Photographer Emphasizes The Magnificence Of Black Cats By Taking Pictures Of Them Against A Black Backdrop, And The Results Are Stunning
While the origins of why black cats are considered bad luck are murky, there are a few theories out there. One popular belief is that black cats were associated with witches and witchcraft during the Middle Ages.
In fact, Pope Gregory IX even declared that black cats were "instruments of the devil" in 1233. This belief likely led to the persecution of black cats (and, as a result, fewer black cats) and helped solidify the association between black cats and bad luck.
Other theories about why black cats are considered bad luck center around the fact that black is often associated with death and darkness. In many cultures, black is seen as a color of mourning, so a black cat crossing your path could be considered an omen of bad things to come.
Additionally, because black cats are often active at night, they were once thought to be able to see into the future or even control the weather. But black cats are just as lovely and friendly as any other cat, and they don't deserve to be feared or mistreated because of silly old superstitions.
Casey Elise Christopher, an animal advocate, and pet photographer is striving to shift those beliefs with her beautiful images of these dark-colored felines.
Christopher is a lifestyle and pet photographer based in LA.
Casey Elise ChristopherChristopher created a series of photos that feature black felines against a black background.
Casey Elise ChristopherThrough this setup, she can highlight the beauty of the cats and make their personalities stand out.
Casey Elise ChristopherTheir black fur and the black backdrop make their eyes more visible, it's like we're looking into their souls.
Casey Elise ChristopherSome are shy, while the others are confident.
Casey Elise ChristopherBut what's common among these creatures is that they're looking for acceptance and love.
Casey Elise ChristopherStatistics reveal that adoption rates of black cats are the lowest.
Casey Elise ChristopherMoreover, they also have the highest euthanasia rates.
Casey Elise Christopher
The photographer's socials is full of cat pictures.
Casey Elise Christopher
She has also worked with blind cats.
Casey Elise Christopher
She has always been interested in photography.
Casey Elise Christopher
It was in December 2014 when she met her first cat Imogen.
She adopted the feline from an animal shelter. The little furball set her on a path to saving other felines.
Casey Elise Christopher
Imogen inspired the young photographer to volunteer at a shelter.
Casey Elise Christopher
It was also through Christopher's cat that she found her passion. She is an expect in pet photography.
Casey Elise Christopher
Christopher recalls how crowded and noisy the shelter was.
Another thing she noticed are the pictures in the cat's cages. For her, they weren't doing the poor furballs justice.
The shelter used old cameras and the lighting isn't that good. The pictures were mostly cats hiding in the corner.
That was when the idea hit her. She thought that if she used a newer camera with excellent lighting and if the shoot was done in a place where cats were comfy, it would create better results.
Better pictures would entice people to go to the shelter after seeing the kitties on the website. It also increases the chances of these felines getting adopted.
Since then, the photographer has been working with more shelters in an effort to get the cats to find their forever homes.
