kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Don't throw it out!
I bought 6'x6' of black felt from Hobbly Lobbly......
For temporary use, for now.

As you try different light positions, post. Why it works or not.
Us newbies need all inspiration we can get!

Tell us about the lights you are using. Where they can be bought.
I need to do that.
Just posted a link that describes some of the flash details for my self portraits.

Looking forward to more posts as you make adjustments!!!
Pat[/quote]

Hi Pat - Black felt sounds far better than muslin! Thanks for the tip. And I'll check out Hobbly. I read a good article on on self portraits this morning - if I can find it again I'll post the link in your self portrait series.

You asked about my lighting equipment. I pretty much got the cheapest I could find on Amazon, that had good reviews. I remember the Captain saying the umbrellas should be bigger than the 36" standard, so I found a set that had 40 inch shoot through umbrellas. The bulbs that came with the set were not bright enough so I replaced them with brighter ones: Here's what I chose - all totally entry level, but good enough to start this learning journey: Lights:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HDEECO/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00
Brighter 5500 K 105w bulb - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L75BGQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
This is a nice reflective umbrella I just got, but haven't had a chance to use much - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OOL3I/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
My backdrop stand is nice, I just don't like the muslin. This is it -http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BHAAXY/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I also sometimes use my speedlight to supplement the continuous lights. And I have a reflector, but for it to be much good, I really need to get to get a reflector stand!
Keep up the good practice at your end - and I will too. I just have to not let it interfere too much with my day job - since that helps pay for this delightful photog addiction!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Kerry. Yes they do have a way of making you smile most of the time. Sammy is my true friend to the end. Always by my side. He knows if I am tired when I come home and we aren't going to play. He lays his head on my leg and just looks me in the eyes.:) Just that alone give me the push to get up and walk around the yard.:)
Erv

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

[quote=Erv]Hi Kerry. Yes they do have a way of making you smile most of the time. Sammy is my true friend to the end. Always by my side. He knows if I am tired when I come home and we aren't going to play. He lays his head on my leg and just looks me in the eyes.:) Just that alone give me the push to get up and walk around the yard.:)
Erv

You know, Erv, dog people live longer, because we just can't help smiling more and we have to go for so many walks! Hugs to Sammy!!

Wendy2 Loc: California

Hi kerfree. Yes Labradoodls are characters! My Biscuit, the blond and apricot girl, is really goofy. She is a clumsy athlete. Emma, the black and white is not as goofy, but just as much fun. Put them together, you've got a world of entertainment. No need for TV with these 2 around! They are half sisters. Biscuit weighs 30 lbs and is 10 months old and Emma is 31 lbs and is 16 months old. I have posted them on UHH before, but I will be more than happy to do it again, cause I love to share them with everyone!

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Wendy, Thank you - I missed them the first time around! They are adorable. You have your hands FULL with two high energy puppies. Great posers! How Hap would love to have them come over and play!!!

Wendy2 Loc: California

It would be so nice if we could get together, but alas, too man miles between us! I mentioned that I posted them before so that I would not get in trouble with anyone for posting again!!

Yes, I have my hands full but they are so worth it. They actually keep each other happy and occupied most of the time, so having 2 dogs is not twice the work. (except clean up duty!) They are very smart and learn very quickly, especially Emma. But Biscuit obeys much better cause she the submissive one.

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Wendy, I still work in your neck of the woods (thanks to cyberspace) and make the trek once or twice a year, but Hap happily stays behind with a neighbor who spoils him terribly!

Wendy2 Loc: California

Well, if you ever get to Ventura County area or even L.A., let me know. Would so much love to meet you!!

What do you do?

kerfree Loc: Sebago and Sanibel

Thanks Wendy! We could take Biscuits and Emma for a romp on the beach!

Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

Funny thread, enjoyed

Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

No 1 is lovely and natural beautiful dogs.

Wendy2 Loc: California

Thanks for the comment Karenn!

My husband and I were in Sydney a few years ago. What a wonderful city and so beautiful!

Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

Pretty hot at the moment with the threat of bush fires all over the state. Our summers can be a problem because of the dryness and our outer surburbs reaching dangerous areas with our houses situated right within and surrounded by the bush. Love to see more of you photos.

Photosmoke

A basic rule in portrait photography is to shot down on your subject slightly, human ones , thats not necessarily true for dogs however.