Good cat photography can save lives

by Michael

This is a very good point made by a blogger. A lot of cat adoption starts with a photograph on the internet.

And a lot, pretty much all of it, is poor. I am not being critical. We don’t expect good photographs of rescue cats because the rescuers are not trained in photography and/or don’t have the time I reckon.

However, it might be time and money well invested if someone had some photographic skills at a cat shelter or rescue organization.

With a bit of judicious lighting and composition together with sharp focus, a sweet expression and a clean background, you’ll certainly get more inquiries to adopt.

It is this sort of thing that I have been referring to in other articles. There should be some lateral thinking to “push the envelope” with the intention of reducing the killing of unwanted cats.

Do you think I have a point or am I meowing up the wrong tree?!

Best

Michael

Update…

Here’s Honey who is looking for a new home (please see comments).

Leah says this about Honey:

She’s about 18 months – 2 years. Sweet natured and fussy (but on her terms!). Gets on with other cats (unless they get ‘in her face’ too much then she has a quick swipe and a warning growl then all is forgotten and she’s back to normal. Litter trained. De-flead and wormed. Blood tested negative and spayed. Energetic loves to play outside so a garden would be essential.

Honey is a beautiful classic tabby and white with a fine tabby pattern.

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Good cat photography can save lives

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Feb 04, 2012
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I’m so pleased NEW
by: Ruth

That’s wonderful news Leah.

Kattaddorra signature Ruth


Feb 04, 2012
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Phew! Good result NEW
by: Barbara

So glad Honey came home safe and sound, it seems like she might have enjoyed her adventure. xx

Barbara avatar


Feb 04, 2012
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She’s back NEW
by: Leah England

Well she came back at 1.30 am last night very hungry with grubby paws but otherwise ok! Been gone for 37 hours. Not tired quite playful.

Slept on the bed all night but couldn’t wait to get out again this morning then disappeared again. She’s been back since for breakfast.

I personally think she may have have found another home and when I posted pleas through neighbours doors they let her out. Not sure really all just supposition I’m just delighted she’s back.

I suppose I was worrying for nothing I’d forgotten how outside cats can be because I’ve had house cats for years because we live on a main road.

Well she blotted her copy book now anyone who may think of taking her will see she’s just trouble!

Thanks for your kind thoughts Ruth I really appreciate them.


Feb 04, 2012
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Honey NEW
by: Ruth

I’m so sorry Leah, I hope Honey turns up soon.

It could be she had a bad fright and holed up, I hope that’s what happened as she will eventually feel safe enough to come out.

You must be so upset and worried ! I know how much you care about all cats.

My thoughts and love and prayers are with you.

xx

Kattaddorra signature Ruth


Feb 03, 2012
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volunteers NEW
by: Elisa

Shelter volunteers do this as part of their crossposting effort. Andrea who does Greenville is the rescue coordinator. This goes to show everyone can do something to help.


Feb 03, 2012
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Honey NEW
by: Leah England

I’m devastated to say that Honey is missing and has been gone since between 6 and 8pm on the 2nd Feb. She was happy in our garden and never went far, she was shy of strangers.

I’m scared and worried sick I think she’s either dead or locked in somewhere.

I’ve posted letters to all the houses round abouts asking for everyone to please check their outbuildings.

I’m crying all the time she was a sweet lovely little girl.

I posting this asking everyone on PoC to please please say a prayer for her safe return.

Thank you.


Feb 03, 2012
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Thanks Elisa NEW
by: Michael

Thanks for the link and idea Elisa. I think shelter photography has real merit because it is effective. But are shelters prepared to pay for it?


Jan 26, 2012
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Shelter Photographers on one of my sites NEW
by: Elisa

http://furbythecat.shutterfly.com/. Check out the index and look at the work of Mia Anelli. Also Ann and Melody and Andrea’s pages. They are all shelter photographers. They do make a big difference.


Jan 22, 2012
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Example of improving quality
by: Michael

This is a basic example. It is not perfect as the eyes are two green. The cat was on Petfinder today:


Jan 22, 2012
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Another thought
by: Michael

Leah, please email me your photos. I think you have my email address. It is here in case not: CLICK HERE FOR MY EMAIL ADDRESS.

Another thought. Simply doing some photo editing to improve image quality could make a difference.

If anyone has a poor quality photograph of a cat please send it to me in an email and I’ll improve it and present both of them on this page to show how it can be done.

It is something PoC can get involved in. Obviously we are limited with what we can do in photo editing (Photoshop) but even that could save some lives.


Jan 22, 2012
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No I agree
by: Leah England

I agree.

I think this especially applies to adult cats as kittens always look cute and would be adopters usually want kittens.

I think its crucial when trying to home an adult cat! Its the photo what draws people in!

If you’re describing a sweet disposition its no good if you then can’t see that personality in the cat because the picture is out of focus or whatever.

Michael I’m trying to find a home for a lovely Tabby cat I’ve had her since September. I think the photos are quite good they show her pretty face and her lovely markings.

I was wondering if I email them to you would you like to put them on here? 1. They may help me find her a home and 2. I’m happy for people to let me know what they think and they can be as critical as they want!


Jan 21, 2012
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I elect Maggie to take the photos
by: Michael

Maggie, I think you should take the photos at your cat shelter!

Glad you agree with me. It is not a major thing but I am sure that it is a factor that affects the number of applications for adoption.


Jan 21, 2012
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A very good point
by: Barbara

Good thinking Michael, it’s true that a sweet pic of a cat makes everyone go “ahhhhh” and sometimes the colour of the eyes, the chubbiness of a paw or the pattern of a furry coat might make all the difference to someone taking a fancy to a particular cat, it’s human nature to avert our eyes from sad and depressing pictures if we can. Digital cameras are cheaper nowadays much more simple to operate and taking multiple pics and downloading them to choose the best is so easy to do and costs nothing, it should be a priority to present homeless cats (and dogs) in the best way possible.

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Jan 21, 2012
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I agree too
by: Ruth

I think that is a very good point Michael, an appealing photo of a cat in a Rescue Shelter could help him or her find a home.
Most Shelters must have someone amongst their volunteers or who knows someone who could take a decent picture.

Kattaddorra signature Ruth


Jan 20, 2012
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I agree
by: Maggie

I completely agree with you, Michael! The shelter I’m soon to be volunteering at used to have terrible photos, it was a huge let down for the cats. But now they seem to have very high quality photos, of very sweet looking cats, and I don’t doubt that people look at a high quality photo, get a more detailed idea of cat, and want to come and visit him or her. If your photo is of a sad, dark, blurry cat behind a cage, a lot of people aren’t seeing a very detailed image, so they’re not seeing the cat itself in detail, if that makes sense…

A high quality photo, with a detailed description of an individual cat, is enough to motivate someone to adopt that individual cat, in my opinion.


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