on the windowsill, that’s even better. I often bring flowers to photoshoots to add a pop of color to a window.

Pro Tips:

• Wash your windows if you want a photo of your cat looking out the window. Windows without screens look best.

• Open curtains and blinds before I get there so it doesn’t spook your cats if I do it.

Blankets

This Bengal kitten was the most comfortable in the guest bedroom. That was fine because the dark wood headboard and neutral linens provided a perfect backdrop. His family told me he likes to hide under blankets, so we did that! It helped that it was a location and activity that he enjoyed.

I photographed Bubz on the family’s guest bed. The red blanket is one of the props I can bring to your home.

Houseplants

I can make your home look like a jungle by shooting through houseplant leaves.

Consider your photo shoot a good reason if you need an excuse to buy a new plant or fresh flowers.

A bowl of fresh flowers in pretty vases was a perfect accent for Boo’s photoshoot.

Your house doesn’t have to be perfect.

Don’t stress too much about your home. Your cats don’t care, and neither do I! I simplify the images by zooming in on the cat so the backgrounds barely show. Of course, you’ll want to pick up things like remote controls, kleenex boxes, mail, etc, ahead of time, but I’ll help you pick the most flattering corners of your home.

Was Jerry’s portrait taken in a studio? Nope, we used a chair in his home! I removed an existing pillow and blanket because I liked the simplicity of the black chair, and I knew rearranging them would make Jerry curious. Sure enough, he popped onto the chair long enough for me to get this shot. I love it when a cat thinks it’s their idea to pose. That’s how I get the best expressions!

Are you worried that your furniture doesn’t look this nice? Don’t worry! This chair had scratches, but I removed them later in Photoshop.

If you’re anything like me, you pull out your camera whenever your cat looks extra cute. But if your cat chooses a spot with background clutter, try getting low.

In these photos of Ozzie, I crouched down so the background stayed simple. I also turned off the overhead lights. That helped avoid weird color casts from different bulbs and kept the focus where it belongs: on his golden eyes.

And for the record, Ozzie’s kitchen was absolutely spotless because his family knew I was coming for a photoshoot.

The back of the family’s couch was a picture-perfect spot for Matcha’s portrait. He was comfy there because he was the one who decided to jump there in the first place.

Something unique or meaningful in your home – like a piano – might be perfect for your cat’s portrait.

In-home cat photoshoots are my favorite. If you’re interested in finding out more about a photoshoot for your cat, head over to my contact page!

About Karen Hoglund Photography