Focus On Lighting Photos Focus on the Fundamentals.pdf

Pets
Pet portraiture can be challenging.
While dogs may understand
commands like “Sit!” or “Down!”
they don’t understand, “Could
you tilt your head a little to the
left?” (And, in truth, even welltrained
dogs tend to forget their
commands when the flash goes
off.) However, most dogs still look
cute even when they aren’t sure of
their surroundings, and most tend
to get used to the flash eventually.
Cats are generally tougher.
Championship cats that are used
to handling and the hustle and
bustle of shows will sit regally
and patiently for their portrait
sitting. All the rest tend to try to
back into a corner or make a
beeline for the most inaccessible
part of the studio. They look
unhappy. Photographing them
in their home or natural environment
is generally easier than in
a studio.
Although you can light animals
just like people, it is better if you
can angle a light to bring out the
texture of their fur or skin (think
lizard or snake).
As with any portrait, a head shot
is easier than a whole-body shot.
Because personality comes from
the face—whether human or
animal, it’s a good place to start.
Like with people, if the animal
is mostly dark, use a darker
background; if it’s mostly light,
go with a lighter background. So
many pet owners with a black
dog come in wanting a white
background thinking it’s the only
Give the pet
time to get to
know you and to
recognize that
you’re not the vet.
So, Where Do We Put This Light for Portraits? 135