My Boxers - Riley and Mason

[Zipline]

I wanted to share some photos with everyone of my two dogs Riley and Mason. Riley, who's 6 years old, is fawn (tan) and Mason, who's 5 years old, is brindle (striped). I've found Mason to be the more photogenic one, but he's also VERY camera shy. He suffers from anxiety and when he's put in a controlled situation like this, he gets very uncomfortable and shakes. I'm working with him to get him more used to stuff like this and after just a few short sessions he's doing better.
I don't have much to work with when photographing them. I pretty much just drape the backdrop over our couch, open all the curtains, and use my external flash. I'm hoping to get some lighting to improve my photos, but I think I'm off to a decent start so far. I also want to keep my set up rather simple until Mason feels more comfortable with it.
Oh, and I do realize that there are shadows in some photos so no need to nit pick about that.
Here are the photos, C&C is welcome!

#1 - Riley (left) and Mason (right)
http://www.whalesightings.com/dogs1.jpg

#2
http://www.whalesightings.com/dogs2.jpg

#3 - Riley's profile...
http://www.whalesightings.com/riley1.jpg

#4 - Mason's Closeup
http://www.whalesightings.com/mason1.jpg

#5 - Riley blowing bubbles (can you tell I'm bribing him with treats?)
http://www.whalesightings.com/riley2.jpg

#6 - Mason Laying down
http://www.whalesightings.com/mason2.jpg

#7 - Riley catching his reward for being a good boy!
http://www.whalesightings.com/riley4.jpg

#8
http://www.whalesightings.com/riley3.jpg

[DigitalSpecialist]

Mandy, very nice shots. Love seeing the pix of Riley trying to catch the food!

[SarahBeth]

OMG the bubbles are hilarious! Nice shots! :)

[MinhThien]

I really like the last two shot! Nice boxer btw :) I got a boxer too!

[ebondanes]

I LOVE the bubbles shot!! The look on his face is "So, you gonna make a big deal of this??" #4 & #2 are very nice. #1 keeps me wanting more space above their heads, but I like the catchlights in this one the best. I'd move them a little further from the backdrop to try and unfocus that a bit like you got in #5. #7 and #8 are a hoot. I love his expression in #8. I'm guessing you're using the external flash on camera. You might look into taking it off camera and playing with the light. All in all, very nice captures.

[Kissa]

the bubbles and the lost shot made me giggle hehe - so cute :)

[skade]

I love these shots! Great looking dogs you have!

[pasimetes]

Lovely dogs! Could you tell me, what material is used for the background? I'm new in photography and I still dont know what materials is being used for glamour and photography like this :)

[Flo]

You made me tear up........after three of these fabulous dogs.....I never tire of their expressions.

Enjoy them.Excellent captures of very busy dogs!

[lecherro]

At first Mason looked a little underexposed, but then i realised he is darker toned. Beautiful color, on the dogs and the pics. Love the eyes in the last one.

[yonders]

Number eight is just too great. Ha. Ha! That expresion is caught spot on. A hug for your doggy. :)

[Zipline]

Thanks for the nice comments everyone. I can't wait to gather up enough money to get some additional lighting to help me get better shots. :)

pasimetes - The backdrop that I used is actually a muslin backdrop that I got off of Ebay. It's very good sized and was pretty inexpensive at the time. :)

[pasimetes]

Thanks for answer Zipline! :)

[Snappy-Tas]

I love boxers (I have one!)
Those last two are just gorgeous - so much personality!