It all started for Harry Whittier Frees when he was at a birthday party in 1906 and a paper party hat landed on a cat’s head. The American photographer took a picture of the comical cat, sold it to a postcard printer, and was quickly asked for more photos like it.
Thus began his work of getting his furry friends to pose for photographs that couldn’t be edited with Photoshop.
Frees’ pictures, which he sold for novelty postcards and children’s books, are a testament to his impeccable patience with these pets, as well as his mother’s skill as a seamstress, as she made all of the clothes worn by the adorable animals.
While Frees tried photographing bunnies and puppies, he preferred cats, writing in his book, Animal Land on the Air,
Puppies are tractable when rightly understood, but the kitten is the most versatile animal actor, and possesses the greatest variety of appeal.
Before an internet debate erupts over his statement, check out the rest of his photos and decide for yourself…
(via My Modern Met, The Telegraph)