Greetings are important for both people and cats. Gradually close the distance between you and your cat.
"I've always had cats by my side, from the time I was old enough to understand things until I left home at about age 20. So I think I understand how cats feel (laughs). I've photographed many cats other than Aji and Negi, who are in this piece, but I have my own know-how when photographing cats that you meet for the first time. First of all, don't make eye contact.
Even if you think it's cute, if you look into the cat's face, it will be intimidating and the distance will only increase. Without making eye contact, gently hold out your index finger to the cat and let it sniff it. It's both a way of greeting the cat and a way to make them feel at ease. Then, gradually close the distance and take a sneaky photo. Distance is the most important thing, so equipment and lighting don't matter.
Of the two cats pictured here, the fat Aji actually passed away a while ago. Whenever I got home from work, the two of them would huddle together and wait for me. The great thing about photographs is that they allow you to preserve those moments and memories. My smartphone's camera roll is brown and full of cat photos."
