SELF-TAUGHT PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Marelle Tikenberg
Five years ago, I embarked on my photography journey by capturing spontaneous moments of my pet in outdoor settings. Initially, I used my phone for this purpose, but my curiosity soon led me to invest in my first mirrorless camera. From that point on, photographing my cat Misty became a major aspect of my life.
During our outdoor adventures, I make sure to have a camera by my side almost at all times. Along with it I always bring along a 135mm and 50mm lens, as well as a small light source. By sharing Misty’s photos on social media, I aim to raise awareness that cats can also be leash trained and enjoy the outdoors safely, just like dogs. I am delighted to come across a growing number of cats during our walks. They are becoming less and less rare.
I am a self-taught photographer, and each day I continue to learn and grow. The most important thing my feline companion has taught me is the significance of having patience. It is important to remember that when taking photos of animals, not every photoshoot will turn out to be successful. It is possible that occasionally you may take no good shots.
While treats can be helpful, there are days when even those cannot guarantee cooperation. Occasionally, the presence of birds or other noises can overshadow posing and looking at the camera. However, even when Misty is uncooperative, the diverse nature of my home country Estonia offers a wide range of colors and settings to explore, from vibrant autumn leaves to cold and gray winter days.
Witnessing the changing seasons and seeing Misty curiously explore the surroundings serves as a constant inspiration for me to continue my photography journey.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 11.