I thought I’d introduce you to Norman, my most photogenic cat. My wife is not a fan of these portrait style shots but I like the detail.
This one was shot with a Tamron 90 2.8 Di


This one was with a Nikon 300 f4 (non AFS)


And lastly, this was with an old 70-210 f4.5-5.6 (non D)

Looks like I was a little to heavy handed with the contrast on this one.

I am a fan of them!! They are lovely!

Thank you Julie.
My wife prefers them in a more natural setting. Here is her favorite of another cat. I do like these, but I also like the portrait type.

Jeff,
great cat shots! I love the portrait style but I have to agree with your wife about the environmental image. Outstanding.

I find cats, in general, are easier to shoot if you let them decide where they want to be rather than placing them in a studio set-up where they don't want to be. I give them the "sit. stay." command but it doesn't work as well as with the dogs .

The eye detail in the portraits of Norman is really nice.

Jim

Thanks again Jim.
You are absolutely right, it is a lot easier to get the dog’s cooperation. I do think, I too prefer the cat environmental image, but I like these too. Inside, for these types of shots, there are a lot of cat treats dispensed. And a helper is very beneficial.

Here I caught Abby in anticipation:)


Sometimes it’s difficult to get the dogs right too.
Here I got Wiggy in the right spot, but as a dog person, I am sure you can tell he is less then thrilled. And if I bait him to much with food, then he’ll start drooling

Awesome shots! Drooling would be a "behavioral" shot!?

Thanks Chris, Yeah it would be behavioral and environmental as the goobers would have been all over my environment:)

Now you two are confusing the issues of reality and retouching: drooling is reality; retouching makes drooling disappear. I've shot St Bernard Specialties. Enough said .

Jim

Hey Guys,

I am going to be a bit contrarian here. I prefer working with cats to dogs. They are easier to handle as long as you know their one love. Treats. I keep several bags of different goodies with me whenever I am shooting a cat or dog.

I also prefer the look of a backdrop to enviromental shots. Mostly because it is different.

Nice shots of your kittie!
James

Thanks James,
Cats have their moments. Norman, this particular cat, will sit waiting and posing for the next treat. My other cats however are less willing to stick around. The one licking her chops for example, as soon as she is done eating the treat she wants to come right to me for attention.