Learning from Life with Your Beloved Cat | Cat Photographer Sayo | ISSUE #31

The photos of cats taken by her in daily life reflect the tranquility of the time spent together.

After quitting her job and moving to a house, Sayo, living alone due to her husband's overseas assignment, was given a cat as a gift to keep her company. This was the beginning of her life with cats. "Living with cats is not just to fill loneliness but to bring happiness," she reflects.

Besides the pedigree cats she originally had, Sayo found herself caring for rescue cats she found near her home. She often takes in sick cats and sees them through to their final moments. "I do my best to create an environment where they can spend their last days peacefully," she says.

Around 2010, Instagram emerged as a platform for people to casually post photos. Sayo downloaded the app early on and began posting about her daily life with cats as a hobby. "Connecting with fellow cat lovers and meeting them in person became a joy in my life," she says. Her interest in photography deepened from what started as a hobby.

As she began documenting her life with cats, Sayo developed a desire to take 'good photos'. She invested in a full-frame camera and various lenses, deepening her passion for photography. Her interest expanded beyond cats to landscape photography, even winning photo contests. Her daily life photographing cats broadened her perspective. She is particularly mindful of capturing lively moments of cats by playing with them while taking photos.

When taking photos of cats, Sayo values capturing their natural behavior. "I love seeing them play energetically or relax. I try not to force any staging," she explains. "Cats love their own space, and going to unfamiliar places can be stressful for them. I often photograph them relaxing at home."

Sayo talks about the responsibility of owning pets through her life with rescue cats. "Cats are adorable. However, I want people to consider whether they are willing to bear the necessary medical expenses, insurance, and spaying/neutering before deciding to own a cat," she says.

Having participated in volunteer activities for rescue cats, she emphasizes, "Once you welcome a cat as family, it is important to take responsibility and care for them until the end." Cute cat photos are a result of the daily love from their owners. Let's not forget this and feel the healing from cat photos.