Last Updated on 4 July 2025 by Vanessa
Rachael Hale McKenna is one of the most successful animal photographers in the world, and her work has been published in a myriad of books. Her recent move to France paved the way for an inevitable fusion of her talent for photography and her love of animals. The result is a visually stunning coffee table book, titled The French Cat, in which McKenna immortalizes the charm of felines against the backdrop of French elegance.
The French Cat by Rachael Hale McKenna
About Rachael Hale McKenna
Originally from New Zealand, McKenna fell in love with photography when she was just eight years old. Hanging out in a darkroom with her grandparents and seeing pictures come to life right before her eyes ignited a passion that stuck with her forever.
She looked up to photo legends like Patrick Demarchelier, Bruce Weber, Elliot Erwitt, and Annie Leibovitz, and over time, their styles mixed with her own personality, shaping the photographer she is today.
McKenna s particularly talented at capturing animals and babies, and you’ve probably seen her photography on tons of greeting cards, calendars, posters, and stationery. She has had several photo books published as well.
American comedian W.C. Fields once warned about the challenges of working with animals and children, but McKenna didn’t let that stop her.
Her secret to capturing the perfect image? Patience. McKenna says you should never make an animal do something it’s not cool with. Keep things simple, set up a chill atmosphere, and you’ll get awesome results.
The French Cat
McKenna’s latest photo book, The French Cat, combines her love for both animals and France.
She fell in love with France when she first visited 15 years ago and swore to herself she would return and spend some time there. It is also a place her husband is extremely fond of.
She now calls the Languedoc her new home, although her heart has a soft spot for many other parts of the Provence region (and she would definitely never say no to a stint in Paris). For McKenna, France is magical whatever region you set foot in.
Her book is a photographic journey documenting her travels around France and the cats she met along the way. It features many gorgeous landscapes, mixing city and countryside scenes—from fancy châteaux to trendy Paris streets and cute little villages. What they all have in common is that cats with big personalities are stealing the show.
Taking pictures in France for six months with a young family was both tough and fun for McKenna.
Every day, she’d go cat hunting in the morning and explore with her family in the afternoon.
Living out of a suitcase had its challenges, though. But, the experience turned Charlize, her daughter, into a well-traveled and social child, making it a special part of the McKenna family adventure.
Should you read The French Cat?
Absolutely!
Everything about The French Cat is of the highest quality—from the fancy hardcover, over the silky paper, to the beauty of the photographs.
You can feel McKenna’s passion for her subjects in every shot, making it a personal record of her awesome journey.
Lighting plays an important part in her photography. She tries to grab the feeling of a moment by using natural light really well, especially loving the early morning and evening because they bring out special vibes. The way light dances in her pictures adds an emotional touch, making a deeper connection with anyone looking at them.
And it’s not just pretty pictures either. Each one has a story, and the book contains many interesting facts about these cats and the places they call home.
McKenna’s book is a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us, whether it’s the charm of cats or the stunning landscapes of France.
Oh, and guess what? McKenna’s a dog lover too!
She has taken some gorgeous pictures of French dogs as well—city pups from Paris, regular spaniels in small villages, tiny dogs in the Riviera, and those classy ones guarding big chateaux. She has put them together in a photo book titled The French Dog.
In yet another photo book, McKenna explores the life of The New York Dog, showing them taking walks, riding in taxis, lounging in extravagant apartments, shopping in boutiques, visiting spas, dining in restaurants, and much more.
If you want to see all of McKenna’s books, just head over here and explore her entire portfolio.
Pictures taken at the Montmartre Cemetery in Paris.
