You will know that I am nuts about cats. I am always posting pictures of them on Social Media, particularly a certain Stevie Mouse. But when I am out and about cats have a way of just casually strolling into view and once again a cat gets in the shot.
Examples of When a Cat Gets in the Shot
The Panicale Cat
Most times that a cat gets in the shot I have to say it considerably enhances the picture. Take this shot I took in Panicale, Umbria. I have been working on a series of images of doors and I thought this beautiful old wooden door would go well with the others. Whilst I was deciding the best angle to take the shot, I noticed a black cat.
There was an old lady who had been feeding the cats in the square and she and I had been sharing cat stories. The black cat had finished eating and was sitting looking at me. It then casually got up and walked straight over to the door I was going to photograph and started washing.
I think the cat adds something to the picture don’t you? I notice a black and white cat is peeking at me in another shot I took that day too.
The Paciano Cat
I had an exhibition of my work in Paciano in 2016 and the image above was one of those I selected to include.
In this case, I had seen the water fountain and plants and how nice they looked against the stone wall. I thought they might make a good picture. Then a grey and white cat casually sauntered around the corner and started to take a drink. A wonderful opportunity for a shot and I took it quickly. Once again a cat gets in the shot!
A Second Paciano Cat
On a second trip to Paciano to pick up certain shots in better light I encountered a second Paciano cat. I was standing looking at the image of a table and bright yellow stools outside a closed restaurant. First they were on a steep slope and I marveled at how they were staying in place (note the table leg is propped up). Then of course the color against the terracotta was attractive. I couldn’t make my mind up if it would make a good photograph.
Then what do you think happened? Yep, a cat gets in the shot and makes the image. He has obviously sat under that table before waiting to be fed by the restaurant patrons!
A Warning To All Photographers
You may think you are safe. The composition and lighting are ideal and you have waited for all pedestrians/cars etc to get out of shot. You may even have a title in your mind and a vision of how good this shot is going to look in your portfolio. Be warned that something small and furry may casually saunter into the shot, ears pricking with delight at the prospect of ruining another photograph – when a cat gets in the shot!
Cat Art Images
Check out my cat art images at my Art Heroes (Europe), Pictorem (USA and Canada) and RedBubble (worldwide) stores.
This article was originally posted on 16 January 2017 and updated 13 February 2022.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
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