Kitten Photography 101

[falafelicious]

So, here's the photo in question:



Incredible, right? Perhaps... the BEST photo of a kitten you've ever seen? In any case, I'm sure you're dying to know how to create a similar (although undoubtedly inferior) shot, so here's how I did it.

Gear You'll Need:
-Camera (I used a Canon Rebel XT)
-Decent lens
-40W desk lamp
-Something dangly (in my experience, camera straps aren't ideal for this. especially when they're attached to the camera)
-Antibacterial ointment & bandaids
-Cell phone w/ nearest hospital on speed dial


Steps:
1. Get your camera set up
If your lighting conditions are anything like mine, you'll probably want to bump up the ISO to at least 400. The aperture should be nice and wide so that you can get kitty's face without any pesky background distractions.

2. Track down your subject
In all likelihood she's under your bed chewing up your favourite article of clothing. Grab her, doing your best to avoid her teeth and claws (they're sharp!), and carefully drag her out into the open.

3. Repeat step 2

4. Seduction
Before your subject has a chance to run away again, use the dangly thing to capture her attention by dragging it tantalizingly across the floor with one hand.

5. Oh snap!
While she is preoccupied, use your free hand to awkwardly hoist up your DSLR and take a few dozen blurry, badly framed photos. Be sure not to stop moving the dangly thing with your other hand since any lapse in distraction will most likely mean going back to step 2 (again).

6. Defensive photography
Eventually you will get into a groove that allows you to simultaneously manage photo-taking and kitten-distracting. It is at this point that your subject will probably decide that she has tired of the dangly thing and will instead turn her attention (and claws) on your $300 lens. Recommended evasive maneuvers include: duck and roll, "BAD KITTY!", and the arm shield. Continue to attempt taking photographs until you realize it's futile or you pass out from having lost so much blood during the battle, whichever comes first.

7. Recovery
After what will hopefully be a short hospital stay, collect the battered remains of your camera. If your memory card is still intact, pop it into your computer and marvel at the results.

See, not so hard right? Good luck!

[Taallyn]

Hehe. Cute guide. Might want to add some work gloves to lessen the hospital visits.

[embrodak]

Beautiful shot, falafal. Thanks for the detailed instructions, too! Next time try catnip. You end up with even funnier results with a half-baked kitty.

[peeperita]

pretty kitty shot....and great tutorial.....i once did a similar one for my husband on the proper start to finish use of an electric toothbrush....

thanks for the smile

peeper

[netbymatt]

That's a great picture, especially considering your less than stable camera setup. Great instructions too. I don't have any pets, mainly because of step 3.

[Saralonde]

Having a rather rambunctious cat at home myself, I totally understand your directions! Thanks for the laugh. Cute pic, too!

[Jamesc359]

Awww, such a cute little kitten.

Cute or not, I do understand all to well why you'd need band-aids.

[falafelicious]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

Hehe. Cute guide. Might want to add some work gloves to lessen the hospital visits.

Now where would the fun be in that?

[Liz Caldwell]

*giggles* Very accurate guide! I think I still have scars from when my kitty was little, that was over a year ago!

[MonkeyPie]

With my kitty, I would need hospital-regulation bandages! This is adorable!