How to photograph the cat to the photo was touched not only you
A Photo / / December 20, 2019
Almost everyone who has a cat, sooner or later, aim the camera at her favorite. As a result, the tape of social networks are filled with images of seals of all breeds and in all positions. However, in general it is not too boring photos of good quality. Of course, you have your kotochado - the most lovely and beautiful, you love it from the mustache to tail. But to your photos is admired by your subscribers, try to approach the pet capture more professional. A few basic tips - in this article.
Take a picture of a cat - a natural desire and irresistible. It is, above all, very graceful animals, and a variety of breeds, colors makes each cat unique.
However, the more successful and original photos are quite rare. On the one hand, the cat always photogenic, on the other - quite mobile. Even during sleep can pull the ear or tail. Therefore it is very difficult to catch the correct position. But, as with any other object shooting, to get more high-quality images can be in the first place following the rules.
To begin with building composition
rule of thirds
You have to mentally divide the image into nine equal parts by two vertical and two horizontal lines. The main objects of the pictures should be placed on the received lines and at their intersection.
Symmetry
Violate the most important law of composition - the rule of thirds - and place the object in the center of the frame is not forbidden in the case when you want to emphasize the symmetry of the object. With cats such photos can turn out very beautiful: they often take the appropriate posture during rest.
Contrast
The cat should not merge with the background (if, of course, is not an artistic idea). Therefore, try to trim background for shooting, high contrast color skin. Classic combinations: red cat on a blue or green, white - the black, black - red. Pay attention to the fact that the background color of the emphasized color of the cat eye. In the background at home is perfect wallpaper white window sill or a neutral color without a pattern.
shooting point
To avoid perspective distortion is usually necessary to remove the object, being on his level. In the case of cats - is the level of her eyes. So either get down yourself (on the floor, grass) or lift the cat (eg, on a chair or ladder). Considering the love of cats to the hills, it will not be difficult. You can also remove the cat from the bottom up as she climbs into trees or shelves.
Focusing
Cats in general are not very expressive facial expressions, but very interesting, attention-grabbing eye. Therefore, the focus should always be on the eyes. Notice the difference in the shapes, colors and states of the pupil in different species and in different lighting conditions. By the way, if you want to narrow the pupil expanded by drawing attention cat something rustling. At the time of the attack the pupil dilates to near maximum.
frame a picture
Photos are usually obtained quite successful, if you just take the cat close-up. Of course, you need to make sure that there was "circumcised" ears, tail and paws. It can also be placed in the frame one or two object such as a ball of yarn or classic with flower vase. But things should not be too much to focus remained on the hero photo shoot.
Let's move on to the technical aspects of shooting
Lighting
Slow shutter speeds needed when shooting in low light, fit except for sleeping cats. Actively moving skin, mustache, ears cheerful cats better to shoot under good natural lighting. Ideally - in the street in the morning or the evening ( "golden hours") or on the balcony, where the cat would be happy to bask in the sun: "smile" model is guaranteed.
Flash
The flash should be used to a minimum. In any case, it refers to the built-in camera flash. Firstly, too harsh lighting will be unpleasant to the cat. Second, the skin color may be distorted, and his eyes will turn to the highlights. It is better to do without the flash, or - in extreme cases - to use a diffuser. The ideal option - it is an external flash, which will not hit in the forehead.
Modeshooting
Shooting cats is closest to the portrait, so the most suitable mode is the camera mode to portrait or aperture priority. The wider the aperture, the more blurred background - with inhomogeneous background it can give good results. For shooting a cat in motion great sport mode or settings with fast shutter speeds.
Balancewhite
Even with well-chosen background as possible, try to check whether the camera sends true colors. White spots should produce white. So do a couple of test shots and adjust the white balance manually. In an extreme case, if the color could not be sent correctly, try to translate a picture in B / W.
photosensitivity
If you want to take pictures in low light, yet it is not necessary to resort to the use of flash. It is better to increase the ISO. But this is not just to avoid the noise in the image, so do pictures with different settings of sensitivity, then to choose the best.
Lenses
Very useful in a photo shoot with a cat on the street is a telephoto lens. With it, you will be able to keep a distance sufficient to allow the cat to relax and get a natural images. A telephoto lens with integrated image stabilization provide filming at greater speeds without blurring.
Ideas for themes and little tricks
- Find interesting stories, taking different points in the life of a cat: sleep, dinner, game hunting, grooming. Give the cat a new thing: let them indulge in, and you get an interesting photo shoot. Put on a beautiful cat collar or, if you will, clothes.
- If you take a picture of your pet, do not take it off only in classical poses. Try to convey its special features. After all, you probably sometimes talk about their friends, so show them! If you shoot someone else's cat, ask her about the nature of the host.
- Pay attention to the study of the characteristics of different breeds. For example, in the case of the British should emphasize their massiveness and arrogant look. Cornish Rex has a very sleek physique, so they are usually removed in bent positions. Highlight the beauty of the tail of the Angora cat, cat profile Siamese and Oriental Group.
- The street always be careful, because cats are prone to panic because of the sharp sounds or a dog. It is better to shoot the animal in a fenced area, because you do not want to lose your pet. It is not necessary to exhaust the cat on the tree force: bad posture and a frightened look will be given the unfortunate statement. Give the cat get used to, and she will take an interesting pose.
- Kittens - excellent model. Their attention is not hard to draw: they are addicted to every detail. Give them any subject, and they will investigate it, playing. As a rule, the kittens is not afraid of other animals. But it has its own feature - malyshnya very quickly get tired, and therefore need to take pictures quickly, without tightening with the production of the frame.
- A particularly interesting, though more complex, will receive a photo shoot cats with other animals: the other cats, dogs, guinea pigs - or with children. Here, however, it requires a little more patience, because all the participants of the photo shoot will have to get used to each other.
- Experiment with the macro. Photos of the nose, whiskers, teeth, eyes, ears, paws could get very interesting. Just do not get carried away: a few such images would be sufficient.
- The main rule in the cat: in no case do not try to raise your voice or punish her, do not use force and intimidation. Be aware of the peculiarities of the psyche of these graceful animals: they do not understand the negative reinforcements. It is better if you have an assistant, who will direct the attention of your pet. But a top aide in taking pictures cat - is patience.