Pet Portraits

[LynziMarie]

I always practice on my animals.... they're good to play with on backgrounds and my new flash (that I'm still really trying to get the hang of) Keep in mind I did all of these by myself, so trying to get their attention was a big task... so they may be just a tad soft...
and as always polite C&C welcome

1. Toby- Cocker Spaniel

2. Oliver-Chiweenie

3. Kitty-Siamese (mix?) kitten

4. New Rescue. Moluccan Cocaktoo

5. Kitty again... (she's a rescue too )

 

[bigalbest]

These aren't bad, I love animals. Sometimes it helps to manually focus the camera and then use a shutter release cable so you can really get their attention. Kind of hard with my dogs because they always try to walk towards me.

 

[LynziMarie]

haha yeah.... That problem was HUGE especially with my Great Dane.... in the limited space I have it was impossible to get her to sit still! lol\
My dad tried (bless his heart) to help but ended up just putting his hand right in the middle of the frame.... oh dear... You can't win them all can you? hehe

 

[Aye-non Oh-non Imus]

Dogs especially, I try to have a keychain at the ready to jingle. Also, have a couple of treats in your hand.

Cats..... be lucky to get what you get.

Just curious, what gear are you using? Can you do off-camera flash? The reason I ask is because the catchlights look like very small pin points. At least you avoided the dreaded "green eye".

 

[LynziMarie]

Dogs especially, I try to have a keychain at the ready to jingle. Also, have a couple of treats in your hand.

Cats..... be lucky to get what you get.

Just curious, what gear are you using? Can you do off-camera flash? The reason I ask is because the catchlights look like very small pin points. At least you avoided the dreaded "green eye".

I have Nikon D50 with the SB-600 flash..... I wonder if the angle I had my flash made a difference on the catch lights? I'm still VERY new my flash, I haven't figured it all out yet

I'm saving up money to get myself some actual studio lights and all of that, but right now all I have is the external flash

 

[Joves]

THose are nice shots. With pets it is always hit or miss. I mostly miss alot.

 

[LynziMarie]

THose are nice shots. With pets it is always hit or miss. I mostly miss alot.

haha me too!!
I took about 100 pictures.... of all of my pets and really only ended up with these.

 

[tirediron]

Nice, but all seem a trifle under-exposed.

 

[reg]

all seem a trifle under-exposed.

I figured nobody was gonna say it...

Lighting is key for portraits. I'm guessing you *didn't* bounce the flash, but that's okay.

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/
will have you well on your way with lighting.

 

[Robp412]

I really like the first one of the cat.
Something about siamese cats eyes just always gets me haha.
=]