Photgraphing a black Labrador Retriever
Dec 4, 2011 14:43:11 #
Does anyone have suggestions for lighting and processing shots of a coal-black animal? If I adjust the levels for black in PSE, the rest of the pic becomes too light. Often highlights on the fur turn it silvery.
Dec 4, 2011 15:09:45 #
Try to get him/her into some shade to cut down on the glare. I think this would be the easiest. I don't know if a polarizer would work, but it might. You could also try a diffuser.
I have a round reflector set that includes a diffuser. The set consists of a 24" diameter disk with a translucent cloth (the diffuser) and a reversible silver/gold reflective cover. For diffusing, I have my kid . . . I mean assistant, hold it between the light (the sun, typically) and the subject. I creates a slight shade with nice, evenly subdued light. i think I paid about $35 for the kit.
I have a round reflector set that includes a diffuser. The set consists of a 24" diameter disk with a translucent cloth (the diffuser) and a reversible silver/gold reflective cover. For diffusing, I have my kid . . . I mean assistant, hold it between the light (the sun, typically) and the subject. I creates a slight shade with nice, evenly subdued light. i think I paid about $35 for the kit.
Dec 4, 2011 15:12:54 #
Great question! I look forward to seeing some suggestions myslef! I have the same problem with my black horse, unless he's in bright sunlight I have difficulty getting details in his face. I had to wrap silver garland around his halter for the Christmas picture last year to you could see him lol
Dec 4, 2011 16:26:14 #
I forgot to mention that I did have a circular polarizer on the lens. Your suggestion about a diffuser and a warming reflector is good. I'll try that. Thanks for the response.
Dec 5, 2011 10:02:42 #
If you are using PS Elements, you need to adjust for the background first, them isolate the dog in another layer. you can then make whatever adjustments on the dog without changing the background. Hope this helps.
Dec 5, 2011 15:27:12 #
My black lab is nor of a problem since his brother is white. I expose for the lighter one, then do a cutout of the black and edit the white one and the black one separately in another layer then blend them back together.
Black and White Labs
Oct 15, 2021 14:32:25 #
llindstrand wrote:
My black lab is nor of a problem since his brother is white. I expose for the lighter one, then do a cutout of the black and edit the white one and the black one separately in another layer then blend them back together.
Contrast is key. Black labs have a naturally glossy coat that shines in the right lighting.
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