When I worked as a pet photographer, pet owners with black pets would often come in with no real expectations of good photos. They’d often tell me that they realized their pet was black so they didn’t expect a good picture, just a picture. While volunteering with animal rescues, I’ve had several volunteers complain that black pets always end up looking the same: like unadoptable black blobs. Your beloved pet is no black blob! There are a few tips and tricks that I’ll share with you to help make black blobs a thing of the past. Lighting

The biggest problem I often see in black blob photos, is that there was insufficient lighting. While you can’t always have optimum lighting, it helps. I find bright to moderate sunlight to be best. If you can take some photos outdoors, you’ll have a great chance at getting some good highlights. The sun will help to highlight your pet’s coat and eyes. In a dark room the features of your black pets won’t be well defined. In the sunlight, you should be able to see the eyes, nose, mouth, and fur clearly. If for some reason the pet cannot go outside for a photo, professional lighting works much better than a standard flash.

Your standard flash (the inbuilt flash on your camera) isn’t generally going to give your black pets well defined features. However, don’t rule out the indoors. Usually two are more lights are sufficient to provide some decent highlighting. If you don’t have access to photography lighting equipment, those halogen lamps for construction work are fantastic for the price. Make what you have work too. Use the most brightly lit room you have available as long as it still gives your pet some highlights. You can add in extra highlights in the eyes in PhotoShop later, but the other highlights are much more difficult to add in. Backgrounds

This may seem obvious, but I see it done a lot. Don’t put a dark pet on a dark background! When I worked as a pet photographer, pet owners would often come in with two pets that they wanted to have photographed together. Let’s say someone brought in one black cat and one orange tabby. They’d often ask for the black backdrop with the tabby, but then for the photo together they’d want it to have the black backdrop as well. That’s just asking for trouble. Use a lighter backdrop for black pets so that they don’t disappear from the photo completely. A white or pastel colored backdrop would be a good choice. If you’re outside and have access to great natural backgrounds, just watch to make sure those aren’t too dark. Green grass or plants often work well as backgrounds that aren’t particularly dark. A forest in the background however, might not prove to be the best choice. Even if the background will be blurred out, the general color scheme matters.

Get in Close

Taking a headshot of a black dog is much easier than getting a good full body shot. Try starting out with some close ups of your pet. In a close up photo, you’ll see more of the details. On the face there are generally more details available to stand out as well. You’ll want to clearly see the eyes, ears, nose, and possibly the mouth if you want your pets mouth in the photo. There are less details available generally on the rest of the pet’s body. You’ll have more to work with on close up shots of your pet.

Take Several Photos

Try out different lighting settings to see what works for you and your pet. Try various backdrops and locations if possible. It’s a good idea to use your digital camera at least initially, so that you can take endless photos and see the results almost instantly. Notice the differences to see what works and what doesn’t. If you can adjust your camera’s contrast, do so. If you can’t make adjustments on your camera, you’ll just have to work with the lighting that nature gives you.

It’s All About the Eyes

For black pets especially, you want the eyes to be highlighted and expressive. Generally, the eyes are the first thing people notice on a photo of a black pet. If you have to, add some highlights to the eyes in PhotoShop. With black cats, you’ll generally always have to fix the eyes at least a bit. Getting a photo of expressive eyes can be difficult, but that’s why you’re shooting several photos. If the eyes are expressive, they’ll stand out more.

So say goodbye to your black blob, and hello to your beautiful black pet! Try going for more light and a background with good contrast. Get in closer to show more of your pet’s detail and don’t forget about the eyes. Take several photos so that you can see the effects of different lighting and so you’ll be more likely to have a good photo or two. Don’t settle for black blob photos when you can do better.

Choosing The Right Reptile For You Owning an exotic is always a big responsibility. Reptiles, in particular, are very diverse and each species has it own special requirements in order to survive in captivity. It is important that you select a reptile that is best suited for you and your lifestyle. Here are some things that you should consider before selecting the right reptile for you: Be aware of the potential adult size of the reptile you will choose. Making sure that you have the ability to house something that large. Baby iguanas are very cute when you purchase them, but five years down the road will you have space for a five to six foot lizard? This is also a very important consideration with snakes.

You may start with a two foot long python but in five to eight years where do you keep, and what do you feed, your new eight to ten foot, 150 pound snake? Keep in mind that some reptiles are very long lived and may even outlive you. There are tortoises that live 75+ years. Some reptiles, such as chameleons, are more difficult to care for and, as a result, have a shorter life span. A decision should be made whether you are interested in a display pet or a new member of the family. Many reptiles become extremely stressed when handled frequently. The added stress depresses their immune system, suppresses their appetite, and predisposes them to diseases.

If you are looking for a cuddly member of the family always choose a captive bred reptile and one that can be accustomed to a lot of handling. Research what your reptile’s diet will be. Is its food easily available in you area and at all times of the year? If it is a carnivore, do you feel comfortable feeding live or pre-killed animals? A small snake may be eating mice now, but when it reaches adult size it may need rabbits or chickens. Luckily there are a lot of businesses that provide frozen prey items or live crickets and worms. Research any special requirements your reptile has. Chameleons like to have their water supplied via misting or drip systems.

Rainbow boats require a high humidity. Uromastyx prefer higher temperatures. Are you able to provide a suitable environment for your reptile? You can start by reading out section on Reptile and Amphibian Care for information on caring for these pets. Help yourself out by starting with a healthy animal. It is very easy to feel pity and try to rescue a poor doer, but save yourself the heart break and very expensive veterinary bills. We always recommend a captive bred reptile (most common reptiles are now captive bred). They thrive better, are less likely to have parasites, are less flighty, and are more accustomed to captive diets. Pick one that is not thin (good muscles on legs and pelvic region for lizards and turtles or along the back on snakes), no bowing of any of the limbs, not missing digits, not dehydrated (eyes are not sunken in, no mucus strands in the mouth, no wrinkled skin), and are not lethargic but are moving around the cage and exploring.

It is always a good idea to have your new pet examined by a veterinarian who can help you evaluate its health. Also, purchase your reptile from a reputable supplier who has experience with reptiles and ask questions. How are the reptiles housed? Do they carry reptile supplies? How much does their staff know about reptiles? The overall idea of selecting the right reptile for you is to be informed prior to making a selection. Read books and magazines or explore the internet (be a little cautious about where the information comes from) on the reptile that interests you.

If this is your first reptile, start with an easy keeper such as ball pythons, king/milk snakes, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, and box turtles. Also research common diseases and problems of the reptile you select so that you can prevent or catch any problems early. Reptiles do things slowly. They get ill over a long period of time and take just as long, if not longer, to recover. It is a lot easier to treat a disease when it is caught early. Good luck with your new reptile!