Neot the cat | Sydney cat photographer

I think this beautiful cat is like an angel in a forest - graceful (and filled with fun). It makes me think that, in this new year, there is hope in the natural world and in those that inhabit it - and for those who like to communicate with it (and who value photos that record it).

Happy New Year! :)

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Our cats are ready to party! Maybe they’ll start dancing on the table tops, or swinging from the chandelier. Lets hope not! Christmas is pretty much here and we at twoguineapigs HQ wish you all the best for the season - eat well (not too much) - drink well (ditto!) and stay safe. Hope all your wishes come true.

Adopt before you shop.

Rambo the Cat | Professional Cat Photography Sydney

I had the pleasure of doing an impromptu portrait of Rambo the cat one early Spring late afternoon. Rambo is 17 years old - a major age for any kitten to get to - he was affectionate and a people-cat. He obviously had a few aches and pains here and there due to age, but Rambo gracefully concented still to sit and pose for his portrait.

Easter Bunnies and 2 Black Cats | cat photography

It's not the first year these boys have encountered Easter chocolate bunnies. When the two guinea pigs were still around (RIP), these boys were kittens themselves and learning well, not to be rodents. Fast forward 3 years, the Easter chocolate bunnies are still as new as anything to these cats. PF in particular, wasn't impressed he couldn't take a bite at the bunnies. (Frankly, I find it hard to eat the bunnies myself too!)

Valentines | black cat photography

Its valentines day and I can think of one bachelor cat around here who could do with a date.

But be warned - Mr Big has no money and no experience ordering at restaurants - and I’m pretty sure he has never bought flowers before (he may have eaten a few though at some time).

Anyway - here’s a shout out on his behalf just in case!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Kiwi Kitty | cat photography

This cat does not have a name (however we called him “Tiger”). I met him visiting the in-laws in Wellington New Zealand over Christmas. Apparently no one quite knows where he lives - or if he even has a home. However he is well known around the street and seems to be quite busy visiting everyone.

He also seems quite healthy - maybe because he’s very smart at looking after himself.

We met him as he was doing his rounds I think - he just walked into the house like he owned the place and the next thing we knew we felt we had to give him some milk!

At least he hung around long enough for me to do a quick photo-shoot - 15 min is all I need - fair trade i guess :D

Christmas at twoguineapigs HQ

Happy Christmas and happy holidays from twoguineapigs HQ.

Its been a mad December (and last 3 months leading up to Christmas) and we are exhausted (Christmas orders to fulfill, lovely kikki-k Christmas cards to write and send, presents and hampers to deliver) - except for certain cats that - er - took a bit of a back seat when it came to working. Two were 'scheduled' in for our yearly Christmas photoshoot - only one stayed (cooperated). Who says working with cats with big personalities is easy.



This year, we decided to send lovely kikki-k Christmas cards and personalised every card's wordings.



Thank you all for your support and interest for twoguineapigs. Take care over the break and we’ll see you all in 2012! :)

Blackboard Jungle | cat photography

Today I decided to chalk up a post on facebook using my trusty blackboard. This little board I got from Typo and I love it. Very handy and it has a very handy delete function if you write a message you suddenly regret - called a duster!

You’d think photographing a blackboard, which just sits there, would be easy - but nothing happens at our place without the cats deciding its a good idea they should get involved one way or another. Both investigated the board and - erm - made their mark.

All cat “owners” out there (still not sure who “owns” who in these relationships) probably recognise subsequent events as recorded by this humble photographer.

Its not easy running a blog - especially a photographic blog which involves not only writing but also shooting. Add animals to the mix and it’s a labour of love.

Hot Kitties | cat photography

It’s no secret that cats have a shameless love affair with heaters. It’s one appliance they love to get up close and personal with. My cats love the heater so much their carbon footprint is probably the size of a truck..

As a photographer i face two main challenges photographing cats like these ones (by which I mean – my ones!).

Firstly, they tend to look like a black stain on the carpet. Secondly cats generally would prefer to look into a hole than into the lens of a camera. Maybe if i was a heater with a camera I'd have more luck!

Nevertheless, patience, practice and dedication do result in worthwhile kitty shots - and let’s face it - what can be more charming than a happy cat in a photo? I don't want to plug myself too much but getting a professional pet shooter to photograph your cat can result in truly beautiful portraits. Cats are fussy, but they are very photogenic. They are the supermodels of the pet kingdom. I think they know it too! Even my lazy cats.

Mr Big the black cat | cat photography

It is not often that I get a chance to photograph Mr Big “conscious” as he spends most of his time asleep.

Cats only understand the English they want to hear (like “dinner is ready”). Other forms of English don’t impress them so much - such as a photographer demanding “Look here kitty!”. Its hard work believe me.

As if this is not enough he puts on this zoned-out look to torment me further - something I suspect he has learned from PF, the resident space-case.

As usual it makes me wonder what is going on in that head. I’d ask but the English thing once again means I doubt I’ll ever get an answer!

Brief update

Winter arrived early this year - bringing with it great light and streets with more character than the bland hot roads of Sydney during summer - heaven for us picture takers - although admittedly its a chilly heaven. I’ve been a bit under the weather for the last week. Despite that, I hope to be able to blog about some new projects I’m working on. Stay tuned!

This cat of mine | cat photographer

A quiet day here at twoguineapigs HQ.
PF, our unofficial mascot, celebrated the rainy peace and quiet by staring, first one way (my way *gulp*), and then another (out the window) - snooper.

With action packed pets like this there is always something to photograph. Maybe "Still life with cat" Parts 1 and 2?

The cat who lives on the stairs | cat photography

Remember Amelie? The cat who lives on the stairs with her blue sock?

During the Easter long weekend, we went for a walk around the neighbourhood. It was a wet weekend. We thought we would visit Amelie and see how she would hole up in the rain. She seemed to welcome our visit, came up for a sniff and a pet, and meowed to say hello. I couldn’t resist photographing her as we hardly get to meet her face-to-face.

Cat nap | cat photography

Mr Big can be a sweet boy - mainly when he's asleep. And when he is, he has no qualms about where, and how, he sleeps. He's a big cat - obese actually. Sometimes he moves his mouth or rocks his back leg in his sleep. He's a dreamer for sure - although its a mystery what's going on in his imagination. So peaceful?

{ ISO 400 | 1/25 | f/2 }

I normally like high contrast black-and-white images but I think I like this less contrasted version - it gives a 'softer' feel. What do you think?

New sleeping pose

PF has a new sleeping pose on the cushion across from my desk where I work.

Maybe he has a thing about seeing me upside down. He has his own way of seeing things. Maybe one day I'll teach him to make photographs.

Obsession

When we first moved into our apartment in Potts Point, the cats, especially PF, started to take an interest in the neighbouring apartments across from us.

I didn't think much of this as I thought he would outgrow it like Mr Big.

Almost 2 months have passed and still he's one nosy cat who is obsessed with the neighbours.

Still, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

V-day treats

Every now and then, I like to cook something new. I don’t admit to being a good cook. I promised the kids at home (yes, I have four-legged fur faces as children) their treats on Valentine’s Day, so I decided to bake a fish fillet for the cats and whip up some hay and greens for the guinea pig. The cats had tried this dish before — PF liked it and Mr Big didn’t seem to mind.

The guinea pig was easy. He would eat almost anything until recently - he seems to have lost his appetite lately. That’s for another post.

The cats, well, Mr Big didn’t like it this time. And PF didn’t hesitate to let me know how disappointed he was — he took off and had a go at the scratching post instead. Kids. Who said they are easy.

At least my friends remembered me and sent me emails and cards and even home baked ginger cookies. My partner and I exchanged cards and I got roses — you probably guessed it, my card’s on the left and his is on the right, yes that one with the strange looking Panda.

I hope you had a great V-Day.

The supposed fish fillet recipe that the cats weren't impressed with:

1 fish fillet (any fresh sort)

1 egg yoke

whole meal oats

Beat the egg yoke and sprinkle some salt.

Coat fish in yoke and cover it with oats.

Bake in oven for 10 to 15 min, turn once.

Cool before serving.

No impressed, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

Taking it out, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

Summer lounging

We have not been spared the Summer heat this year. Luckily we live near the water so we get the odd sea breeze or two.

The cats and Wiggley usually cope well in this heat. Though sometimes I wonder if they need a shave.

PF or aka Monkey, is known as the cat “with many faces”.

Lounging, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

Christmas

Christmas to the pets in our household means Mr Big snoozing throughout the day under our bed in the far corner after having pigged out on his Christmas dinner, PF being mesmerised by the Christmas lighting we picked up from Ikea at the last minute, and Wiggley having all the cherries to himself.

starry, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

.divine cherries., originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

Season's Greetings

I was told a long time ago (and am still being reminded constantly) never work with children or animals.

Well, this year’s Christmas shoot has proven that the guinea pig is the pro! Wiggley is also the oldest amongst the remaining furballs we consider as kids in our household. (Ginger would have put the cats in their places). At least the cats didn’t mind wearing a Christmas collar for the shoot.

The Pro, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

2 more sleeps to Christmas!

Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!

Thank you all for your constant support. Have a safe holiday.

Season's Greetings, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

In the meantime, here are some behind-the-scenes shots that I saved for this post that included my faithful staff assisting me with the shoot:

{behind-the-scenes}, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

{behind-the-scenes}, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.

{behind-the-scenes}, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.