Before I start shooting, I always have a picture in my mind’s eye how I’d like a capture to look, either based on the lighting around the subject at the moment, the subject’s mood, the subject’s surroundings. Lately though, I’ve been taking on a more “macro” approach, seeing not just the capture as it appears in front of me, but in large-scalish print – matted, framed, propped on a mantel or hung on the wall. The whole finished product. And since I think photos have more visual impact when arranged in a group, I’m no longer just thinking about one capture, but a series of captures at a time. Because at the end of the day, these photos are not meant to be squirreled away inside shoeboxes or between pages of an album, even. They are meant to be ON! DISPLAY! and I want to be able to give customers ways of doing it that will have the most visual and emotional impact.
So here is just one example: photos in the same color and pose or angle “family.” I think design-wise it’s cohesive, and most importantly, an effective way of telling a story.
Below is a B&W series of Kitty. We have the same pose, but different angles. Kitty was quite comfy in her loaf pose, so I had to work with that before I disrupted her cat zen and made her actively participate.
Taken individually, I don’t think these photos are SO so interesting. Except for perhaps the giant heart-shaped rump shot, my goodness. Taken together though, the photos take on a whole new dimension. Kitty’s personality comes through, and it says, That’s right, human! Front, side, back, I’m sexy from all angles!
Below is another B&W series of Kitty. This time, it’s the same angle, but different poses.
These are all in 8×10’s. When looking through the online proofs, Kathy, the owner, wasn’t sure she wanted anything bigger than 5×7’s, since most photos already on display in her place were no bigger than 4×6’s. But I told her what she needed to hear: Bigger is better!! For these you MUST go for 8×10’s at least, and those 8×10’s MUST be grouped in threes, and those three MUST be ones of Kitty reaching for the dangling mouse. Must. That’s just how it had to be. Luckily it wasn’t too difficult to convince her of this, heh.
I love that shot of the heart-kitty butt! So, would you say that each of your cats have a weird, specific personality, and do you tend to talk about it too much? (I know I talk about my cat too much!)
I love your photos! How do you go about capturing the personality of your subjects so concisely? It must be a difficult and rewarding job you do. I’ll be visiting often to see your work. Good luck in this endeavor!
Andrea
I love those photos, both series so much. You are so talented! As a very amateur photographer, I definitely have some questions for you about photography…
1. what kind of camera do you use?
2. what advice can you give about shooting animals (especially cats)?
3. did you teach yourself photography or have you taken classes?
4. will you travel to los angeles and take photos of my cats? tee hee!
Here is a question
What food do you think taste the BEST and you would most like to photograph?
What photoshoot have you come out of and found that you had an unbelievably high ratio of keepers to deleters?
It seems like you’ve traveled a fair bit. I’d like to know what made you come to Boston and if you think this is where you’ll be the rest of your lives, or if you see yourself moving on to someplace else (maybe someplace warmer! Though the last 2 days have been nice!) down the road?
How do you figure out the “personality” of the pet you’re shooting? Do you ask the owner questions, or is it a natural ability to be able to capture each pet’s distinct charisma? Have you ever been bitten? What is them most unusual pet you’ve photographed thus far?
I really love your photography work. Have you photographed any avians yet?
After looking at the six photos of Kitty I get the feeling that she sat and got the flavor of you, and then really showed you her stuff. The second set of three shots is brilliant!
Having two cats yourself I’d guess you have a toe in with each new cat you photograph. Cat owners learn, after long association with their own friends, to read the oh so subtle nuanced body language of cats. Which of your cats is more forthcoming with his feelings through body language?
I think people would love to know how do you engage the animals? Are there toys, treats, noises, playing?
The cats are lovely, and I’ll admit to being quite enamored with the glimpses of your South End location. Was there a particular moment when you realized you wanted to become more serious about photography?
I love the way your pictures really communicate the cats’ and dogs’ personalities. Does it take you a lot of time to get a feel from them for how you’ll go about capturing that for each individual critter, or is it something that shines through and you can figure it out quickly?
How did you work up the courage to pursue your dream? Was it frightening? Did you doubt yourself?
Just so you know, I never understood “pet photography” until I saw your photographs. If you lived closer to Wisconsin, I would have you photograph my kitties in a heartbeat!
Keep up the good work!
Your photos are stunning!
If you could photograph one famous animal, who would you choose? (regardless of whether s/he is currently alive)
I love the pictures of Kitty jumping! Here’s a question for you: how long have you had pets? Since you were a kid? Or did you get them when you lived on your own?
I love your photos! Animals can be soo hilarious and have such distinct personalities.
I’m wondering how much work you put into each one (on average) before they’re ready to be printed (i.e. cropping, sharpening, colour enhancement, etc…)?
A question! For you! As a photographer myself I am always interested in reading the stories of how other photogs got started taking pictures. What pushed you over the edge from just snapshots to something you really love love love to do? For me it was my first darkroom experience that did it. But what about you? It would also be interesting to hear about what photography means to you from a philosophical stand-point. (Really not that brainy and in-depth, I guess.) I enjoy learning about how different photographs feel about their craft as well. I am a nerd like that. Good luck with the biz!
Gorgeous! What a wonderful site and photos, to boot!
Ok…. questions for you:
1. Favorite board game?
2. Favorite shoes?
3. Favorite childhood memory?
I love your photos! My question – what is your opinion of (often hilarious) pets costumes? (see http://tinyurl.com/bfm8os)
I really love all your photos, they’re absolutely wonderful. Best of luck with this new endeavour!
Here are my questions for you: What’s the history of your two kitties? How long have you had them? Did you get them as kittens, separately or together? If you could describe each of their personalities with one word, what would it be?
Wonderful shots! and it’s so cute to read Ms. Kitty’s Mom’s comment at the top! :o)
If I could do this for my poochie, I’d be in heaven too!
Questions:
1. How did you name your cats?
2. What is your cats’ first response when they see you with the camera? To walk in the opposite direction, to meow, or to stay where they are, watching your every move?
3. Would your cats ever put up with a dog protege?
4. Would you say that one cat is more yours and that the other is more your husband’s?
Gorgeous pictures! I was wondering, what animals do you think will be hardest to photograph? Or to capture their character? Will you, for example, be photographing snakes or stick insects? Also, are there any animals that you are scared of?
Looking forward to seeing more gorgeous examples of you work.
Hi-great web site! My question is, my cat is very shy-do you think it is still possible to have photos taken of him? How long does it usually take for pets to “embrace the experience” if that isn’t too silly. Thanks :)
Wonderful eye candy!!! I just love looking at your pictures.
I was wondering…what kind of weather is your favorite to photograph in? Do you like the gloomy pics or the sunny ones? Also, when photographing outside, where in Boston is your favorite place?
Great photos! Look forward to seeing some more :)
What time of day is your favorite time to take photos, or should I ask what time if day have you had the most success in taking photos?
When you meet new animals, what do you do? Kneel down to their level? Talk to them in high-pitched baby talk? Extend your hand for their sniffing purposes? Basically, how do you Dolittle it up?
Q: What’s your favourite thing about photographing animals?
A: …..
Wonderful cat behind! I would definitely want that on my wall.
Here’s a question for you…if you could photograph an animal in any setting, what would it be?
I am glad to see the site and the business has been launched. Congratulations.
One question – and this may not be business related, or even human interest related – do you think cats and dogs should stick to cat/dog food, or do you think it is acceptable to let them indulge people food as treats?
I like the colours you have chosen for your banner. VB looks a little pale, though. Maybe just nervous to be the cover-model, right?
First, the photos are fabulous. What would you do about a difficult pet? For example, I’d love to have my cat photographed, but you’d never find her or have hopes of seeing her. Good luck with your business.
Great shots!
I want to know how you decide which shots will be in black and white and which will be in color. Do you shoot them all in color and then convert as necessary, or do you decide ahead of time? If you decide ahead of time, what informs your thinking? Thanks!
OK, absolutely love this site, it’s being bookmarked & I’m added the feed to my google reader.
I have three questions for you (since I’m always excessive).
1. Where do you get your mats & frames? I’m looking for the exact same thing!
2. Who do you use for printing?
3. What is your absolute favorite lens? I’m getting ready to buy an 85mm but after that I have no lens wish list & that’s a crime against photography :)
Cheers!
How do you get dogs to look towards the camera? Most times that I hold up my digital camera (not to my eye, just so I can see the image on the screen) my dog looks away. All our dogs have done this over the years. I understand that looking away is a calming signal dogs give when they think something stressful is/could be happening. I call his name but that will only work so many times. How do I engage my dog’s attention?
Love the new site! Question – who was your very first animal model ever? Not your first model for this endeavor, but the first pet you photographed? How has your approach/style/etc changed since that first portrait?
I see in your header blurb that you’re a baseball fan. I wonder if you follow the Red Sox by default and actually root for another team? (I’m a Dodgers fan, but because my husband’s family are so sure that since he lives in San Diego he doesn’t get his full saturation of the Sox, I’m totally surrounded by Soxabilia at home–coasters, coffee mugs, framed paintings and photos of Fenway.)
congratulations on your new business! would you consider photographing exotic pets like snakes, monkeys, turtles, etc? are there any pets you would NOT photograph (like aligators, tarantulas, etc)? also, have you ever photographed horses?
Love the pictures! I don’t love cats, but that rump is just adorable (and I love the name of the owner too…)
Do you shoot in black and white for those kinds of shots, or do you shoot in color and then change them to b+w?
I’m still sorting through our wedding pictures, trying to decide what prints to order, and…”8×10’s MUST be grouped in threes.” Got it. :)
So here’s a question for you. I have a really hard time picking out frames for my photos. Part of it is the terrible selection in stores (no, I do not want a frame covered in hearts, with FRIENDS FOREVER scrawled across the top). Do you have any suggestions for how to narrow down the options? Is custom framing worth it? Matting: always, sometimes, or never (ok, obviously not never)? Do you have a particular brand or source you like?
Thanks!
I’d love to know how you learned your photography skills, especially getting the lighting right when taking photographs outdoors. It always seems as if I have either too much or not enough light to correctly photography animals and people outside. Any tips?
Those are some fantastic shots of Kathy’s cat–but here’s my question–how many shots did you actually take? What’s the percentage of “keepers” to “tossers”?
Here’s a question for you – how long does a typical pet photo shoot last? I’m amazed by the variety of shots that you get, but I wonder how quickly the animals get disinterested. Is it different for cats vs. dogs?
Love all these questions! I’ll start answering them in batches next week. Thank you for participating!
Wow. Your pet photography is stunning and your appreciation for animal companions is clear in your photography.
I have a few questions. Do you ever include the human companions in your pet photography? I don’t necessarily mean Olan/Mills type formal portraits, but pictures of the pet/human pair going about their everyday interactions.
I have a brilliantly white cat and he pretty much looks like a glaring snow field when I try and take photos of him. Do you have any tips for photographing him?
I also would also highly the “cat dancer” toy as an aid for your cat photography shoots. My cats go crazy for it in a way they don’t for other toys.
Your photos are fantastic!
How long is a normal photoshoot? Do you feel that you get to know that pet’s personality in that time?
I really enjoy seeing these in context of someone’s house. How do you recommend displaying pictures? How are your own pictures of your pets displayed?
Your photos are inspiring. Truly. I photograph my big fat white bunny to excess. He’s about the size of Veebs probably… And he does have the penetrating stair down, plus an ear twitch.
Congratulations with the launch of the new enterprise.
Looking forward to more photos to brighten our days,
Warm greetings from California!
I don’t have any questions to add to those above, but I wanted to say congratulations on starting your business! Your story is an inspirational one :)
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