It's funny how life can take unexpected turns. Until two and a half years ago, I was someone who rarely crossed paths with cats. My mother, having been attacked by one as a young child, had a morbid fear of cats, which cast a shadow of negativity in my mind about these creatures. When I volunteered at the shelter to photograph the adoptable animals, I relished my time with the pups, finding joy in their wagging tails and playful barks. I proudly showcased my canine pet portraits and felt pride whenever I heard that one had been adopted because of my photos. Unfortunately, this never happened with the cats. Whenever I was told, “We have cats that need photos,” I tentatively brought my gear into their area, only to be constantly frustrated by their lack of cooperation and food motivation. Dogs are eager for affection and anxious to please, while the cats seemed aloof and fearful of me—something I struggled to understand—and my feline images always reflected this disconnect.

But everything changed the day I decided to foster a five-week-old kitten with a broken leg. The shelter was short on fosters, and I wanted to help. Little did I know that my heart was destined to be captured by a different kind of companion—one that purrs instead of barks, transforming my “pet” photography in the process.

The moment I picked up this kitten and he let me rub his belly, my heart melted. I had no intentions of keeping him; I didn’t want to deal with kitty litter. I had heard about their difficulty in training and the destruction they could cause to furniture from scratching. Yet something about this little orange kitty—a snuggle bug who purred consistently—melted my heart. When he started “posing” and looking directly into my lens whenever I held up a camera, it became increasingly difficult to consider letting someone else be his mom. To avoid getting too “attached,” I refrained from naming him, but “Kitty Cat” sparked a new passion and challenge in my photography. I spent hours with my camera in hand, eager to capture all his spontaneous escapades, playfulness, and the every nuance of his personality. The more I photographed “Kitty Cat,” the more I realized how expressive and unique feline portraits could be, allowing me to elevate my pet photography to a higher level I never thought possible. 

That was two years ago, and Kitty Cat is now Wilson, a cherished member of my fur family. Fully grown and more cat-like than he was as a kitten, he no longer loves to “pose” for my camera (I think I wore him out), but it is because of Wilson that I can now honestly call myself a true pet photographer. Most pet photographers primarily focus on dogs and shy away from cats. I confidently photograph both, offering pet parents an unparalleled photography experience, creating cherished heirlooms that offer a sense of permanence, authenticity, and tangible reminders of the pets that have captured your heart. 

These days, when I’m volunteering at the shelter photographing the adoptables, I look forward to visiting the cats. Somehow, they know that I am now a cat person. They are as comfortable in my presence as I am in theirs. They no longer run from me; instead, they curl up in my lap, nuzzle against me, and purr contentedly, as if they know there’s a chance I might take them home (though I remind myself: no, I cannot have another pet).

I could spend hours in the cat room. I love their unique personalities—each one a character in its own right, full of quirks, playfulness, and grace. All their antics, charm, and sometimes even regal stances make for stunning and captivating pet portraits that I am proud to display.

As I reflect on this transformation, I am incredibly grateful for the unexpected twist that led me to embrace these wonderful creatures. Who would have thought that a dog fanatic like me would come to prefer the company of cats? Wilson and the shelter cats have not only enriched my life but have also elevated my pet photography and changed my perspective on what it means to love and care for an animal.

If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping outside our comfort zones.

So here’s to the cat that has brought laughter, love, and a little bit of chaos into my life. My journey from a cat-averse person to a proud foster failure has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I look forward to all the adventures and one-of-a-kind cat portraits that are yet to come.