Picture Purfect Purtraits

PICTURE PURFECT

PURTRAITS

By Louise Vessey, MPA, SPA

I’M SORRY IN ADVANCE FOR THE CAT PUNS (NOT SORRY).

EIGHT YEARS AGO, OUR LIVES CHANGED FOREVER WHEN WE ADOPTED A TINY FLUFFY RAGDOLL KITTEN NAMED NEKO (JAPANESE FOR CAT). PRIOR, THE CLOSEST THING TO A PET, AFTER MUCH BEGGING FROM OUR CHILDREN, WERE FISH, CATERPILLARS, AND HAMSTERS, YOU KNOW, THE GATEWAY PETS. MY HUSBAND INSISTED THAT WE WERE NOT ‘THOSE’ PEOPLE. I COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIG DEAL WAS. LIKE WHY WOULD PEOPLE INSIST THAT THEIR PETS BE INCLUDED IN FAMILY PORTRAITS? NOT TO MENTION I WAS, AND STILL AM ALLERGIC TO CATS. I FOUND OUT FROM A WONDERFUL PPOC FRIEND THAT CERTAIN CAT BREEDS LIKE RAGDOLLS AND SIBERIANS DON’T AFFECT PEOPLE AS MUCH AS OTHERS DO. TURNED OUT THAT THE BROTHER TO HER RAGDOLL KITTEN WAS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY AND WE HAVE FOUR LONGHAIRED, FLUFFY FELINES! NOW I TOTALLY GET IT AND AM HAPPY TO BE AMONG “THOSE” PEOPLE. THE DAILY PUFFERS ARE WORTH IT!

I’ve definitely developed somewhat of a ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ persona and I’m ok with it, although I prefer ‘Passionate Feline Female’! Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about photographing these fiercely independent creatures. Luckily, cats are naturally beautiful and photogenic with no hair and make up required. The real challenge is to coerce them to sit where and how I want for that ultimate click of the shutter. My approach is not to spray and pray, but to be more intentional and to capture that decisive moment that shows the kitty’s personality. In my studio I have a bright northern window so will often use natural light as well as strobes.

Here are some of my tips and tricks for purfessional purtraits, whether they are client kitties or your own fur babies.

PURSONALITY

Just like humans, no two kitties are alike. Find out if they are quiet, shy, skittish, like treats, toys, etc., prior to the session. Be sure all doors are closed and minimize places for them to hide! Are they friendly and do they mind being picked up and held? Take time to build rapport with the kitty so they are comfortable around you. It may be easier to go to the client’s home where their pets are more comfortable, however I have had great success in my own studio environment. It just takes planning ahead, patience, and time.

SET THE STAGE(S)

Setting up multiple areas gives you more of a chance for success! I typically have three setups in my studio, one high key by the window, one on the floor with a cat bed/ chair/ box, and one up on a high table. The high table is my pur-reference as I can more easily back light and can usually quickly get their attention. It helps to have someone help to pat and calm the kitty down in an effort to keep them there long enough. I consider the cats fur and eye colouring when selecting backgrounds and will ask a client to send me a phone photo of their cat so I have a good visual when choosing what colour scheme will work. Be sure to have the room brightly lit so their pupils are small thus more of their eye colour will show.

DISTRACTION

Cats are inherently curious characters who, in a new environment will want to explore every nook and cranny. Once they have had time to explore and sniff everything it’s time for action. One trick is to attempt to lure them into place by dragging a string toy or bell ball, mouse, etc., then immediately getting their attention. Scratching or batting the soft box with a feather toy is my go-to to get them looking toward the light, using a loud crinkly toy, or even waving a piece of paper. Sometimes just stomping your feet can get them to look your way for a millisecond. Of course, as per the commercial, shaking a bag of treats can be effective!

PUR-SPECTIVE

Get down low or position the table so that you are shooting slightly lower. This gives kitty that well deserved powerful “king” impression. If the kitty prefers to be on the floor then you need to drop down low with them. Alternatively, photographing from above can make their heads look larger and give a sweet kitten like look. Yes you will get a good work out!

PATIENCE

This goes without saying, but of course allowing plenty of time for kitty to settle and be comfortable is of utmost importance. Many cats can be easily overwhelmed and become stressed. Play anti- stress music for cats (yes that’s a thing, Google it!) to help calm them down. I try not to have big expectations to achieve my vision of the perfect pose in the perfect light on the perfect background. One must let the cat be the boss of the session! Who knows? You may end up with something pawesome that you didn’t plan on!

Louise Vessey, MPA, SPA

Louise Vessey is an award-winning and Nationally Accredited Professional Photographer of Canada. She inspires to create art that families will enjoy for a lifetime by instilling the importance of printing imagery for display. Louise is the Past Chair of the PPOC, and continues to dedicate much of her time to connecting with other photographers to promote constant improvement as the National Communication Chair. www.lightandvision.com louise@lightandvision.com @louisevessey

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