Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I've been using two light stands (3 lights on each stand) to play with photo shoots for my dogs. I also use a reflector disc for indoor/outdoor shoots. I'm ready to move on to better lighting to get those beautiful portraits and catch lights in the eyes. I've had pretty good results but I want much better. Calling all pet photographers for advice, please. Thank you!
Below photo is outdoor with disc and setting sun for light. I need indoor help too!

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

Check out YouTube - there is bound to be several dozen videos on pet lighting. B&H also has many good tutorials.

katbandit Loc: new york city

i volunteer at the local animal shelter and since it is very difficult to get dogs there to cooperate i can not set up umbrella lights etc..what i do however to get really nice lighting ( outdoors) and great shots of these dogs i have another volunteer hold the dog in a shaded area..i simply use a diffused light but having it set upward and slightly at an angle toward the dogs ..it gives them just enough light to highlight their coats and give that added pop for their eyes to look bright and alive looking...as for cats i do them indoors..i use the same speed light only i bounce the light off the ceiling ( not diffused) with the white back card up ..use two foam boards to reflect more light around the cats ..placing them on a chair with a simple backdrop of just a blanket that is appealing to the color of the animal..like i said i have to work very simple with shelter animals..
when i do the indoor shots for pets i use two umbrella lights one at full ..and the other set further back at half..reflectors under the subject and this seems to work for me..
try different ways that work for yourself ..sometimes you just have to improvise.

bobfitz Loc: Kendall-Miami, Florida

You won't get the catch lights unless the dog is facing the light and the camera. The shape of the catch light will be determined by the shape of the light modifier, umbrella, softbox etc..

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Here is a facebook group that is strictly pet photographers. Lot's of folks doing nothing but pet photography for years. Good info to be had there. http://www.facebook.com/groups/1606716789562448/?ref=browser

katbandit Loc: new york city

i mostly catch the lights because i love having the dogs and cats looking at me ..the cats that look off to the side usually get the catch lights because i have the reflectors on either side of them..with the dogs its the natural outdoor light
even with people photography there should be some sort of light in their eyes otherwise they look blank or deadlike .

bobfitz Loc: Kendall-Miami, Florida

Like you, I also volunteer at an animal shelter. I set up inside with a folding table, cover and backdrop. I use 1 36" umbrella with a Nikon SB800. There is also a large window to my right and the left of the dogs. (Not direct sun) My wife comes along and helps with the positioning of the dogs. We use a grooming noose to steady the dog/dogs and I remove it in Photoshop later. By using this method we average 16 to 20 dogs in under 1 1/2 hours. I usually shoot about 10 to 12 shots of each and pick the best 4 or 5 to submit. I have attached a before and after shot for demonstration.

after retouching


before retouching

prayingmantis

This response is not about the techniques of pet photography but rather a reference to a cocktail table book entitled DOGS, by Tim Flach. This book is a fine art book and is so exceptional that it establishes Tim Flach as the greatest dog photographer anywhere to be found. There is one picture in the book that absolutely dumbfounds me as to how it could possibly be taken. It is I think a species of hunting dog, perhaps a pointer and shot among dense vegetation. The dog is pointing and there is a pheasant just taking off from the deep brush. It is one of the most spectacular wildlife shots I have ever seen. The remainder of the book is studio photography and is truly extraordinary. I highly suggest you either take a look or purchase the book and then set your sights at his level of work. The book will give you ideas but nothing about how he achieves his images.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I went to his website and was blown away by his photos. Thanks all for responses.

Ultra-Man Loc: Budapest, Hungary

I usually keep things simple. One main light, usually a 36 inch umbrella, and a reflector for fill. Get down to the animals level and establish eye contact. That's it, and lots of patience.

katbandit Loc: new york city

i can only use a small amount of equipment where i volunteer..so i basically use what is on hand ...a chair ..blanket ...one speed light bouncing off ceiling and a reflector....for studio i use better lighting but this works in a small room if that is all you have to work with ..
most of the dogs that we have are large and not very well trained so getting someone to hold them while photographing them is difficult..for them i use just the diffuser on my speed light facing up slightly tilted toward the dog..
there are many different ways to use light ..everyone has great suggestions and i am always willing to learn new techniques..

shelter adoptable kitty


shelter adoptable dog..

katbandit Loc: new york city

i can only use a small amount of equipment where i volunteer..so i basically use what is on hand ...a chair ..blanket ...one speed light bouncing off ceiling and a reflector....for studio i use better lighting but this works in a small room if that is all you have to work with ..
most of the dogs that we have are large and not very well trained so getting someone to hold them while photographing them is difficult..for them i use just the diffuser on my speed light facing up slightly tilted toward the dog..
there are many different ways to use light ..everyone has great suggestions and i am always willing to learn new techniques..

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

I have been playing around with my dog because she is my only willing model most of the time


IMGP6100 by crumlyt, on Flickr

IMGP6156 by crumlyt, on Flickr