Photographer Captures the Many Humorous Expressions of Cats
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Loading... - Luiz Almeida
- 19 Jul 2022
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Photographer Elke Vogelsang, also known as “Wieselblitz,” is best known for her photo projects with canines, but she is currently capturing the essence and allure of the other popular pet: felines.
For commercial pet photographer Vogelsang, the feud between cat lovers and dog lovers is one that mystifies her. As a lover and photographer of each species, Vogelsang has witnessed firsthand the merits of both furry companions. But in a photo series titled “wieselcats,” she focuses her lens on the expressions of cats.


In a humanized point of view, cats’ facial expressions tend to be interpreted as “grumpy” — compared to beloved canine friends — but Vogelsang sees them a bit differently; she notices their range.
Although she admits that cats are definitely more difficult to photograph than dogs, Vogelsang still views the process as an intriguing and enjoyable experience. She also makes it known that despite some of the “cranky” faces in some of the shots she’s captured, “[…] None of the cats were actually annoyed with me [during shoots]. Had they been, they wouldn’t have cooperated.”
Vogelsang has a variety of tools that aid her in masterfully learning and revealing each of her subjects’ personalities, which were featured by Colossal. In speaking with PetaPixel, she describes a bit of the deciphering process and tools of engagement she used for the series.
“Playful cats can be engaged in a play with a long feather or a little plush toy or even only some strings of wool. I make sure the cats have a great time chasing the ‘prey’ and try to capture images of them trying to catch them,” Vogelsang explains.
“For this, I make sure to press the trigger during that fraction of the second the toy is out of sight for the camera, but the cat is still trying to catch it.”
With an absence of props and an abundance of tricks, Vogelsang works a sort of magic with the felines that grace her lens.
“Graham, the ‘monster kitten’, was an absolute pleasure to shoot. So much energy and mischief in one little cat. You had to be really quick to make sure he didn’t puncture your skin trying to catch the prey,” Vogelsang says. “He jumped right into me and had absolutely no shame or respect. Can’t put into words how much fun it was. I am a fan of the unruly ones, the rebels, the wild beasts.”
Vogelsang uses the Fujinon 16-55mm f/2.8 lens for her studio shoots and says she appreciates the lens versatility and efficiency. These attributes have provided her with wide-angle funny shots at around 16mm and more elegant portraits in the longer range. Read More...
