Black cats: unlucky for exactly nobody
Superstitions, myths, and how to finally take a photo of a black cat that isn't just a void with eyes.
Pet Chaos is a black cat. Pet Chaos would like a word about your superstitions.
Luck depends on where you live
In some places a black cat crossing your path is supposed to be bad luck. In others, like parts of the UK and Japan, black cats are traditionally seen as good luck. So, scientifically speaking, a black cat is a coin flip at worst and a jackpot at best.
The adoption problem
Shelter workers often talk about black cats being overlooked, partly because they're harder to photograph well for adoption listings. Whatever the numbers in your area, a black cat is a wonderful choice: same purrs, extra drama.
How to photograph a black cat (not a void with eyes)
- Use soft side light. A window to the side shows fur texture way better than a flash straight on.
- Avoid a black background unless you're going for "floating eyes" on purpose (valid).
- Tap on the cat to focus and expose. Phones love to brighten the room and turn the cat into a shadow.
- Lower the exposure slightly if the fur looks grey and washed out.
- Get the eyes. Catch a little light reflection in them and the whole photo comes alive.
- Take a hundred photos. One will be good. The other ninety-nine are blackmail material.
Black cats aren't bad luck. They're just very good at hiding in photos and under the bed.
