Ok, I've been trying avoid saying it, but here it goes....

[blackrose89]

well.. she was being honest! I wouldn't pay you take shot of my pets either, yet! (although I can think of ways I would pay you to take pictures of my pets... but they all involve you wearing an extra small french maid costume.. while you chase my cats up and down the stairs!)

Well, when I do practice pet portraits with my cats, what do you think I focus on first when shooting them? Anything really distinct you see in my photos that I could work on? You take really great cat portraits so any excersizes, assignments would be

Darn.. I try and start some drama.. and it gets ignored!

Back off.. don't zoom in so much...leave some space! Basically all of the things that a lot of us repeat over and over on a daily basis... composition (read up on it!) Exposure ( you have improved with your PnS.. but your DSLR is going to be a whole different story! Read up on it!) Lighting... Ambient, flash, whatever.. learn it! I use flash in all of my pet shots,, even the outdoor ones.. for fill, or a reflector. The ways pets move.. fast!!! and the way they like to play with stuff and chew it up (reflectors and other gear).. I find flash to be a much better solution most of the time.

I guess that answers the PM I sent you I just work better when I have a specific goal in mind while I'm shooting.

 

[BlackSheep]

^^^ Agreed, Override. For some reason I thought she had horse experience though.

 

[blackrose89]

Horses you might want to avoid at first - for two main reasons

1) A lot of horse photography isn't going to be the close up 50mm portrait stuff, its going to be trotting and action and eventing where you'll often need a quality longer lens (70-200mm f2.8 - 200mm f2 - 135mm f2 85mm f1.8(or f1.4)) because you can't just move up close to the animal.

2) Confidence with horses (you might have this already I don't know) since whilst the owner will do most of the handling you'll also have times when you have to get up close as well - horses are not small animals and you'll need the confidence to be around and work with them before you can become a good photographer*


*note anyone can walk by a field and get a nice shot - when your a "pro" photographer you've got to turn up and get that shot every time or near enough.

Yeah I have no fear of horses. I've been riding with my cousin since I was really young. My cousin has owned a lot of horses. But I'm working focused on my cats and dogs for

 

[naptime]

I know what I'm dreaming about tonight. And it ain't pets.

 

[blackrose89]

^^^ Agreed, Override. For some reason I thought she had horse experience though.

My first attempt at horse/people portraits


autumn and brent by blackrose1981, on Flickr


Brent by blackrose1981, on Flickr

These are awful

 

[blackrose89]

^^^ Agreed, Override. For some reason I thought she had horse experience though.

I do have general experience with horses. My cousin has owned a lot. I've done a lot of trails, feedings, playing with them. When it comes to comfort that's not an issue.

 

[Overread18 6]

Well just gotta save up for that lighting and lens gear then

But take it in steps - I can't recommend good cheap flash units (I honestly don't know the make/models) but I think a few hear use them KMH is oft talking about them and a few others use the cheap manual flashes as well to good effect.

 

[ph0enix]

I can't remember what you said before or after this part.
Good stuff!

Ha ha ha.. it was a horndog trap! YOU are so BUSTED! lol!!!

pot calling the kettle black!

 

[blackrose89]

well.. she was being honest! I wouldn't pay you take shot of my pets either, yet! (although I can think of ways I would pay you to take pictures of my pets... but they all involve you wearing an extra small french maid costume.. while you chase my cats up and down the stairs!)

I just saw your "P mode is for porn" in the other thread. Is someone's girlfriend out of town or something

 

[ph0enix]

well.. she was being honest! I wouldn't pay you take shot of my pets either, yet! (although I can think of ways I would pay you to take pictures of my pets... but they all involve you wearing an extra small french maid costume.. while you chase my cats up and down the stairs!)

I just saw your "P mode is for porn" in the other thread. Is someone's girlfriend out of town or something

and he's calling me a horndog!

 

[2WheelPhoto]

wow this thread is going places

 

[blackrose89]

wow this thread is going places

YES!!! One of my threads is booming andfinally in a GOOD way!!! Success!

 

[blackrose89]

Ok so any good reads you recommend on pet photography? I've been looking on amazon, but wonder if there is anything you like?

 

[GeorgieGirl]

A complete and total point and shoot effort of one of one of our horses by my niece...

 

[Overread18 6]

Light Science and Magic is a good book on lighting and control.

Meanwhile I'd also say look at regular portrait photography, you're likely to find the range of books wider than for pet photography.