Taking photos of black cats doesn’t have to be harder than photographing light-colored cats. With a little patience and the right light, your cat’s beauty will shine through in every shot! For your inspiration, here are some of the black cats I’ve photographed.
Why are black cats hard to photograph?
The color black absorbs light, making it tough for auto-exposure on your camera to work properly. Additionally, when there are not enough details – like white whiskers or a colorful collar – auto-focus can struggle to grab focus. I shoot manually with a professional camera, allowing me to choose the correct exposure.
Tips for Photographing Black Cats
Use Soft, Indirect Light
Bright but indirect light will give you the best results. Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows and too much contrast. Open up your curtains and let in that beautiful Colorado sunshine, but avoid placing your cat directly in a sunbeam. Soft, diffused light will highlight their fur without losing detail.
Focus on the Eyes
Your camera will have an easier time locking focus on their eyes since there’s more contrast there. Plus, in portraits, sharp, well-lit eyes make all the difference.
Pick a Light or Mid-Toned Background
If possible, choose a mid-toned or light background for a black cat. Contrast is key so they don’t blend into the shadows. Lure them to the location you want with treats, feather toys, yarn, a laser pointer, or whatever works! I find that “luring” works better than picking them up and placing them where you want. The key is to get them to think it’s their idea so they’ll stay there a while.
Position Them Towards the Light
Encourage your cat to look toward a window or another light source. This will illuminate their face and bring out the details in their eyes, making their expression shine.
Experiment with Angles
Move around and try different angles until you find one that makes their fur catch the light just right. Don’t stop at the first angle and assume that’s as good as it will get. Adjusting your position by as a little as a few inches could yield better results.
Young cats often have shiny coats, so try to capture the light reflecting off their beautiful black fur.
More than Halloween Kitties
Not every black cat wants to be a goth cat. Sometimes they’re more sunshine and silliness than shadows and skulls, and that’s what I love to capture. There are so many ways to showcase their personality in a bright, timeless, and playful way!
For outdoor black cats, photograph at dawn or dusk.
Many cats feel most comfortable in their own backyard, where the sights and smells are familiar to them. A backyard session allows me to create beautiful portraits in a place your cat already loves, while still capturing that natural, outdoor look.
My neighbor has two black cats, Artemis and Kiki. They’re usually in my garden, one at a time. In this rare instance, they’re having a standoff. Artemis wouldn’t let Kiki pass!
Some cats are content to watch the world from a sunny window. Others seem to have a bit of mountain lion in them. If your cat is adventurous, outdoor sessions are a great option. A secure harness and leash are essential, and safety always comes first.
We choose natural settings where their dark coat will stand out. Fields of wildflowers or sun-dappled forests all work beautifully. Don’t worry if the leash shows in the photos. With careful retouching, the final portraits can appear as if your cat is roaming the wild, all while staying safe by your side.
Does Your Black Cat Have Dandruff?
Dandruff is more noticeable on black fur, which isn’t ideal if you plan to enlarge and frame your photos. But don’t worry; I will retouch out any white flakes – at no extra cost.
My black cat, Licorice
I had a black cat named Licorice when I was in high school. She loved to curl up on my lap and purr while I did my homework, but she had a mischievous side, too.
Licorice was infamous for biting the ankles of any boy I brought home, which is pretty funny in hindsight. She also had a habit of sitting on top of the fridge and swatting at my aunt’s wig as she walked by. Needless to say, my aunt did not appreciate that.
Years later, when I introduced my husband to my family, Licorice shocked us all. Instead of biting him, she let him pet her right away. She knew he was a keeper!
I wish I had photos of Licorice, but for some reason, the family cat never seemed like a worthy subject back then. I’m making up for it now with all the cats I photograph!
Photographing your void kitty doesn’t have to be tricky, but if it’s giving you a headache, I’d love to help! Capturing the charm of these shadowy little panthers is my idea of a good time. Head over to my contact page to start the process.
Do you have a black dog? Read my blog about photographing black dogs.
About Karen Hoglund Photography
About the photographer: Karen Hoglund is a professional pet photographer based in Denver, CO. She specializes in dog and cat portraits that are works of art for your home. Each photoshoot is created uniquely around your pet’s needs so they’ll feel at ease. For more information, please call 720-238-3337, visit Karen’s portfolio and follow Karen on Facebook or Instagram.
