These stunning photos are from Los Angeles-based photographer Susan Weingartner. Here, she shares a few stories and tips about photographing feline subjects, as well as some recent photos she took of Jackson Galaxy and his feline family members.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
From a very early age, I’ve had a deep and profound connection to animals. As a child, I rescued many stray cats, dogs, birds, and other animals. As an adult, I became an advocate for the rights of animals, and work with a number of non-profits to help them. I’ve been shooting for over 10 years, but it wasn’t until about two years ago that the light bulb finally appeared over my head, and I realized that I wanted to combine my two greatest passions – photography and animals. So, I created a business shooting companion animal portraiture and nature photography.

I also donate my photography services to a number of non-profit organizations, including Stray Cat Alliance, Beagle Freedom Project and Mercy for Animals – all based near me in Los Angeles. I believe that a good photo can possibly save an animal’s life while they are waiting for adoption, so I’m looking to expand on this work in the future. I recently did a shoot with Beagle Freedom Project that involved a one-year-old mother beagle and her 5 puppies being rescued from a laboratory. We did some fantastic shots of momma and babies, posted them on Facebook, and the response was so overwhelming we decided to sell cards and prints online, with a portion of the proceeds going to Beagle Freedom Project. The cards are available at zazzle.com/susanweingartner and the prints can be found at susanweingartner.imagekind.com. It feels so good when I’m able to create new ways to help animals using my photography. I’m always looking at, and presenting new ideas to the organizations that I work with, in order to help them further their goals with my photography.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I love shooting with every kind of animal, including farmed and wild ones! I have a new site dedicated to just my animal photography AnimalsAndTheirHumans.com, that I’m really proud of.

Cats are especially interesting to me because they do require a very subtle connection that isn’t easy for everyone. Cats really require you to come to them and discover their needs. I love their mystery. I find it can take longer to finish a shoot with cats, but I love every moment of working with such amazing, graceful beings. To me, there’s nothing better than sitting on the floor for hours, connecting with cats, and getting great shots.

Sometimes I find when I come in for a shoot that the cat parents want to try to get their cats to do all the cute things they do for them when I’m not there. This rarely works, since the cat doesn’t know me yet. I find the best thing is to let the humans play for a bit, get some nice animal/human shots, and then ask if I can have some quiet time connecting to their kitty. That’s when the magic can really happen. Not to say I haven’t gotten some adorable shots thanks to Cat Moms and Dads, but the really deep and profound shots come when I sit with them and allow them to show me who they are. Human ego and animal ego are very different, and my mission is to show the animal soul, so it’s important for me to be able to be there without the other humans around, at some point in the shoot. Although, I did work with Jackson Galaxy and his animal family recently, and needless to say, I didn’t ask him to leave. We got some amazing shots!

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
I usually meditate, or do other activities that help me center myself. Cats are such sensitive beings, and can feel everything that’s going on with you. I like to make sure I’m in a calm and peaceful state, in order to help reduce their stress, since I’m coming into their territory and need to tune into them. I do believe that the only way to work with animals is in their most comfortable surroundings, which of course is their home, with all its familiar sights and sounds. I believe that bringing an animal to a photography studio is not going to be a pleasant experience for them and won’t bring the best results. So I always come to the home of that animal, or a favorite place like a dog park, to do my shooting. Depending on light sources there, I’ll bring extra lighting – flash, strobes, and reflectors, to be used only if necessary. 99% of the shoot is about finding some good natural light where the animal is comfortable, and then if it’s not presenting itself, pull out the minimal lighting necessary to help with the shoot.

When I work with animals who are waiting to be adopted, that situation can be more stressful for the animal, depending on where they are being boarded. I tend to take a lot of time letting the animals get as comfortable as possible before I shoot. I want to help them find their forever home and I understand it is a great responsibility to show them in their best light. I’ve seen some really horrible shots on adoption sites, which are doing nothing to help an animal find a home, and this is something I’ll continue to work on, along with other photographers who care about this issue. Whether it’s getting pros to take the shots, or teaching staff how to do it better, this is so important in helping homeless animals get adopted.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
I was hired for a job with a wonderful client who has a gorgeous home and 11 cats, plus she had 4 rescued kittens at that time that she asked me to shoot as well, in order to help them get adopted. I don’t know if I can actually say it was “challenging” because I loved working with these cats so much, and they were all so beautiful, but it was a longer shoot — finding all the cats in their various comfort zones in her home, and helping them to be comfortable with me and my ‘big black clicking box thingy’. They had wonderful natural light in almost every room, which made the job so much easier! I suppose the most challenging thing was trying to remember so many names and match them to the shots later…

Working with all animals can be challenging, because you can’t give them direction the way you can with humans. But, that challenge is what drives me. I understand that, because I can’t give direction, I have the opportunity to capture the pure essence of that animal, and it’s magical when you can see that in the photo.

Working with rescued calves, for Mercy For Animals, was an interesting challenge. They had been in the sanctuary for about a month or so, and had grown considerably larger since our first shoot. I had to go into the pen in order to get clean shots of them. The problem was, they were extremely playful in spite of their growing bodies, and not only was it hard to get a good shot without too much movement, they would also run straight towards me — which was a great shot, but could also cause considerable harm to my body. I somehow found a way to position myself, get a couple of shots, and then run sideways. I walked away with no major bumps or bruises, and I loved every minute of it!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Always think of your cat’s needs first. I never try to “make” them do anything. Sit with them and let them be who they are. Natural light is almost always the best, but if you don’t have a great light source, a little flash can help. Too much flash can harm. Faster shutter speed is important, unless you want to show movement. The more you shoot, the better the shots will get. But, if you really want amazing shots of your cats, consider hiring a professional photographer like me, to at least get those portraits you may not be able to get with your particular camera equipment. Pro photographers have the experience, the eye, the equipment, and the know-how to capture moments in a way you may not have had the time to develop. Those will be the shots that you will always cherish because of the richness of that moment that was captured.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
I shoot with two Canon 5D MarkII’s, and have an older 5D as a backup camera. I like working with two cameras so I have lens options ready to go. I rarely use my 580EXII flash, but have it handy when I need to fill the light a bit. I usually keep my Travelite strobes in the car in case there isn’t a good natural light source, but haven’t really needed them in most cases. I have a number of lenses, depending on the situation. I love the 24-70mm 2.8, and sometimes the 70-200 2.8 when I need to stay further away if the animal is feeling nervous still. That lens is great when I’m shooting with feral cats. I also bring along my 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 for a really beautiful, shallow depth of field. When shooting wild animals, and with some farmed animals, I have a great 100-400mm zoom lens that has helped me capture some really special moments. I use several different editing software techniques/combinations to create a more surreal feeling in a lot of my photos. I’m in the process of trying out some new styles, which I’m feeling very excited about, and looking forward to sharing in the future!

Wow! We received more than 500 amazing cat photos for the Creative Cat Photo Contest! This was such a hard decision, but we have chosen the winners. Congratulations to Kelly Mars from Woodbridge, VA for her beautiful photo “You Light Up My Life”. Kelly wins the Grand Prize, a free 18″ x 24″ canvas print from CanvasPop!

And the 2nd Place Prize, a free 16″ x 20″ canvas print from CanvasPop, goes to Yvonne Fong, from Vancouver, BC for her photo “Just Another Nap…” Congrats!

20% Discount Extended to June 3!

There’s still some time left to get 20% off your whole order at CanvasPop! You now have until June 3, 2012 to take advantage of this special offer. Just enter discount code CREATIVECAT20 at checkout.

I went through the photos one by one and really enjoyed all of them! You can see all the entries on the contest page, but I’ve chosen some of my favorites to share with you here. Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a photo! They are all amazing!

This time for our pet photography Q & A series, we have photographer Nynke Wierda. I was first introduced to her work when she posted the photo below of her cat Bill on the Moderncat Facebook page for the “Show Me Your Teeth” photo round up. She was kind enough to answer our Q & A to tell us a little more about her work.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
Looking through my archives, there actually are some accidental pet or animal pictures. Animals were never my main focus, however, until 7-week-old kitten Bill arrived in March 2010. He’s now a very sleek and handsome 2-year-old and needless to say he’s done a fair bit of modelling for me. Bill and my partner have a pretty special relationship — Bill’s early morning cuddles are always with Tim. It was Bill’s affection for Tim that made me realise that pets love people, too. This inspired my final year project for my commercial photography degree — Pets and their People. The pets included cats, dogs and snakes! By the time the project finished and I graduated in 2011, I had photographed lots of pets and did not want to stop. I love the unpredictability and the hard work. Every place and every animal is different and I also love their shapes, colours and textures. For example, I use a softer light on a Maine Coon and a harder one on a short-hair to bring out their coats. So now I am a pet photographer and I am based in Sheffield, England.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I photograph more cats and dogs than anything else. I do not specialise in a particular animal or breed, but would love to do more exotics as well as birds and horses! In January 2012 I started a personal project called ‘Dogs of Sheffield’. I always get the weekend papers from a shop nearby and I noticed the dogs being walked in the area — even early on a Sunday. Whenever I go out, I take my camera and when I see a dog and their person, I ask whether I can take a photograph of the dog. So far everyone has said yes and I’ve not been bitten. In fact, I’ve had some lovely cuddles! I now know quite a few dogs in my neighbourhood, too. As the year progresses, I’m hoping to cover a bit more of the city. I will run the project until the end of the year and then see what I’ve come up with — there could possibly be a book or an exhibition in it? I also discovered that cats will sit and watch you — and let you photograph them — before running away. This parallel project is called ‘Cats of Sheffield’ (I could not come up with a better name). The projects are not something I need to do on a daily basis, but it encourages me to get out and walk more and I get to meet lots of interesting and lovely dogs, cats and people.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
The main preparation for any shoot is to make sure that my equipment is in working order and that I have everything I need with me. Treats and toys are a must, but luckily cats are not very fussy and happy to play with whatever is around, including wooden spoons! I shoot a lot indoors, which means setting up lighting and a background and I find it best to have the cat around whilst I’m doing it. If you introduce the cat after everything has been rigged up, you spend another 20 minutes waiting for it to explore the set. You find out very quickly how a cat is going to behave and you need to take time to settle it down. I use the toys as a distraction as well as props and also have very frequent breaks as they tend to get bored quite quickly when they are being handled — young cats in particular. I very much go with the flow and the shoot is dictated by the cat, because it’s never going to listen to anything I say anyway.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
Photographing ten Bengals was a challenging job. I didn’t know there were going to be that many although we didn’t shoot them all at the same time. We shot in a spare bedroom with two beds, other furniture and three people in it. There were four kittens and I ended up photographing only three as the fourth managed to get under a chest of drawers and would not come out. The other three kept jumping off the table, too. I spent a lot of time on my stomach coaxing cats from under the beds and not just the kittens either! All of them found the room far more interesting than being photographed by me. Being Bengals, they kept going to the sink behind the set and it was really difficult to get to them. Shooting in such a confined space with cats running around and meowing and crying was a challenge. Keeping them on the table and interested was another challenge! Afterwards I was exhausted, but they are amazingly beautiful cats and it was a great experience — it was worth it!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
In October 2010, we gave Fluff a home. Bill and Fluff are very different cats. Where Bill likes to get involved, Fluff will hide under the table. Now he’s a bit older, he likes being photographed even less! Because I capture them mostly indoors, I keep the camera handy and I usually shoot with the widest aperture as lack of light is often an issue. I got some of the best shots of Bill in patches of sunlight in the kitchen. Recently Fluff was sitting on the dining-room table having just woken up. He was looking out of the window, which gave me enough light to capture his profile. It was the right time and the right place and he was sleepy enough not to mind me too much. With black cats in particular, you need lots and lots of light so anywhere next to a window would be great. Be patient, be aware of where they are and what they do and then be very fast. Get in as close as you can to avoid including too much background. Our tall cat tree also is a great prop either for playing or posing. If you need to use flash, try to bounce it off the ceiling or wall if you can. I know that cats change their habits on a weekly basis, but at least that week you know where they prefer to sleep or which window-sill is the favourite — use that knowledge. Get to know your camera and its settings and don’t be afraid to experiment and to look at your cat from different angles.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
I have a Nikon D700 and my main lens is the 24-70 mm 2.8. I also have a Sigma 70-200 mm, which is not ideal for a full frame camera as it gives vignetting when not fully zoomed in. I do use it for creative/dramatic effect and when I want to be in very close, but not close to the animal. I use two Elinchrom mono heads, a silver umbrella and a small softbox. As I often work in small spaces, that is all the kit I have space for. For file management and processing I use Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5. And I always take a box filled with bits and bobs with me. My Minolta light meter lives in it as well as small reflectors, USB leads, clips, the sync lead — I keep everything that may be remotely useful during a shoot in that box. Then I have stands, a wallpaper pasting table and grey paper background, but I also attach blankets to the crossbar to use as backgrounds. My favourite new toy is my lightscoop, imported from America! It goes over my on-camera flash and then bounces the flash. Very simple and effective.

For this installment of our pet photography Q & A series, we talk with photographer Jaime Rowe about her experience photographing animals. She clearly has a passion for what she does and it shows in her work!

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I started my pet photography business in Denver, Colorado in 2008. I used to work at a corporate job that I did not have a passion for. When we moved to Colorado in 2008, I knew I wanted to do something that didn’t just make me happy but something that made me excited to wake up and do EVERY DAY. I started going through the “Who am I?” and “What really makes me happy?” questions.

One night, I was reading to my 5 year old (at the time) and I started to cry. He said, “Mommy, why are you crying?” I said, ”Mommy is crying because she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life.” My 5 year old (who is a genius in my book) said, “Well, what do you like to do?” I said, “Photograph pets.” He said, “Okay, then do that.” And I did. It has snowballed from there. I recently published a book with Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center called Survivors – Your Best Friend’s Journey With Cancer. My images have been on the cover of magazines and calendars. It has been a dream come true.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I specialize in the “experience” of a pet photography session. Whether the session is for a cat or dog, I want to evoke a feeling of genuine emotions from the owners and their pets. I try not to stage any positions (especially with a cat!). I create an environment for the cats to be themselves and then I start to click away. I listen to the clients requests for images and then add a professional and artistic flare that completes the picture. I have many clients send me cards later thanking me for “the special morning that we will never forget”. My sessions are highly customized and I take a great deal of time getting to know each and every one of my clients before I ever press a button on my camera. Each pet has a special personality and “essence” to them that I feel compelled to bring out in my artwork.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Every client fills out a “Getting To Know You” form that includes questions ranging from “What is your name and where did you come from?” to “What is your owner’s favorite thing about you? (i.e. soft ears, little paws, or mischievous look). All questions are directed toward the pet so owners are requested to ask them into the room for their answers. Cat photo experiences require extra attention due to the nature of cats. I have had a cat in my home since the day I was born and I am familiar with cats and how they “march to the beat of their own drum”. I ask the owner beforehand if the cat has a special hiding place (i.e. under mom’s bed) and request that they close off that location. I also call the owner as I pull up to their house so they can greet me outside their home. This reduces the stress of having a loud doorbell or strange person knocking on their door. I spend a lot more time with my cat owners. Cat photo “experiences” range from one hour to two and a half hours so I really get to know my cat clients on a friend level (I guess that they have to get to know someone who lies on their kitchen floor and has a whispering conversation with them for over an hour!)

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
One time I photographed three cats in one home. The first two cats (a Siamese and a white cat) were more than obliged to “strut their stuff” in front of my camera. The black cat was not so happy about my visit. She dodged every opportunity I had to capture her image (i.e. hiding behind couches, tables, staircases). After two and a half hours, the owner and I agreed that maybe she was not going to be in the photos that day. Suddenly, the black cat strutted out and plopped herself in front of the fireplace (in the “meatloaf” position as my mother used to call it) and gave me a look that said, ”This is your chance lady. Let’s do this.” I gently positioned myself and clicked away! I felt like she was waiting for us to give up just to prove a point!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Take your time. Cat photography is all about PATIENCE. Use as much available light from windows as possible. The morning is a great time to photograph a cat looking at birds or squirrels. Let them be in charge and just enjoy their presence. The rewards are “one in a million” with the right dose of patience!

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
I use a Canon 30D and 580EXII Speedlight. I rarely use my flash in a room with cats. If I turn on my 580EXII it is to bounce the light off the ceiling or a wall. I prefer to use fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.8. It is a fantastic lens for low light situations like an indoor sessions with cats. The other lens that you would have to “pry out of my cold, dead hands” is my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. It is my rock. If you have more questions about my techniques or equipment, please e-mail me at jaime@jaimerowephotography.com. Thank you!

See more of Jaime’s work at www.JaimeRowePhotography.com.

Next up in our Pet Photography Q & A Series, we have Phoenix, Arizona-based pet photographer Barb Del’Ve. Barb takes stunning photos of not just cats, but all kinds of critters. Here she tells us about her experience photographing our furry feline friends.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I WASN’T photographing animals! As a kid I used to spend summers on my Godparent’s farm so I had plenty of subject matter to choose from!

Professionally, I’ve been photographing animals for about 3 years now, however, only on a part-time basis. It’s only been recently that I’ve decided to pursue pet photography full-time!

Pets are such an integral part of our lives. I feel it’s so important to document the time we have together. One of the main reasons I started a pet photography business is so no one would ever have to lose an animal without having beautiful portraits to remember them by. My goal is to capture the unique spirit of your pet and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Currently, I offer pet photography both on-location (at your home or a location of your choice) or in my home-based studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Depending on the type of shots you’re looking for, I have several fun locations I can suggest.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I really don’t have a specialty! I LOVE all animals! I volunteer at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center so I’ve been so fortunate to have the opportunity to photograph wildlife up close as well as domestic animals. I’m the one that actually gets excited about photographing your snake, tarantula, hamster, rat, or iguana!

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Like all animals, each cat is different, but generally cats do best when photographed in familiar surroundings. Most of the cats that I photograph are in-home sessions. I take lots of time just getting to know your kitty and giving him/her a chance to feel comfortable with a new person in the house. Sooner or later, almost all of them relax.

I normally use a longer lens when photographing a cat because they usually aren’t as interactive as a dog would be. They don’t like a stranger with a camera in their face! But I still bring a good supply of kitty treats and toys because some cats really ARE as playful as dogs!

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
I wish I had a funny story, but I really don’t! I’ve only had a couple times when we’ve had to re-schedule a shoot because the cat decided that hiding under the bed was way safer than playing with the girl with the camera.

On one occasion when a kitty wouldn’t come out from under the bed and we’d already finished photographing her dog and her other two cats, the owner decided that a couple shots of this cat under the bed would be appropriate since it really did spend a lot of time there. But before I could take pictures she decided she had to get rid of the ‘dust bunnies’ that had also taken up residence there. So she literally, ‘dusted’ around the cat before she would let me shoot!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Patience is the key to kitty photography! Wait until they’re relaxed and let them get used to your camera.

Get down on their level and photograph them in a bright room so you don’t have to use flash. Flash usually frightens cats. But another reason to forego flash is the ‘glowing eyes’ you’ll get with a flash reflecting off the back of their eyes. Ideally, you want a bright room, but not direct sunlight. A room with a north-facing window will give you a nice soft quality of light.

To get a real ‘focused/intense’ look in their eyes, wait until they’re looking out a window at birds fluttering around a feeder. Or, if you have another person to help you, ask them to play with a feather toy just above the camera so you can catch the cat looking right at the lens. Sometimes just crinkling a piece of paper can make enough noise to get the kitty to look right at you.

Try to photograph them with the light coming in from the side. Side-lighting will accentuate the texture of their beautiful fur! And make sure to keep your photo sessions short and fun so you don’t stress out your kitty!

Most importantly…take lots of photos of your pets! They are with us for FAR too short of a time. Take photos now while you have the chance! I’ve never heard anyone say they were ever sorry that they had too many pictures of their beloved pets!

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
Currently, I’m shooting with a Nikon D300. Lenses include the Nikkor 70-200 mm 2.8; Nikkor 105 mm 2.8 Macro; Nikkor 24-70 mm, 2.8; and a Nikkor 50 mm 1.4. These are primarily the lenses I use for pet photography.

In the studio I use Alien Bees strobes with a combination of softboxes and umbrellas. I also use PocketWizards to wirelessly fire the strobes.

. . .

To see more of Barb’s amazing photography, please visit her website www.BarbDelVe.com. Read more interviews from our pet photography Q & A series here.

Izumi Tanaka worked in documentary television and film for years. During that time, she was always photographing various subjects, but when she realized her passion for photographing animals, she started to focus on what she enjoys most. Here are her thoughts on pet photography.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I’ve been shooting for 30 years and have always been shooting my own cats. Since I began to shoot professionally in the last few years, my focus was commercial but it was taking a long time for me to establish myself. Meanwhile, I was posting photos of my cats on my blog and Facebook often, and some my friends overwhelmingly supported me to do pet photography as well. First, I went to a couple of friends to see if I can photograph their cats and dogs as well as I can with my own cats. This was earlier this year (2010), and I’ve been having a blast! I am based in Santa Monica, California.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I do cats and dogs, but by far, I have a very special connection with cats! And my specialty is that I shoot them in their own natural environment where they’re in their element. I don’t create the scenes, and I just let them show me how they want me to capture them by allowing them to just be who they are.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Usually, I take a few minutes to get to know the cats or hang out in their environment without pointing the camera so they get used to my presence in their space. Once they trust me, there is a synergy between the cat and myself.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
The only one that I was challenged was with a kitty who kept going behind a chair where I couldn’t shoot, not because he was shy but because that’s where he loved to hang out. Also, when the rooms are dark, it can be challenging because I only use natural and available light.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Cats are definitely harder to shoot than dogs because they are more independent. I would never try to make them pose for you or do something they’re not in the mood for. If you can connect with them at the soul level, they tend to show off their essence to you.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
I don’t use any fancy equipment. I have my Canon (I use the Rebel for pet shoot as it’s small and light) with 17~40 mm Zoom. The simpler the better for me to give me the mobility and flexibility.

Isumi’s cat photos are available for purchase in a 2011 desktop calendar, along with some wonderful notecards, on her website.

Continuing our pet photography interview series, today we have Julianna Koh of Two Guinea Pigs Pet Photography Studio in Sydney, Australia. Julianna has a wonderful sensitivity for capturing the quirky characteristics of animals. I’m completely in love with the shots of these gorgeous black kitties!

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I got my first digital point-and-shoot, a Sony Cyberspace, as a birthday present. When I adopted two guinea pigs in 2003, I was so fascinated by their characters and personalities that I ‘documented’ their habitat, diet, mischievousness, adventures, and expressions. I’ve also photographed pets of friends. The satisfaction and joy of seeing their pet portraits, and my passion and interests in animals made me decide to start up a pet photography business based in Sydney, Australia.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I don’t specialise in a particular breed or animal. I photograph pets in a non-conventional way (some say quirky) in that I prefer to capture their movements and expressions in the environment they are most comfortable with. It’s like spying on them through the camera lens and seizing every opportunity I can get to frame an image. I would say about 80% of my shoots are candid, where I let them be themselves, sit or play wherever. The other 20% are posed shots where I usually get the pets to move to nearer to where the light is.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
I pray. No, just kidding. I don’t think you can specially prepare for a photo shoot except the usual, like check and clean your gear, have plenty of rest before the photo shoot takes place, pack your gear, bring treats and toys, and turn up on time! What helps is I keep practising when I’m not on a photo shoot and I photograph almost anything and everything I fancy.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
A friend of mine has 7 cats. Not all cats get along well. I wanted to photograph them together but he could only bring the ones that got along into the same room. There was one particular long-haired cat that just couldn’t wait to get out!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Be patient and have respect. Treats, sounds, noises can help but they normally work on cats only once, especially the shy or aloof ones. Try and anticipate their moves, get in position to shoot so you don’t miss the moment. If your camera has the continuous shooting mode learn to shoot with it – this feature lets you capture a few frames per second where you can catch unpredictable actions like yawning, licking, etc. Know your camera well — even a point-and-shoot can get surprisingly good results if you learn how to use it. Keep looking through the viewfinder and keep composing and framing. Be sensitive towards the cats’ moods, don’t push if they appear bored, stressed, nervous or tired — if you don’t enjoy the shoot, most likely the cats aren’t enjoying it either.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
For photographing pets, I shoot in manual mode with my Canon 450D and 85mm f/1.2L EF lens. I will bring my Speedlite 580EX but will reserve using it unless I absolutely need to — and when I need to, I’ll bounce it off the ceiling or a white wall. I prefer natural light.

You’re going to love this interview with Toronto-based photographer Holly Sisson, who often incorporates pets into her beautiful family portraits. Holly’s new Siberian kitten, Alice, is also frequently the subject of her amazing work. Holly gives us all sorts of useful technical advice in this interview, so all you budding photographers, enjoy!

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I purchased my first Canon DSLR in August 2006, and started shooting professionally in Toronto the next June (2007). I love to incorporate pets into my family sessions, as they are often the first ‘babies’ of the house, and part of the family. In my home we have had a few different pets before our Siberian cat, Alice arrived. I just love animals in general, so have photographed fish, hamsters, horses, dogs and, of course, cats!

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
For the most part, pets are captured as part of my family photography, but I am very interested in pet photography on its own, and always open to a family pet photography session. Since I love all animals, I don’t have a specialty, happy to photograph any and all pets/animals!

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Preparing for a pet photo shoot, in general, would be similar to doing a family shoot. I would discuss with the owner the temperament/personality of their pet (which I do for children as well, very helpful to know prior to the shoot!). Depending on the location (and temperament/personality), I decide which lenses to bring along with my primary Canon body, the 1D MkIV, and my backup Canon, the 5D. It’s very important to have backups, as equipment can fail at any time.

For a pet shoot I would definitely bring my favorite lens, my Canon 85mm f1.2L lens, as it is very bright and excellent for low light conditions. It has wonderful bokeh, which is the background blur you can achieve by shooting with an SLR camera. This is important as it helps to isolate your subject, bringing the focus to them and making the background much less distracting. I would bring my Canon 24-70mm f2.8L lens, which is great for wider angle, and close-up shots. The advantage of a zoom, over a fixed focal length (like the 85mm f1.2L), is that it can make it easier to capture the shot. With a fixed focal lens, you have to move with your feet which is sometimes not possible, and can be distracting to the cat.

I would also bring my Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens, to capture the amazing eyes of a cat. I could do close ups of cats’ eyes, and never grow tired of it, they really are the windows to the soul.

I would also bring along a specialty lens called a Lensbaby. The Lensbaby has a selective ‘sweet spot’, in which that area is in focus, and everything around it is out-of-focus. I love it for the creative options it gives, it can be great for focusing on select areas, for example the whiskers.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
Cats, more then almost any other pet, can be extremely challenging just by their very nature. My Siberian, Alice, true to her breed, is very tolerant and good natured. She is not shy, or skittish. Of course the same cannot be said for all cats. I’ve been fortunate that the cats that I have photographed have not been tricky subjects. I have no doubt that there are probably cats out there that couldn’t be photographed professionally, as the whole production of a shoot would scare them to the extreme. A professional camera body and lens are large, and foreign to a cat that is not used to them. I have a Canon 70-200 mm f2.8L IS lens, that I usually use for dog photography. I could see that it could be helpful for a shy cat, assuming there is room to work with that focal length, as it allows me to be much further from the subject then my other lenses.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Absolutely! The advantage you, as the owner, have over a professional is two fold. One, your cat knows you, trusts you, and is comfortable with you. Two, you know your cat! Typically the images that have the most impact, when you look back at them in years to come, are images that truly capture your cat as they are, their personality, their quirks, etc. Photographs are amazing in that they can transport you back in time, in an instant. Capture your cat in their favorite lounging spot, lying in their funny sleeping position, sitting waiting for dinner (or meowing, as I’m sure Alice isn’t the only one to do so!), etc.

The challenge, if you do not have professional equipment, is working with the limitations of the equipment you do have. If you have a point and shoot, it can be frustrating to capture action, as the camera is slow to shoot compared to an SLR. You could try to pre-focus on a spot where you know the action is going to take place. If you have someone helping you, for example they are playing with your cat while you photograph, you could try to push down halfway on the shutter in the area where the action is taking place. Then have your helper get your cat to that spot. The beauty of digital photography is you can shoot, and shoot, and shoot, and not worry about development costs. Just take an abundance of photos!

Working in the best light possible is extremely important as well. Point and shoot cameras do not perform well in low-light conditions, and you’ll want to avoid the on-camera flash, as it just doesn’t do a good job (shadows, red-eye, not to mention you may frighten your cat).

The other challenge to a P & S camera is depth of field. P & S’s are great at wide angle shots, because they have great depth-of-field, meaning everything is in focus. But you can not capture that beautiful close-up with the background elements out-of-focus (that amazing bokeh), as they are just not capable of doing that. Given that, it is doubly important to photograph your cat in a clean, non-distracting area. Watch out for background clutter. Make sure, when you are reviewing your images, that you check the background for distraction.

I would suggest working to a P & S’s strengths. Do the wide angle ‘environmental’ shots. Make sure to keep composition rules in mind (i.e. it’s generally not a good idea to center your subject, make sure to get down on the same level as your pet, if you shoot from above, shoot from directly above, make it work for the shot).

I believe that some P & S’s are quite good at macro, so focus in tightly on your subject, fill the frame. If your cat likes to sleep by a window, use that to advantage for macro shots, as then you’ll be more likely to capture ‘catch lights’ in the eyes, which bring your subject to life.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)

I shoot with Canon equipment, I have the following:

• Primarily camera body is the Canon EOS 1D MkIV. This camera can shoot 10/sec, and has a 1.3 crop factor (focal length x 1.3, e.g. 100mm lens becomes a 130mm lens)
• Backup camera body is the Canon EOS 5D. This is a full frame body, which is great for wide angle shots.
• Canon 85mm f1.2L lens. This is my FAVORITE lens. Amazing in low light, and incredible bokeh.
• Canon 24-70mm f2.8L lens. This is my second most used lens.
• Canon 100mm macro f2.8 lens. Always bring this lens to shoots with pets and children. It is also a great portrait lens.
• Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS lens. This one is fabulous for certain shoots, i.e. a dog shoot in the park.
• Canon 50mm f1.4. This is my least used lens, it’s only advantage is the shorter focal length for tighter environments, as it is a bright lens, but it just does not compare to the quality of image I can achieve with the 85 f1.2L lens.
• Lensbaby Composer, with telephoto, wide angle, macro and fisheye lens attachments. Fun lens, with the macro kit anything and everything can be fun to photograph.
• Canon 580EX II Speedlite. I prefer to use natural light, as much as possible, but can definitely achieve a better quality image by bouncing this off a wall while shooting.

For our next pet photography Q & A we have New York city-based photographer Brooke Jacobs. Brooke has been photographing pets for years and shares her experience with us today, along with a special giveaway at the end.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
After graduating with a degree in photography from Bard College, and moving to NYC, I continued to do my documentary photography while working in the industry. After several years I knew I was uninterested in the typical commercial end of photography and knowing I couldn’t make a living off my documentary work, I started thinking outside the box. Many of my photographs at the time, all done on the streets of NY, included animals and their relationship to the scene at hand. I started focusing specifically on pet portraits in 2003, after having my first dog portraits published in an address book and box set of cards. The joy of seeing my work published and the privilege of capturing images I know will be cherished for years to come sealed the deal for me.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
While I would say I do any kind of pet photography, I do specialize in traditional portraiture, capturing the pets emotional and expressive sensibilities. There are two sides to my work. Half of my work (less so during the winter season) is done in the pets natural environment, park or home and the other half is studio, where I focus on creative ideas and traditional portraiture work.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Yes! Cats are particular and it is important that the cat wants to participate. I tend to work in areas the cat is comfortable with (favorite chair/couch) and create a calm and quiet area. I like to set up my equipment first then relax on the floor and learn a little about the cat. If the cat likes treats and play, they are ready and willing to follow my lead and go where the fun is. Occasionally there is a cat that doesn’t care for either and I have to win them over with love, patience and lots of petting.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
Being a cat person, I love working with cats because they are a challenge and I get a kick out of their quirky ways. One thing pet photographers have in common is not only their love for animals but an excitement for a challenge. You NEVER know what is going to happen and that is the fun and uniqueness of every shoot. That said, most of my cat shoots have gone well. I had one kitten that was very shy and cowered down and looked miserable. I turned him around so he wasn’t facing me or the ‘action’ and got one shot of him peaking back before he jumped off the set, hid and was left alone. That shot is one of my all time favorite images. [little tuxedo guy on the blue background below]

I’ve only had one case where the cat hissed the whole time, and boy did I get a great shot of that. I had a friend bring her new kitten Princess over for a studio shoot — I tend to only work with kittens in studio since most cats don’t like to be taken out of their element. She was a little older than I was told (or they knew) and wasn’t happy about this new experience at all. As she jetted off the set, I was sure I saw something extra under her tail and asked them how they knew their Princess was a Princess and not a Prince? They said they had gone to the vet and they knew she was a she. As they left, I mumbled under my breath good-bye Prince (pause) ess. Found out a week later that Princess was a Prince after all.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
I have several tips. If your cat needs grooming, groom him/her before the shoot. If grooming is an ordeal for the cat do it a day or two ahead of the shoot so there is no drama the day of the shoot. The shoot should be a fun time to bond with your cat and be a positive experience filled with love, treats, toys and patience.

I have lighting equipment that doesn’t flash right in front of a cats face. If you are using a point and shoot, turn the flash off and choose an area that gets good natural light. That area should also be clutter free.

Cats don’t like being forced to do things so make sure you keep it fun and interesting for the cat (and yourself) with treats and toys and laughter. If your not having fun, your cat isn’t having fun!

Enter to Win Brooke Jacobs Kitty Post-its!

Brook sells some of her kitten images on cute little post-it note pads through her Etsy shop and she’s offering some for a giveaway! Two lucky readers will each receive a pair of kitten post-its. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. The winners will be chosen in a random drawing on April 4. One entry per person. This giveaway is open to readers everywhere.

We have a new installment in our pet photography interview series, this time with Ingrid Nevinger of 9 Lives Photography. Ingrid specializes in cat photography, plus she volunteers her time with several cat charity organizations, helping to photograph adoptable cats, definitley putting the cats in their best light. She also put together a Blurb book, Faces of Felines Inc., with a sampling of the photos taken at this Chicago no-kill shelter.

You have to check out Ingrid’s blog Cat Nipped, where she posts portraits of people with their cats along with a little interview about the image and the cat-human relationship.

Ingrid also plays in a string ensemble, Elle Musique, that donates their musical services to Chicago-area animal shelters.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I’ve been photographing animals, especially cats, since I received my first point-and-shoot camera as a child. During high school and early college, I studied darkroom photography and often used my cats as models. After taking a long hiatus from photography, I picked up my first digital camera only a few years ago. Virtually every week for the last year, I’ve visited Felines Inc., a no-kill Chicago cat shelter, to photograph its many residents. Felines Inc. is such a wonderful environment. Since it is cageless the cats know each other and are completely at ease. I capture them engaged in their normal activities of playing, grooming, napping, etc. I then sell their portraits and donate the proceeds back to Felines Inc. Recently, I’ve also started photographing cats from Animal Care League in Oak Park, IL and Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
Feline, definitely feline (hey, I’m a “cat person!”) Although I enjoy photographing humans, dogs and assorted other subjects, my real passion is capturing the character, spirit and extraordinary beauty of cats.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Since every cat possesses a district personality, I first spend time sans camera “making friends” (talking, petting, playing). I wish to gain my subject’s trust, and to make him feel comfortable in my presence. Upon introducing my camera, I always let him check it out. I’ve know many a cat who’s loved to headbutt the lens and chew the strap! To engage a cat’s curiosity and appetite, I frequently bring a variety of toys and treats. I also wear clothes I don’t mind getting dirty, as I follow my subjects everywhere and often end up crawling on the floor or ground.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
A friend of mine has a lovely white cat named Marshmallow. I wanted to photograph them together for my blog, Cat Nipped. My friend warned me that Marshmallow didn’t take well to strangers, but I insisted that we would hit it off. After all, I had Da Bird (a great toy which no cat had ever resisted). Well, after hour upon hour of trying to lure him out (including “ignoring” him) I had to confess that I had met my match. One day, over the course of many, many visits, I will get that shot!

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?

• Cats can be unpredictable, so have your camera ready and seize the moment.
• Photograph in natural light if possible, as flash can frighten cats and cause red eye.
• If you have the option to shoot in aperture priority or manual mode, use the widest f-stop setting on your camera (this allows more light to hit the sensor).
• Capture your cat from every possible angle.
• Focus on just one body part ~ a fluffy tail, single eye or outstretched paw.
• Avoid cluttered backgrounds.
• Focus on expression, not technical perfection.
• Take lots of pictures (you will never regret having too many, only too few).

Continuing our pet photography interview series, today we have Sarah Sorrentino of SSP Photography Pets. Sarah combines her life-long love of animals with her photography skills to create some really spectacular images of pets. She also works with several animal welfare organizations in Atlanta, including Animal Action Rescue and FurKids. I am completely in love with the images above of her adorable kitty, Cat the Cat! Read more about him here.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?

I graduated with my photography degree from Columbia College Chicago in 2002. I began in the wedding photography field, and started my photography business after moving to Atlanta in 2003. Weddings were fantastic to photograph – so much energy, emotion, and humanity all wrapped up in one day – but the passion I had in the beginning just wasn’t quite there as much after I started shooting for a living. So I decided to take my focus in a new direction, and my life-long love for animals quickly led me to pet photography. Spending my time making new furry friends here in Atlanta and a bit in Chicago as well, and capturing their personalities for their moms and dads to cherish has been such a joy and I know I’ll continue to love this job for years to come.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?

My work is completely spontaneous and all about having fun! I don’t like to do any “posing” at all… my goal is to have a great time with the pets and the pets’ people. Out of spending a fun day together, and observing all of the little quirks and unique aspects of each pet’s personality, we can get the most natural and accurate record of who that pet is and what he means to his owner – and that is the whole idea. I also like to make images that might not be “portraits” technically speaking –  maybe a close shot of just whiskers, or an abstracted view of markings on fur — but the overall mood and feel of the photograph captures the spirit of the animal. To me, these are the best pieces to transform into artwork for your home. And for me the shoot is only the beginning of the creative process. I love finding unique ways to bring the images to life, whether it’s the perfect way to frame a classic print, printing on alternative materials like metal, or bringing a whole story together in a coffee table book featuring your pets. Great imagery is just a starting point!

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?

The biggest thing I remember for cat shoots is patience! You have to work on the cat’s schedule, not your own. Dogs are much more eager to please their owners, so you can coax them to participate in the shoot far more easily than cats. If a cat isn’t in the mood for having a camera pointed towards him, I’m just going to have to wait awhile! Of course, snacks and toys can always help a bit too.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?

So far I’ve been lucky to work with some relatively easy-going cats, even if it did mean practicing some of the aforementioned patience. One cat I photographed was completely startled by the sight of my camera, and for the first part of our session he just sat straight up and stared at it all wide-eyed and afraid. The best thing I could to was to shoot him as he was — and I ended up getting a hilarious shot out of it that his mom just loved! After awhile he warmed up just fine and we were able to finish the shoot as planned and captured the full range of his expressions…but the deer-in-headlights pic really captured a sweet part of his personality and ended up being one of mom’s favorite shots.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?

Definitely use plenty of natural light — cats do not like flashes! If the cat feels like he’s being forced to do something he doesn’t want to do, he’ll be out of there. So make it fun and interesting for the cat — really just play and interact with him the way you normally would; and remember that the shot of the kitty looking straight into the camera is not the only great shot to go for. Just shoot what the cat loves doing to get the best portrait of what your pet is really all about. Those are the shots you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

For the second interview in our pet photography Q & A series, I’d like to introduce Michelle Brodsky from Phoenix, Arizona. Michelle is a photographer for one of my favorite local no-kill shelters, the Arizona Animal Welfare League. She also donates 10% of all her photography fees to AAWL — such generosity and incredible talent! What more could you ask for?

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?

I actually took the scenic route to animal photography by way of an attempt at Zoology, a degree from graphic design school, then finally graduating from photography school. My passion in life has always been animals. Being a Phoenix native it started out with scaly creatures that you find in our desert and it just went from there. I have also always been creative, so once I found that I could do a pretty good job with a camera I realized how I could follow my passion. I’ve been photographing animals since I was in photography school. I would sneak all kinds of things into the studio. Officially it has been my full time job for a little over a year now. Even though I am located in Phoenix I do not get much call for photographing desert dwelling creatures.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?

My husband calls what I do “plain air” photography. I’m not really sure what that means. I call it “on location.” I like to keep animals as comfortable as possible by photographing in their environments with natural light — that is what animals are used to. I like to capture the expressions animals make. My favorite part is that brief moment when they are interacting with their owners and everyone forgets that I’m there. I aim to capture the emotion between the two. Since I am an animal lover first there is no animal I will not photograph. (I have to admit, though, there is something about me that birds don’t really seem to care for.)

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?

Twice a week I photograph for the Arizona Animal Welfare League which is a local no-kill shelter. I get a LOT of practice photographing cats. I have found they are usually easier than the dogs. Cats are a much more curious creature than dogs so my biggest issue is trying to keep them from getting too close or climbing on me. I’ve learned that you can usually get a dog to cooperate, but after a while a cat just will not do what it does not want to do. I guess for me the preparation is all mental, including a lot of wishful thinking. It always helps to have the mindset that I might not get the shot I came for because the cat might not want to be in the spot light that day.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?

I have to say I haven’t had any challenging cat photo shoots. I’ve photographed both challenging and funny looking cats, but the shoots weren’t challenging. The most challenging part about photographing cats is their ability to blink when the flash goes off or to not blink, yet give you the kitty cat evil eye. Where dogs usually look depressed or sad, cats usually look like they are secretly clawing your eyes out in their minds.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?

The best thing I can tell readers is do not be afraid to get dirty. These are animals, not people. They won’t judge you for lying on the floor with them or crawling under a bed to capture how they are sleeping. They don’t care if you have to kneel in the mud to get that perfect shot and your pants get dirty. People are always apologizing to me when I get dirty during photo shoots and I always say, “hey, it’s part of the job.” Cats also see things from different perspectives. Don’t be afraid to climb up on something and shoot down or lie down and shoot up. The final thing is that photography is the art of patience. Don’t think you are going to get a great shot in 5 minutes. The more you rush, the more frustrated you will get. Always remember to breathe. You are dealing with cats after all.

See more of Michelle’s photography on her web site www.cowdreamz.com.

I’ve always been fascinated by pet photography, marveling at the exquisite photos some photographers can make of subjects who may be less than cooperative. To investigate the topic, I’ve rounded-up several pet photographers who have what I’d call a modern style. I’ll be interviewing each of them in a Q & A series. This first interview is with San Francisco-based photographer Edyta Szyszlo. Edyta is a Moderncat fan and you may have seen photos of her two moderncats Desher, an Abyssinian, and Boris, a Russian Blue, in the Moderncat gallery. Edyta currently focuses on portraits of people and pets, as well as wedding and product photography. Her background in fine art is obvious in the beautiful photos she captures.

How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?

I’ve been in the photography business since 2005. I started working professionally in San Francisco doing commercial photography (food, products, etc.) and some portrait work, but I quickly realized that my passion was in creating portraits of expressions, both human and pet. I moved to Chicago for a couple years specializing in weddings and portraits and now I’m back in San Francisco. As a child growing up in Missouri, I used my dad’s zoom lens Minolta, disposable cameras, and pinhole cameras to photograph our pets, plants, and my friends (after giving them a makeover). I guess it was just natural for me to pursue photography in college and now here I am and loving what I do!

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?

In general, my style is very much documentary and photo journalistic. I believe in capturing my subject matter in its most comfortable environment and not forcing much direction. You’ll find me running around with dogs at the park or sitting next to a cat’s scratching post or favorite recliner. My goal is to document the pet’s personality and expressions, whether they are a scaredy-cat, ruff-n-tumble or a big hunk of snuggly love! In the end, I want the owner to look at the photograph and feel the memory or personality of their pet.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?

Well, we all know we love our cats for their unique personalities (wink wink)!  And while we can expect the cat to be a little stubborn, I find that most react well to treats and toys. I usually ask the owners to have favorite items (such as blankets & toys) close by so there isn’t a lot of movement during the shoot. We don’t want to play a chasing game, but instead create an area of comfort that the cat automatically finds interesting. I always make sure I know about the cat’s personality so that I’m able to read them faster. After we do a few studio-type shots with a white backdrop, I move into a ‘you go, I follow’ approach.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?

Surprisingly, I haven’t had a super challenging cat photo shoot (knock on wood).  Having a big camera with a flash can be scary for just about anyone or anything, so that’s always a hurdle that the cat and I have to overcome. Most of the time, the cats’ bellies become full of treats! It’s funny to watch the cat go from scared, to curious, to giving me something in return, to full and happy, thus lazy.

Certain cat breeds are more socially curious. I have an Abyssinian who loves adventure, climbing and people, so she tends to create her own dramas, which are fabulous to photograph! All cats have their little quirks like plastic obsessions, certain smells, or ways they like to be rubbed. My Russian Blue loves the smell and sound of nail files, so I can usually bribe him into some photos with that (I know funny and gross!)

Do you have any tips for readers on how to take great photos of their cats?

First and foremost, lighting! Lighting is key for the perfect photo, and I highly recommend seeking natural light. Use a flash only if you need. Second, relate to your pet on a personal level — get down on the floor and connect to their world. See what they see. And third, have patience! Most of us don’t like having our picture taken, so you have to approach your cat in the same way. Blend playtime and photo-taking together, let them get used to your camera — it will make for memorable photos. Hope that helps!

Edyta would like to offer Moderncat readers in the San Francisco Bay area and in the Chicago area 10% off a pet photo session. Just mention Moderncat when you contact her.

Read more interviews in our pet photography series here.