Cat Photoshoots: A Guide for What to Expect & How to Prep

So you’re thinking about booking a cat photoshoot for your best feline friend with local pet photographer. Great idea because you’ve likely discovered that a lot of the cat photos on your phone are blurry, taken in really crappy light or just don’t capture their particular cattitude.  The good news is that even if your cat is a hard-to-see speed demon or a hide-and-seek prodigy they’ve got a story worth capturing and with the right photographer and proper preparation the results will be phenomenal.  

Here’s your ultimate guide to what to expect, how to prep and why your cat is 100% ready for their close-up. Who knows, they may even end up featured on my cat photography portfolio!

Why Hire a Professional for Your Cat Photoshoot?

Let’s be honest—cats don’t exactly pose on command. That’s what makes photographing them both a challenge and, for the right person,  a total joy. A well-done cat photo session isn’t about forcing your cat into some awkward pose. It’s about allowing the time, space and conditions for their personality to shine through — whatever that happens to be. 

Maybe you’re:

• Celebrating your recently adopted feline roommate
• A senior cat’s golden years
• The everyday joy your cat brings you
• Finally getting photos that don’t include a litter box in the background

A professional cat photoshoot isn’t about perfection. It’s about capturing real moments too good to stay buried in your phone. A pro (hi, that’s me) brings the patience, experience and well-timed treat tosses to turn cat chaos into display-worthy moments. I highly suggest finding a photographer who not only works with pets but has experience with cats — especially if your feline is shy or gets easily overstimulated.

Personally, I photograph cats extensively for individuals and for local animal welfare groups. From my work photographing adoptable shelter cats and my ongoing project documenting kitten season at local rescues I’ve had vast experience with cats of all ages and temperaments. I’ve even published a book full of my favorite (and funniest) cat photographs.

What Really Happens During a Cat Photoshoot?

Every session is built around one thing: your cat. We move at their pace and follow their lead. We ditch any idea of rigid posing and instead go for them being them: You know: peeking from behind a plant, taking a quick nap in a sunbeam even a spontaneous grooming session in the middle of the living room.

Most sessions:

• Happen in your home where your cat’s most comfortable
• Take around 2 hours
• Involve toys, treats, and a whole lot of patience 

Have an adventurous, leash-trained cat? Outdoor cat photoshoots are also a definite option at parks on patios or your favorite Bay Area locale. If your cat is a homebody but confident and friendly we can also talk about setting up a mini studio at your home with a colorful background of your choice. 

How to Prepare Your Cat for a Photoshoot

You don’t need to do much, but a little prep makes a big difference. Here are some of my top tips but I have a useful blog post with even more in-depth info about getting your kitty ready for their photo session.

• Brush gently the day before (or don’t, if they hate it)
• Pick a time when your cat is typically mellow
• Set aside favorite toys and treats (some prefer wand toys, others are more foil-ball or play spring types)
• Tidy up your cat’s favorite hangouts
• If your cat tends to run and hide under a bed or in a back room I recommend closing it off before I get there

I’ll bring the camera gear, some sure-fire toys I’ve had success with over the years and infinite patience. You just show up with your feline co-star. Once I arrive I’ll text you so there’s no door knocking or door bell — that can scare some cats. Once I’m inside we’ll hang out for a while and let your cat get used to me. I’ll open up some gear bags so they can explore. Don’t worry, I’ve had all sorts of cats sit on or in my bags before. Whatever it takes to make them comfortable I’ll do.

Types of Cat Photoshoots

Every session has its own rhythm but there are a few basic approaches. They’re primarily built around your cat’s personality and comfort zone. We’ll talk about this at length before our session but often times a single cat photoshoot can include a few of these styles depending on kitty energy levels and patience. 

• Lifestyle at home: Real, relaxed, and personality-packed. (Learn more about pet lifestyle photoshoots)
• Studio-style portraits: With a portable backdrop, right in your living room
• Outdoor/adventure shoots: For leash-trained cats who love to explore
• Themed  sessions: If your cat has a specific behavior or quirk you really want to be the focus of the shoot. e.g. leaping for toys, playing a keyboard (trust me, I’ve seen it) or hanging out with you while you do your job

We follow kitty’s lead. If they want regal and aloof, no prob. If it’s all about spontaneous zoomies and cat nip crazies, bring it on. The less stressful the environment, the better the photos.

Pricing & Packages

My cat photoshoot session fees are $290 in San Francisco, South San Francisco and Daly City. They’re $340 outside the city. This session fee includes: 

• A guaranteed photoshoot date 
• A 1.5 to 2-hour session
• Up to 2 pets (another cat or even a dog housemate) and two people. (Additional cats or people are $50 each)
• An in-person image reveal session to see the final 25-35 retouched review proofs*

Heirloom-quality wall art, table-top pieces and digital collections are custom designed and purchased at the reveal session. No print or digital products are included with the session fee*.

Ready to Book Your Cat’s Session?

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are ready to move forward with a photoshoot for your cat the next part is easy. Just contact me and we’ll set up a brief call to talk in more detail and schedule your shoot.

Haven’t Had Enough Cat Photos?

My latest book Let Me Knock That Off The Counter for You features some of my most amusing feline images and equally funny captions from scores of my past cat photoshoots. You can purchase it through most major online retailers at the Ulysses Press website

Still Haven’t Seen Enough Cat Photos?

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Cat Gallery

Some of my current favorite feline photos. To see even more check out my main cat portfolio