To be a black cat on Halloween

By Rachel Rodriguez, CNN

Updated 1105 GMT (1905 HKT) October 31, 2014

Black cats may face unusual struggles in their lives, but they sure make their families feel lucky to have them! Click through the gallery to meet some of our readers' favorites and get their tips for photographing your dark-furred feline.<br /><br />Bianca Phillips says that patience is key when photographing pets, such as her cat <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1181421">Kiki</a>. "Have lots of treats and toys ready," she suggests.
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Black cats, lucky families – Black cats may face unusual struggles in their lives, but they sure make their families feel lucky to have them! Click through the gallery to meet some of our readers' favorites and get their tips for photographing your dark-furred feline.

Bianca Phillips says that patience is key when photographing pets, such as her cat Kiki. "Have lots of treats and toys ready," she suggests.
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<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1182012">Salem</a> is "the quintessential black cat," with fur "softer than silk" and "unbelievably expressive" yellow eyes, says Brandon Blatter. He suggests experimenting with exposure when photographing a black pet. "By overexposing the photo, more detail is brought out of their black fur," he says.
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Salem – Salem is "the quintessential black cat," with fur "softer than silk" and "unbelievably expressive" yellow eyes, says Brandon Blatter. He suggests experimenting with exposure when photographing a black pet. "By overexposing the photo, more detail is brought out of their black fur," he says.
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An <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/10998439/Misfortune-of-black-cats-rejected-in-age-of-selfie.html" target="_blank">article</a> claiming that black cats get abandoned because they don't look good in photos went viral over the summer<br /><br />But not <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1181660">Bandit</a>, whose favorite pastimes include "eating, sleeping, and killing pipe cleaners," says owner Jessica Tinker. When it comes to photographing black kitties, "the struggle is real," she says. "I've found it works best to have a light source shining towards his face, to take a picture when his eyes are wide open, or if he's against a light-colored background."
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Bandit – An article claiming that black cats get abandoned because they don't look good in photos went viral over the summer

But not Bandit, whose favorite pastimes include "eating, sleeping, and killing pipe cleaners," says owner Jessica Tinker. When it comes to photographing black kitties, "the struggle is real," she says. "I've found it works best to have a light source shining towards his face, to take a picture when his eyes are wide open, or if he's against a light-colored background."
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"<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1182192">Bob</a> is the dude," says Sherri Talley. He is "extremely laid back," and as you can see, his eyes are "stunning."
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Bob – "Bob is the dude," says Sherri Talley. He is "extremely laid back," and as you can see, his eyes are "stunning."
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Shauna Cornwell's black cat <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1181954">Mac</a> "loves cuddles, whether it be with our other cat Charlie, people or, in this picture, a stuffed monkey."
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Mac – Shauna Cornwell's black cat Mac "loves cuddles, whether it be with our other cat Charlie, people or, in this picture, a stuffed monkey."
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<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1182092">Diana</a> was originally going to be called Artemis, but Cara Walton's daughter preferred the Roman name to the Greek. When photographing black cats, "have a good, soft light source and shoot at an angle instead of straight on if you can," says Walton.
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Diana – Diana was originally going to be called Artemis, but Cara Walton's daughter preferred the Roman name to the Greek. When photographing black cats, "have a good, soft light source and shoot at an angle instead of straight on if you can," says Walton.
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<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1181858">Pepper</a> came to live with Caroline Natale's family after Natale's 7-year-old daughter specifically requested a black cat. <br /><br />"Shoot them in as bright a setting as possible," Natale recommends, "or you will just see a black blob and eyes."
Photos: Black cats, lucky families
Pepper – Pepper came to live with Caroline Natale's family after Natale's 7-year-old daughter specifically requested a black cat.

"Shoot them in as bright a setting as possible," Natale recommends, "or you will just see a black blob and eyes."
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Alexis Butler felt a connection with <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1181894">Booker</a> as soon as she saw his photo. She says several people have asked how she gets such good pictures of him, and recommends shooting outside if possible, in natural light. "There has to be good lighting, that way the cat's features come out clearer," she explained.