How Great Portraits Help Pets Get Adopted
When I walk into Cat Care Society, or any shelter, with my camera, I don’t see homeless pets – I see stories waiting to be told.
I see cats with beautiful personalities just waiting to come out once they find the right person. Some are shy and mysterious, others sassy or playful, but they all have one thing in common: they deserve to find that Right Person. We live in a world where adoptions begin with a scroll on a screen, where the very first impression is what makes a connection, where love at first sight is very real.
That’s where photography comes in. They need not just any photo, but one that speaks err …MEOWS.
Love at First Glance
Online pet profiles are now often the first step to adoption. A great photo can stop someone mid-scroll, make a potential adopter feel something, and highlight a pet’s unique spirit with their eyes, their head tilt, and their expressive tail.
Think about it this way – would a blurry photo of a dark shadow stop your eyes from scrolling? Or would you instead pause on a well-lit portrait of a clear-eyed feline looking through the phone directly into your soul?
Images like these invite a second look. And that second look can turn into love.
Cloe before and after:
How Do We Do It?
By the time I get to them, most of these cats have had enough days to settle into their new surroundings. Their original intake photo is usually taken just as they arrive. They’re not sure where they are or who these strange people are and it shows. After a few days, most have realized they’re safe. They’ve gotten some sleep, maybe some treatment, delicious food, they generally feel better, and that also shows.
Cleo, as you can see from the intake photo versus the portrait, was all about asking me for attention when I came in to photograph her. Her royal line was becoming obvious! And since then, she has been adopted into a loving family.
How Fosters Can Take Great Photos – No Fancy Gear Required!
While I love volunteering my professional photography for Cat Care Society and others, I know many fosters are doing amazing work on their own — and you want your foster cats to stand out, too.
Here are a few simple tips that can make a huge difference in your cat portraits:
- Use Natural Light
Skip the flash – they’re harsh and scary! Soft, indirect natural light is the most flattering and helps show the cat’s eyes clearly. Find a spot near a big window or a well lit room, and if you can lure with high reward treats (tuna juice, churu) get your cat to face the light source. - Get Low
Photograph at the cat’s eye level. It creates a more intimate, engaging image than shooting from above. - Keep the Background Simple
A clean backdrop (like a couch, or bare wall) keeps the focus on the cat. Make sure there aren’t other family members in the background, or a TV (even a TV that’s off becomes a distraction). - Capture Personality
Whether your foster is a curious climber or a blanket burrito, catch them in a moment that reflects them. Maybe on their favorite perch enjoying the view, or tousling with their toys. It doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be real. - Patience is Key
Use toys or treats to guide attention. Soft sounds also work to get their eyes to the camera – little bells, whispers, pspspst. Let them be curious. If they walk away, give it time. You might catch magic in the in-between moments. - Take a Lot, and Then Edit
You might take 20+ shots to get one great one. That’s totally normal! Edit down to the ones that are sharp and have bright eyes. Looking right at the camera is ideal.
A Small Moment Can Change a Life
The next time you see an adoption profile, take a second to really see the cat. If you feel drawn in by the photo – even if just for a moment – know that was no accident.
It was love, caught in a frame.
About the Photographer:
Susie Inverso owns Crimson Cat Studios Pet Photography in Lakewood, CO. She specializes in capturing the true spirit of companion animals through compassionate, story-driven portraits. You can learn more about her at www.crimsoncatstudios.com
Before and After Examples
