Bought some lighting, like it!

[RichardtheSane]

I have been tuoying with the idea of buying some studio flashes for a while as my dog photography business is starting to gather a little speed. They arrived last week but today is the first real chance I've had to try them out.

Firstly, since I was just trying the idea of studio work out I decided not to stump up too much cash and get a couple of small 150w/s flashes to start me off, with the intention of getting a one or two more powerful lights at a later date - I am shooting dogs not people at the moment so 150w/s should be enough for now.

So what do I think? Well before I even entertain a client I have a lot to learn!
I already have a shopping list for other stuff that I have decided I need. Decent lightmeter, decent backdrops (see photos below for why!), pocket wizard.... I can see this getting pricey!

What would I recommend to anyone just starting out? Don't scrimp on the flashmeter. I did and I am paying the price a bit now. Sure, I can use the histogram, but when you have a subject with a short attention span then time is precious.

How will my photography improve? Freedom from frustrating shadows.

I guess you'll want to see the results?

http://www.pbase.com/richardthesane/image/43246670.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/richardthesane/image/43246668.jpg

I think I need to work on light positioning to better illuminate the fur round his head and prevent it from merging with the background. Would a snoot help here? I also plan on using a softbox on my main light not an umbrella.

Thanks for reading :)

[Jon]

Probably either a hair light from behind or a reflector to bounce back from one of the existing strobes . . .

[CyberDyneSystems]

lol,. She looks great! But why isn't this in the "nude" forum :)

Great eyes on that beasty :)

[mjordan]

I think you did pretty good. What I do is aim a monolight that has either the normal aluminum reflector or a 18" beauty reflector up at my white ceiling. I meter so that the bounced light from the ceiling hits in the area behind where the dogs head will be. It's a broad enough beam that even if they move around a bit it still provides light behind their ears (let's see the human photographers try that ;)). It also gives a bit of cross hair/fur light to bring out some texture. The light I use the most is a 160 watt second monolight. Sometimes I will aim it at the dog rather than bounce it from the ceiling.

Mike

[stoneylonesome]

I really like those Richard, I think the lighting is very good on this. You've brought out a lot of fine detail in the dogs face. Nice job.