Top 10 tips for Herding Cats

Top 10 things I Learned from Herding Cats

I have heard this expression more than once, yet until this past year I did not really KNOW what it meant. Sure, one can picture
it in their minds the physical maneuvers it may intel to get a bunch of cats together for a photo.  Until you experience it, first hand,
up close, it's really just a funny saying.

I've volunteered all my life.  While young and in the American Legion Aux (Jr's) you could find me help at bingo or donating a new

flag for my school.  At church I participated in a “guitar choir” or at least that was the nickname we gave it. As I grew I always found

ways to help out, or better yet I feel the opportunities found me.  Never in all my years 15 yrs (o the good old days) would I have thought

I'd be cleaning out recycling bins almost EVERY Saturday morning for over a year. That was always interesting task. People can

be gross! Many moons later I have had the privilege of fostering a few animals in my home.  It's not always been an easy thing, but

knowing these animals had a good wait for their forever homes was worth it. A few we have even adopted. Add one short class on how

to take pictures of animals, one awesome volunteer who moved way and here we arrive at this past summer.

I had the bright idea that “yes, I could help the shelter with photos of the cats”. Have you heard the song from Christine Lavin “What was

I thinking”?.  Well, let's say it would make an excellent verse to this song! Click Here for the song! (audio isn't great - NOT my video)

The main goal was to give human contact to the many kittens at our local shelter.  Sounds innocent enough right?

The second goal was to get my child out of the house.  She instantly got attached to one kitten.

I don't blame her, have you seen tiny kittens...they are often dang cute.  So here goes the lessons I learned.

#10>>> have two people and a human who isn't 9 and just wants to hold ONE cat.

#9>>>don't expect perfection.  They are CATS and love to climb, move, hide, jump, run and all around do NOT listen to an almost strangers. The babies have no clue what is happening past eating and pooping. I would  say the second and third time we visited some of them knew us better, but they are STILL CATS.

#8>>>plan your photos for after they have eaten.  Usually they are much more tame. Knowing your settings on your

camera helps here too, even if they have eaten and maybe a bit calmer these things LOVE to move.  I often would use t

he settings for “active” photos that I have on my camera. I think some of my experience in sports photography helped here

too. I won't go into camera settings. "Google" Sports Photography or take a class (that is what one of my mentors would say;-)

Through the Bars (they really can make you want to take them all home)

#7>>>don't lose sleep wondering how you will get the photos, the cats can sense fear (and tiredness).

 

#6>>>DO use the all white walls or all white cage to bounce light off IF you don't have a catwalk to take them into that

has natural light.  The first time I brought a light in AND it did work BUT that was ALOT of stuff in a rather small space.

Below you will see how it was a bit freaky for the cats too.

Here are three different lighting scenarios. I know which one I LIKE and which one I LOVE and which one was just not good.

Bouncing Flash

Natural Light

Indoor Light

 

#5>>>one cat at a time!!!!  Bwahahha, on the memories of trying to wrangle two or more.  This blog is making me laugh more than you I'm sure.

#4>>>do get them toys, ones on a stick help the most.  

The photos where they are looking up is usually at a toy - this is another reason to have a helper.

#3>>>have I mentioned it's best to have someone there to help.  I think this is very true in ANY type of photography.

#2>>>now I'm reaching, but I got this far figure 10 will be a good round number.  Be careful when using RED

as a under color?!?!? Learned this the hard way.

This is one photo I didn't color correct a ton. When "bouncing" light around it takes on the colors around.

This was when I brought in a separate light - much better with the red underneath. 

LOOK AT THOSE EYES - This poor kitten had NO clue what was going on!  

Now I know why white, black and green are the pruuurferred choices.  See what I did there?

#1>>>and final, at least for this blog post. Make sure to take a photo that will help distinguish the kitten. The first couple times I tried to match up names on a list with cats and it was sad. Too many of them looked alike.

I honestly could think of a few more, yet if you've made it this far I applaud your sticktoitiveness. This is a sign you could be great at kitten photography. 😻

All photos taken by me - Michele Johnson aka Premopictures All graphics made with PicMonkey by Me too. Maybe a few found for free online. All these kittens and cats have been adopted or moved to a place where I hope they were adopted. The sad news is I hear the shelter is filled back up. PLEASE check out your local shelter for your next FURever family member!