Photographing Shelter Cats for Adoption: A Guide to Capturing Their Best
Great photos are essential to helping shelter cats find loving homes. Since potential adopters often make their first connection with a cat through a photo, it’s important to capture their personality and beauty in the best possible way. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a more advanced camera, this guide will help you take stunning photos, even in the often challenging environment of a busy shelter or foster home.
1. Setting the Scene Cats are the stars of the photo, so the background should support, not distract. Follow these guidelines: • Muted or Contrasting Backgrounds: Match the background to the cat’s coloring. For instance, a solid-colored cat, like gray or black, will pop against a textured or softly patterned blanket. A tabby or multi-colored cat will benefit from a solid background that enhances their markings. • Use Available Spaces: In a shelter, you can use an empty kennel or clean one side of an occupied one. Line it with a throw blanket or rug to create a comfortable and visually appealing space. Attach blankets to the sides of the kennel for additional background coverage if needed.
2. Lighting Good lighting is crucial to capturing the cat’s true appearance and preventing harsh shadows.
• Natural Light: If possible, use soft natural light from a nearby window. Be careful to avoid overly bright sunlight that can cause shadows or misrepresent a cat’s color (e.g., a black cat appearing gray in harsh light).
• Fluorescent Light: Shelters often have fluorescent lighting, which works fine for cat photos. Avoid using a flash, which can cause a cat to squint or result in harsh reflections. Use the light available to create a natural, soft glow on the cat’s fur.
• Timing: If photographing in a foster setting, pay attention to where the cat likes to rest. You can often capture the best light during early morning or late afternoon by a window.
3. Capturing Personality Each cat has its own quirks that make it unique. Highlighting those traits in a photo will make them more appealing to potential adopters. • Play to Their Strengths: Whether it’s a cute “blep” (tongue sticking out) or strikingly colored eyes, showcase what makes the cat stand out. If the cat is playful, catch them mid-play with a dangling toy to show their energy. If they’re calm and composed, a dignified side profile can be very effective.
• Close-Ups: Use your phone’s portrait mode to blur the background and focus on the cat’s face, eyes, or special markings. Experiment with your distance from the cat—closer shots highlight facial features, while wider shots show off the cat’s body and posture. • Get Their Attention: Use treats, toys, or sounds (like “pspsps”) to get the cat to look at the camera. If they won’t look directly, a side view or candid shot can still show their beauty.
4. Take Multiple Shots Cats, like most animals, rarely stay still for long. Taking several shots in quick succession (burst mode) ensures you’ll have more options to choose from. In the series of photos, you may capture that one magical moment where the cat’s personality shines through.
5. Consider the Environment A busy shelter environment can be overwhelming, so consider these factors: • Use Small Spaces: Cats often feel more secure in smaller areas, like a kennel or a cozy corner, which helps them relax for the camera. • Patience Pays Off: Some cats might be nervous or shy. Giving them time to settle down or letting them play in a space they are familiar with can result in a more relaxed and natural photo.
7. Using Volunteers as Models
Incorporating volunteers in cat photos can be an excellent way to showcase a cat’s personality and size, as well as demonstrate how they interact with people. Here’s how to make the most of this approach:
• Human Interaction: A photo of a volunteer gently holding or petting a cat shows potential adopters that the cat is comfortable with people. It’s especially useful for shy or nervous cats, as it highlights that they can bond with humans.
• Showcasing Size: Cats can sometimes appear smaller or larger in photos depending on their position and the angle of the shot. Including a volunteer in the photo gives potential adopters a better sense of the cat’s actual size, whether it’s a tiny kitten or a big, cuddly adult.
• Highlighting Personality: Is the cat playful, calm, or affectionate? Photos of a volunteer playing with a toy or cuddling the cat can reveal key aspects of their temperament. For instance, if a cat loves being held or perched on a shoulder, capturing that moment in a photo will appeal to people looking for a snuggly companion. When using volunteers, encourage them to wear neutral colors and avoid distracting patterns to keep the focus on the cat. Plus, photos of cats happily interacting with humans create an emotional connection for potential adopters who can imagine the same moments in their own lives.
8. Ensure Clean and Clear Eyes A cat’s eyes are one of the most captivating features in a photo, so it’s essential to make sure they look clean and clear. Any visible eye crust or discharge can distract from the cat’s beauty and might lead potential adopters to think the animal is unhealthy. Before snapping photos, gently clean the cat’s eyes using a soft cloth or tissue, if necessary. Clear, bright eyes not only make for a more striking photo but also reassure adopters that the cat is well cared for and in good health.
9. Using Props for Action Shots Props like boxes, toys, paper bags, or cat trees can be excellent tools for capturing a cat’s playful and curious side. Cats love to explore these items, and incorporating them into the photo session can help them feel more comfortable while also showing off their fun, energetic personalities. A crinkly paper bag or a simple box can inspire playful pouncing, hiding, or peeking out, making for adorable and engaging action shots. Dangling toys or feather wands can capture mid-air swipes, jumps, or a focused crouch. These props not only bring out the cat’s personality but also create dynamic, eye-catching photos that give potential adopters a glimpse of what the cat might be like in a home environment.
In Conclusion:
Taking great photos of shelter cats can make the difference between a potential adopter scrolling past or falling in love. By using simple backgrounds, taking advantage of good lighting, and capturing each cat’s unique personality, you’ll help them shine online and increase their chances of finding a forever home. Always remember: the more relaxed the cat, the better the photo, so give them time and space, and keep snapping away!
All the cats pictured were photographed by Friends of Marshall Animals volunteers and fosters.