If, like me, you think your cat is the most beautiful in the world, then you've probably thought about showing it off at its best in a professional cat photo shoot. With a few simple cat photography tips, you can ensure that your photos are just as stunning as those of a professional. In this article, I'll tell you how to plan a photo shoot with your cat and what to look for in professional cat photos. Whether it's for your personal photo gallery or even for an advertising campaign - with these tips, your cat is guaranteed to attract everyone's attention!
Today I want to tell you about my experience doing a commercial photoshoot with my Joy. It was a unique and fun experience where her beauty outshone everyone else and made her a little star. And who knows, maybe your cat could follow in her footsteps!
Planning a cat photoshoot: How to do it right
When we decided to dedicate ourselves to the Amoni project, we knew that we had to do it right. And that meant professional photos and the help of real experts. So we set out with great enthusiasm to find the right photo studio . A friend recommended a studio in downtown Nuremberg and we thought we had hit the jackpot. But… oh dear! They only took photos of people and animals in non-commercial contexts, so our project was politely rejected. No No reason to panic: you gave us a valuable contact, also in Nuremberg, and that is where our real adventure began.
After an initial phone call, we met at their office, ready to show our product and discuss the details of the shoot. After a few brainstorming sessions and meetings, the day of the photo shoot finally arrived.
Do you know that feeling when excitement is mixed with uncertainty because you don't know exactly what to expect or how your cat will react? That's exactly how I felt. After several failed attempts to "go with the flow," I learned that the magic word is PLANNING !
I know this sounds like a control freak, but trust me, having a plan when photographing your cat can mean the difference between a disaster and a series of photos that blow up your Instagram account!
1. Treats for relaxed cat photo shoot
Don't forget to stock up on your cat's favorite treats a few days before the shoot, especially if the shoot is on a Monday morning. Ask your favorite shop for tips, they're sure to have some good ideas. But be careful, like we did with chocolate: don't overdo it!
2. New toys for the perfect cat photo shoot
In addition to treats, you should also get new toys. Our furry friends are always extremely curious about anything that moves. Personally, I prefer non-electric toys that I can move myself. So, get some new sticks with colorful feathers!
3. The spray trick
Another trick I recommend is using a spray with cat-friendly scents. This works great if you want your cat to stay on the set for more than three seconds without jumping off!
4. The standard set for on the go: toilet, water and favorite food
When it comes to keeping your cat comfortable during a shoot, don't forget to bring the survival kit: toilet, water and favorite food. I found a portable litter box that I bought from a specialty store and it came in extremely handy. I filled it with fresh cat litter and added a small portion of the old litter to make Joy feel at home. I placed it in a quiet corner of the studio and it was a complete success! Joy felt comfortable immediately and the shoot went smoothly.
Arrival at the studio and preparation for the cat photo shoot
My tip: arrive at least 30 minutes before the agreed time - and in my opinion, the morning is the ideal time for a shoot. When we arrived, I immediately opened the carrier to give Joy time to settle in. As expected, she immediately started curiously exploring every corner of the studio while I prepared the litter box, water and favorite food. In the meantime, I had the opportunity to talk to the photographer and assistants, organize the set, share some of my ideas and introduce ourselves.
The shoot
When it was finally time to start the shoot, I tried to gently guide Joy, always giving her the freedom to decide where she wanted to go. I called her and suggested that she place herself on certain sets, such as the Wave or the Doora, but without ever forcing her. I let her decide for herself whether she wanted to follow my instructions and used the new toys and her favorite treats to lure her where I wanted her to go.
The biggest challenge? Finding the perfect moment when she wasn't licking her whiskers! Our shoot lasted four hours and Joy was so comfortable that she ended up falling asleep on the Wave while we went through the photos.
Conclusion
It was a fantastic experience that I would repeat without hesitation. Joy felt so comfortable under the spotlight that I am convinced she has what it takes to be a real model!
Capturing the beauty of your cat in a photo is easier than you think. It just takes a little planning and a lot of patience. Remember, your cat is already perfect the way it is; your job is just to immortalize this perfection in a creative and entertaining way. Have fun and, above all, good luck with the photos!
Julia