New Rita

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

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[Grey Ghost]

I was THAT close to making a post in the other thread about the black backdrop The black just looks to formal, dreary, dull, etc...

I would try to match it to the color of their collar, bandana, etc..if wearing one. You also tend to shoot with your subject looking away from the camera. Try some with them looking towards it. Just something about eye to eye contact that I like in a portrait type photo.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

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[Giraffe (He/Him)]

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[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by Thomas

No worries in here. If you see something you're not liking, let 'er rip.

Shooting dogs straight on looks terrible to me. It compresses the features too much IMHO.

Here's an example. Technically it's OK, could use a little more fill camera right.


I do appreciate the input however.

Wasn't sure if people wanted CC or not. See, I like the one looking into the camera better.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

Wasn't sure if people wanted CC or not.

Not a problem

[Grey Ghost]

And empty space.

I've read the rule of thirds for composure. I'm not sure if it applies for portrait type work though. I've read elsewhere...and I don't know the rules or majority thought. But, several portrait photographers say to be careful of empty space. Above the head, sides, etc...I'm not sure if they mean to totally fill the frame or not. But try for a tighter shot or crop. If you haven't already. I would do some research on it and comparisons. If I wanted to hang these shots on my wall. I would want less empty space in the shot. JMHO.

[Grey Ghost]

Tighter crop and a bit more PP.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

carlton_fritz, Nitro-C5, wwomanC6, TxAg, OddBall, where do you weigh in on this discussion?

Closer crops would mean a re-positioning of my gel to get the look I was after. Shoot her straight on, or looking left of right?

Whats everyone's opinion?

[Nitro-C5]

Originally Posted by Thomas

carlton_fritz, Nitro-C5, wwomanC6, TxAg, OddBall, where do you weigh in on this discussion?

Closer crops would mean a re-positioning of my gel to get the look I was after. Shoot her straight on, or looking left of right?

Whats everyone's opinion?

That is tough one...and not to sound like a politician, but I think they all work

Now that being said I do like the tighter crop looking into the camera (like what Grey Ghost did), but that is more of a personal opinion. If I were to sell to a client my 8x10 head shot (Portrait orientation) in the middle with some one of her with different looks flanking on the the side (like a 3 panel layout). If it was my Dog you were shooting I think I would consider the straight on the money shot One other bit of CC. I think the shadow works fine on the profile shot, however might work a little better with some fill light via a reflector on the right hand side on the shot where she is looking straight ahead.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

might work a little better with some fill light via a reflector on the right hand side on the shot

I was using my speedlite with a small umbrella for a fill. My ratio between fill and key was metered at 4:1. My personal preference is a fair amount of contrast. I don't care for flat lighting. Looking at them again, I needed more fill. I think the key and the background were fine.

The posing thing is always a personal preference deal. Dogs are not cooperative sometimes.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

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[Giraffe (He/Him)]

Originally Posted by Grey Ghost

Tighter crop and a bit more PP.

This works.

I agree on the crop. My take on it is; The exposure compensation fixed the right of the frame, overexposed the left, and changed my background to look almost like a red backdrop rather than the gradient I was looking for.

Next time, I'll tighten up the red gel so my crop maintains the gradient background, and add more fill light.

One thing for sure. When you're working with lighting? It's pretty much all your fault since you're controlling every aspect of the shot.

Thanks everyone.

[LisaJohn]

Just my personal opinion...I like both pics. They are different. If I had to choose one it would be the straight on close up.
I'm still trying to take a good pic of my Fletcher. He is solid black.

[Nitro-C5]

Originally Posted by Thomas

I was using my speedlite with a small umbrella for a fill. My ratio between fill and key was metered at 4:1. My personal preference is a fair amount of contrast. I don't care for flat lighting. Looking at them again, I needed more fill. I think the key and the background were fine.

The posing thing is always a personal preference deal. Dogs are not cooperative sometimes.

I agree, I really like alot of contrast as well. In that pic in particular because she is have that natural contrast with the fur color...you could balance the light pretty close IMO and then pull down the "Blacks" and I think it would really pop. That being said, as you know there are a million different ways to light it and certainly all styles can and will work.

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by Thomas

This works.

I agree on the crop. My take on it is; The exposure compensation fixed the right of the frame, overexposed the left, and changed my background to look almost like a red backdrop rather than the gradient I was looking for.

Next time, I'll tighten up the red gel so my crop maintains the gradient background, and add more fill light.

One thing for sure. When you're working with lighting? It's pretty much all your fault since you're controlling every aspect of the shot.

Thanks everyone.

My PP cast too much yellow or warm tint for my liking. It still needs one or more of the RGB channels to bring her coat back to a purer white. My monitor isn't calibrated...but, it just looks too yellow to me.

Have you tried remote shooting with your rig hooked up to your computer? You can see the shot sooo much better on a large monitor and make instant adjustments.

[Giraffe (He/Him)]

Have you tried remote shooting with your rig hooked up to your computer?

I haven't. The light meter was huge bang for the buck investment though. Balancing the lights was pretty easy, even though I went too far on the ratio.

[DAB]

i like them all for different reasons.

i also like dog pics where they are barking or licking their nose. have you seen those pics of the 2 pit bulls, one licking the crap out of the other? very cute.

for that Dal, i'd also try a grey background.

[Bucwheat]

Originally Posted by Thomas

Trying some different things before I start charging people obscene amounts of money for dog pics.

Beautiful shot,I like how she poses so natural.

[wwomanC6]

Originally Posted by Bucwheat

Beautiful shot,I like how she poses so natural.

I also like the close up chop too! Great contrast with the dark red backdrop and black and white of the dog. Not sure how that will work for different colored dogs. May not have the same effect.