'When I photograph my black cat, I end up with a photo of a black blob with eyes. What am I doing wrong?' It's a common problem for people with black pets, not just cats. And if they don't turn out a black blob with eyes but no definition in the coat, they get a grey fluffy mass that isn't black at all. While the kitten, puppy, or bunny might not be too concerned by this sudden change in appearance, anyone who loves her or him might. With a little bit of know-how, it's something that can be overcome, though.

1. Lighting

As a general rule, you don't want to photograph anything in bright, direct sunlight. It'll produce harsh shadows and difficult contrasts. This is especially true for black-coated animals. What you want is soft, diffuse light. If you're taking photos outside, look for the shade from a tree, awning, or building, or take advantage of a cloudy day. A bit of fill-flash to balance the ambient light might help you on your way if it's unavoidably bright.