Pets - Sally and Willy

[inmotionfotos]

I have seen some discussion on pet photography in the last week or two. Here are a couple of shots I have taken lately. Both are done in a studio set up using two strobes. One from each side with the main about 2 stops more than the off side. Keeping the black paper back drop looking black has been a challenge. This time the one with the cat is pretty black but the dog's background is starting to brighten a little.

Pets and their owners have been very difficult for me in that I don't get the eye contact and attentive ears (of the pets I mean). Owners need to be near the pet for control but then the pet looks at the owner instead of me with the camera.

Mark

[Stephen]

Re: Pets - Sally and Willy

I have seen some discussion on pet photography in the last week or two. Here are a couple of shots I have taken lately. Both are done in a studio set up using two strobes. One from each side with the main about 2 stops more than the off side. Keeping the black paper back drop looking black has been a challenge. This time the one with the cat is pretty black but the dog's background is starting to brighten a little.

Pets and their owners have been very difficult for me in that I don't get the eye contact and attentive ears (of the pets I mean). Owners need to be near the pet for control but then the pet looks at the owner instead of me with the camera.

Mark

Nevertheless as pet shots go these are much better than those taken with on camera flash etc. I suspect most owners would not be displeased with these.

I have a couple of tips for you, though maybe you have tried them before. Firstly so far as a black background is concerned, try using black velvet, its not too expensive and you can buy it by the linear meter from haberdashers etc., maybe even the local market. It really does absorb the light. Secondly get the owner to wave a toy or similar over your head, alternatively, try using a whistle to get the pets attention.

Oh btw. I generally use a 1 stop difference not 2

[inmotionfotos]

Re: Pets - Sally and Willy

I like the idea of the whistle. I need to try that. I have heard of using velvet. That could be a good option. What do you think about grids for soft boxes or some style of barn door for the strobes to limit light on the back drop?

I think have more luck getting the pets to mind than I do the owners. This applies to parents of small children as well. The last session I had with a 4 month old included mom and grandma. Both calling the little girl's name at the same time from locations not near me.

I guess that is why they pay the big bucks. Now if only I could start collecting some of those big bucks. ;-)

[Stephen]

Re: Pets - Sally and Willy

I like the idea of the whistle. I need to try that. I have heard of using velvet. That could be a good option. What do you think about grids for soft boxes or some style of barn door for the strobes to limit light on the back drop?

I think have more luck getting the pets to mind than I do the owners. This applies to parents of small children as well. The last session I had with a 4 month old included mom and grandma. Both calling the little girl's name at the same time from locations not near me.

I guess that is why they pay the big bucks. Now if only I could start collecting some of those big bucks. ;-)

Yes I have used barn doors to good effect,the grid or honeycomb attachment ismore for keeping the light in a straight line. I've also used large polystyrene panels to mask the background from the lights to keepit black, though frankly for portraiture the black velvet is usually most successful. As for parents etc. they need to kept under control, if they need to be there then they should call from directly behind you. Either that or you devize a hat that attracts the kids attention