Pet Photography - Why Cats Are Such Great Subjects

Why are cats such good subjects for a photographer? This is something I’ve pondered over the years. I’ve concluded it’s hard not to want to take their photo - after all, if they’re part of the household they’re usually available during the day for a shoot and they don’t charge much, just some tummy rubs and treats. It’s a reasonable fee.
They know how to pose, too, without any instructions at all (though the chances of them doing what you ask are pretty minimal…). Professional models could learn a lot from the natural poise and elegance of the average cat. They know exactly how to hold their body; the lines, the arches, the pointed limbs, the mysterious look on their faces… All the things that once mastered make for a pleasing portrait. They do it all completely naturally.

I took the opportunity for an impromptu pet portrait photo shoot with my family’s cats during a recent visit. They enjoy lounging around in the afternoon sun, soaking in the warmth the way that cats do and providing some nice light and shadow dynamics.

If you would like to arrange a ‘model shoot’ for your pet cat, dog, hamster, crocodile, shark (anything, I love them all!), please say hello.

Cat Portraits with Fujifilm XF 56mm F/1.2 and Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

My parents’ cats are incredibly photogenic. What more excuse do I need for an impromptu pet portrait session?

The first 10 shots are taken with the Fujifilm XF 56mm F/1.2. The last 4 are taken with the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS. Obviously the 10-24 isn’t thought of as a portrait lens, but it adds a fun perspective to close up head shots.

Having not picked up the 56mm F/1.2 in a while, I must say, I’d forgotten how clunky it is to use. It’s loud and slow, at least paired with the X-T2 and X-H1 (although I hear that with the X-T3 it’s given a new lease of life). Focus isn’t massively reliable (especially when shooting wide open, which is always the temptation with a lens like this) compared to some of the more up to date lenses from Fuji and using it with continuous AF is basically a fool’s game. But… it produces amazing results.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what kind of cats they are; they’re Lynx Point Siamese sisters.

All cat photos were taken with the Fuji X-H1 and the Fuji X-T2 with the Fujifilm X56mm f/1.2 Lens and the  Fujifilm XF10 - 24mm f/4 Lens, processed from RAW with Capture One.

Please visit the rest of my website, www.lukebennettphotos.com for much more content, including further landscape and nature photography from the UK and visit my Print Gallery to buy high quality prints of my UK landscapes.

Also, if you are interested in hiring me as your pet portrait or wedding photographer in Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, the Midlands or Beyond, please say hi!

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