Most cats don’t do well in cars. Or carriers. Or unfamiliar spaces. And for a lot of cat owners, that’s reason enough to skip professional photos altogether. I get it.
But your cat deserves to be photographed in a way that feels safe for them and easy for you.
This Is Personal
Years ago, I won a photo session for my own cats. I packed up Leo and Bri and drove over an hour to the studio. Leo started panting in the car. He looked miserable when we arrived. The session went ahead. The images looked fine on the surface and technically everything was done right. But I didn’t see Leo in them. I saw a tense version of him that didn’t feel like him at all. And to be honest, we didn’t enjoy the session either. We were too busy worrying about him. That experience stuck with me.
That shoot changed everything about how I approach my work now.
And I do realize that Leo’s experience isn’t that of every cat. I know for a fact even, because during this whole photo session, Brigand was having the time of his life. And sometimes true ‘adventure cats’ that love to roam outdoors on their leash cross my path and they are a joy to capture. But in my experience, those are few and far between.
What In-Home Cat Photography Looks Like
I bring the full studio setup to your home. Lights. Backdrops. Stands. The whole kit. It fits in my car and sets up in a quiet area, often the living room. Your cat stays where they’re comfortable. No travel. No waiting rooms. No unfamiliar smells.
I’m a San Diego-based cat photographer, and most of my cat sessions happen right inside your home. This setup allows for calm, high-quality portraits with none of the chaos of a traditional studio.
Studio-Style vs Lifestyle Photos
There are two main types of pet portraits I offer: studio-style and lifestyle.
Studio-style portraits are more formal. They use a backdrop and controlled lighting. They’re clean, timeless, and great for wall art or albums.
Lifestyle portraits are more relaxed. Your cat gets photographed in their favorite spot: on a windowsill, stretched across a rug, or tucked into a cozy corner. These images capture how they are every day.
Some cats do best with one style. Others are comfortable enough to do both. I’ll follow their lead. The goal isn’t to force poses. It’s to capture who they are.
Why This Is Easier for You
If you’ve ever tried getting a cat into a carrier, you already know. In-home photo sessions take away all that pressure. You don’t have to drive across town. You don’t have to clean your entire house. You don’t even need to be “camera ready” yourself unless you want to be.
I’ve worked in homes with three cats, a toddler, and a floor covered in toys. That doesn’t phase me. Your job is to have fun and play with your cat. Mine is to get the shot. Sessions move at your cat’s pace. We take breaks. We wait when needed. The vibe is calm. That matters, for both of you.
What You Get Out of It
You get images that feel real. You see your cat’s personality in every photo. Whether they’re curious, lazy, shy, or bold, those traits come through when they feel safe. You’ll notice the difference between a studio shot done in your home and one done in a strange space.
You’ll get thoughtful portraits you’ll want to keep forever.
Want to See What That Looks Like?
Take a look at portfolio or get in touch here to plan a stress-free photo session in your home.
