Autumn Cat & Dog Photography | Amanda Feltz Photography

One year ago today I did this studio style pet photography with my own pets in my living room. The idea came from my tortoiseshell cat, Maple, whose black and orange coat screams Autumn to me. I just had to surround her in pumpkins for a photo. She turned out to be a stunning model too. Is the photo of Maple the best photo I’ve ever taken? Maybe. Did it inspire me to finally start this business that I always dreamed of? Also maybe.

I first had the idea two years ago but I waited and the pumpkins and florals went out of season before I got around to it. In 2023 at Trader Joe’s I saw those mini pumpkins and I knew it was time. I spent about $15 on the props (give or take because it has been a year) and it may be the best $15 I ever spent.

I’m attaching a behind the scenes photo at the end, it was a very simple natural light setup. I set up a black cloth background draped over a folding table with all the props on top. It’s all lit by natural light with a large window and I set a reflector up on the opposite side to fill in the shadows a little. Maple is in the behind the scenes photo because she really loved the set! She didn’t even want the other cats up there, she was born to be a diva model I guess. After the cats were done we took the table apart and moved the props to the floor for some photos of our Irish Setter, Ruby.

If anyone is actually reading this, leave a comment if you would be interested in a cat calendar! I think it would be fun to add to the Autumn cat photo shoot with Spring and holidays. Actually I already have some Christmas photos, I’ll put those on here later this year. You can also contact me if you’re interested in a pet photo shoot, or a cat. Yes, I need to rehome two cats.