What is a pet portrait session actually like for cats?

A pet portrait session for cats is calm, patient, and completely led by the cat.
It is not rushed, loud, or chaotic. And it is very different from what most cat owners imagine when they hear the word “photoshoot”.

Cat owners often assume their pet will hide, refuse to cooperate, or simply ignore the entire process. In reality, when the environment is right, most cats settle surprisingly well.

Is the studio stressful for cats?

No, the studio is designed to be quiet, controlled, and predictable, which cats respond to far better than busy or unfamiliar spaces.
There are no crowds, no sudden noises, and no constant interruptions. Everything is calm and deliberate.

Cats are given time to explore the space at their own pace. Nothing starts until they feel comfortable. This sense of control makes a huge difference.

What happens when we first arrive?

The session always begins with letting your cat settle.
There is no attempt to pose or photograph immediately. Your cat is free to investigate, hide if they want to, or simply sit and observe.

We watch how they move, where they choose to sit, and what makes them curious. That behaviour tells us how the session should unfold.

What if my cat is shy, cautious, or independent?

That is completely normal, and it does not prevent us from creating beautiful portraits.
Most cats are not naturally interested in commands or direction. We don’t expect them to be.

Some cats explore confidently. Others take their time. Some prefer to stay close to their owner. We work with those preferences rather than trying to change them.

Patience is the key. And cats reward patience with incredibly expressive moments.

Do cats have to follow commands?

No, cats are never expected to follow commands.
Instead of directing them, we anticipate their movements and work with brief moments of stillness.

Each photograph is captured in a fraction of a second. The camera is typically firing at around one one-hundred-and-twenty-fifth of a second. That means we only need a moment. A pause. A glance. A stretch. And the image is already made.

Cats don’t need to hold a position. They just need to be themselves.

How long does a session last?

Sessions are flexible and guided entirely by your cat’s comfort.
Some cats settle quickly. Others need more time. We allow for both.

If a cat needs a break, we pause. If they re-engage, we continue. The session flows around them, not the clock.

Will it feel awkward?

Most cat owners are surprised by how relaxed it feels.
Because nothing is forced, the session feels more like quietly sharing space than being “on display”.

People often tell us it felt far more natural than they expected.

What are we actually trying to capture?

We’re capturing your cat’s character, not trying to control it.
Their posture. Their gaze. The way they hold themselves. The small, subtle expressions that make them unmistakably them.

Those details are what turn a photograph into something lasting.

The key thing people realise afterwards

Almost everyone says the same thing when they see their images.
“I didn’t think this would work.”

And then it does.

The experience is calmer, more patient, and more respectful of the cat than expected. And that’s exactly why the photographs feel so authentic.