We’re Failing Black Animals in Shelters.

"Black animals tend to not photograph as well as others."

"Being less photogenic means they're more likely to be overlooked by potential adopters."

"They don't look good in photos."

These are a few quotes I pulled from articles explaining why black animals are the least likely to be adopted. 

They couldn't be further from the truth. 

Black animals aren't less photogenic, they look great in photos, and they photograph just as well as other animals. Don't believe me? Here's some proof.

To me, these types of articles prove how important it is to have photographers in animal shelters, especially if people are going to start blaming black animals for "being less photogenic."

As the person who is trying to get animals adopted, it's YOUR responsibility to provide a great photo of them, just like it's your responsibility to get the other animals to look at the camera when you're photographing them.

The color of an animal's coat doesn't affect their ability to look cute or at a camera.

The only thing black animal's need, that other animals may not, is a little more light.....that's it.

Grab a lamp, take them outside, use strobes, or use a hot-shoe flash (not the flash on your camera). There are so many options. The animals can't chose their coat, you can choose your lighting.

If you still can't take a good photograph of them, then find a photographer. There are a lot of pet photographers who love to work with animal shelters. You can promote the animal with a good photo and the photographer, while the photographer promotes the animals on their website, Facebook, and Instagram, so more people are seeing the animals and it increases their chance of being adopted. 

It's a great, simple, and effective system.

Volunteering at animal shelters is why I become interested in starting my own pet photography business.

These articles also do encourage people to not overlook black animals when looking for your next pet, which is wonderful and I fully agree with them.

Even though shelters do need to provide black animals with better photographs, it's also the responsibility of potential adopters to meet and consider which animal is best for them and/or their family personality wise; not the animal who looks the most aesthetically pleasing to you. 

Just remember not to overlook these snuggle bugs if you're in the market for a new pet. They're puuuuuurfect. 

Me and my cat, Hickory