Some time ago I made a journal entry about some questions I get a lot. Here's an updated version I've tried to answer some of them here. So, if you have any questions go ahead and ask, and I'll update the "faq" as need be.

Edit March 2nd, 2008:
Now the Caturday FAQ is included here too!

Edit April 27th, 2008:
Updated some outdated links...

Edit March 16th, 2009:
New camera



1. What camera/lenses/gear do you use??
I use a Nikon D300 dSLR camera. The lens that's attached to the camera most of the time is the brilliant 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor lens. Simply because it's a fixed prime lens with excellent sharpness and great control over Depth of Field.
I also use the 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor as a tele- and a macro lens. Also I sometimes use the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S Zoom-Nikkor. For wide angle I have the Sigma 15-30mm F3.5-4.5 EX DG ASPHERICAL. I should use the Sigma more since I rarely take landscapes and architectural photos.
For flash, I mostly use the Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight. Recently I got two Hensel Contra E-500 studio flashes. It's the kit second from the top, named "CONTRA E Kit ADVANCED".

2. Do you work as a photographer?
Nope, not at all. Photography is only a hobby.

3. Why cats??
Why not? Cats are magnificent creatures who deserve more attention. Actually, in the beginning, I wanted a dog.... Cats were more my former fiancé's "thing". But I quickly grew fond of these elegant animals. And I found out it's pretty fun and challenging photographing them.

4. How many cats do you own?
I have two cats, Mizzie and Baltsar
More information and photos in this journal entry! They currently live with my sister in Norway.

5. Where do you get all the cats from?
Well, many of them are or were my own cats. A period I had quite a number to choose from since there were many kittens around. I have been around a total of 14 kittens growing up here. Other then my own, I offer people to take pictures of their cats, free of charge. All I want in return is to use their images on a Norwegian web site about cats and my personal web site(s)/dA. So I've visited people who are owners of different breeds and I've also visited a few breeders.

6. Oh I LOVE [picture]! Can I use it for [purpose]?
No, sorry. My images aren't stock and shouldn't be treated as such. You have permission to save my photos to your harddrive for personal use though. You may however not alter the images or display them online or publically. Please respect the copyright.

7. Could you have a look at [photo] and tell me what breed my cat is?
Afraid not. If you do not have a pedigree your cat is considered a short, medium or long hair domestic. For more information read more at breedlist.com's article about this or cats.about.com's article.

8. I'm a female model, and I'd love to model for you! Can I?
Nope. Well, maybe. If you bring a cat or a kitten.

What is Caturday?
The idea of Caturday is evidently something started at a forum some time ago, where the idea is to start a thread every Saturday and post cat photos. The origin, as far as I know, were the 4chan message boards.

Is this a club?
Nope.

How do I submit Caturday photos?
Just post a link to your deviation in my most recent Caturday journal entry

How many photos can I submit?
One photo per deviant per Caturday. If you post more than one link, I'll skip the submission

So, what kind of photos?
Well, of a cat or a kitten of course. Domestic cats/kittens only.
For art/paintings/drawings of cats, check out =The-ShadowCat's CatARTurday.

Then what?
Then I look through the photos one week later and select my favourite ones for a journal feature

Do you have any suggestion on cat photography?
I posted a few tips in this journal entry.

I don't see my photo in the journal! What happened?
There are several reasons photos aren't chosen for a feature. Here's what to look out for:
1.) No manipulations. For instance, if you make your photo black and white and leave the eyes coloured, it won't be chosen.
2.) No glowing eyes. It just doesn't look very nice.
3.) No blurry/out of focus photos. This one is simple, people.
4.) Keep the image size small enough so people don't have to scroll around to see the entire image in full view.
5.) Only submit your own images, don't link to other people's photos.
6.) One photo per deviant per Caturday
7.) Do NOT send submission via notes or my front page!


Any questions you think should be in the "faq"? Let me know by commenting on this journal or send me a note.