How to shoot (pics) of my lab

[swbkrun]

I am new (clearly) and am having a tough time getting pictures of my from straight on. He is a chocolate lab with the yellow eyes.... They always look like they are glowing, or extremely bright. I need some suggestions. He is a great toy for me to pratice on...

Here is one example (http://averymckenna.smugmug.com/Nature/Cougar-Mountain-Trails/14009145_oUYYu#1071710888_aYasF)...

And another.... (http://averymckenna.smugmug.com/Family/Family/14127576_HsTVD#1041609055_TBt9j)

I guess I should tell you what I have... Canon XSi. 50mm 1.8, 18-55 IS, and 70-300mm

[Meanderthal]

Welcome to the forum. You have a beautiful dog, a fine camera and good lenses. What you need is to get your flash off the camera. An external flash mounted on the camera's hot shoe will help. If you still get "devil eyes", bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall (if the surface is white or close to white). That would not only fix the eyes but give softer, more pleasing lighting. You would also get good results by connecting an external flash to the camera with a cable, and then getting it further away from the lens by using either a bracket or simply hand holding.

[cavalierlover101]

I would suggest not using a camera flash when taking pictures outside. When it's dark outside, it's not the best condition for shooting a dog so it would be better to take pictures just before the sun goes down because you don't want it to be too dark or bright outside. For inside, I would suggest buying a flash and bouncing it at the wall so you won't get those beating eyes. B and h photo has excellent products and i would suggest the sigma 530 flash. I bought mine for $250 and I love it! good luck!

[johneo]

Being the owner of 7 Labs (not to mention the numerous other Labs that visit on a regular basis) I know the frustration of "glowing" eyes!

If trying to shoot them straight on, suggest you don't use a flash or use a bounce for light. Would suggest also that you try to shoot mostly outdoors in natural lighting (no flash) or indoors using a higher ISO (again, no flash).

I've come to prefer slightly more of a profile photo of my Labs, not from the side but taken at 30 to 45 degrees. I think it usually shows a better representation of their looks and facial expressions.

And these clowns are usually my #1 photography subjects! :D

This is Ryker ... just turned 10 months old! Now living with a friend!

http://riview.com/labs/ryker022.jpg

KaBoom (born on the 4th of July '08 ) - even at this angle her eyes changed because of the flash. Her eyes are dark brown! Still, acceptable photo IMHO.

http://riview.com/labs/kaboom10183.jpg

Buzz - frequent visitor that gets a ton of photos taken when he visits!

http://riview.com/labs/buzz6025.jpg

Thought I'd just throw this one in for laughs. Typical morning around here ... Our 8 plus two visitors ... lost our boy Roush (old boy on the floor, 2nd from right) about 2 months later thus down to 7 now

http://riview.com/labs/4169g.jpg

[Meanderthal]

While not very experienced myself, I continue to encourage the OP to gain wide experience in flash use. After obtaining a Speedlight and rechargeable batteries, it provides new photo opportunities at no further cost. I have an old 420EX; a used one can be bought for a very modest price. With it, I have no fear of "devil eyes". I use it when it's too dark to get a decent shutter speed, when the the dog is back-lighted, and sometimes - with negative flash exposure compensation - just to get catchlight in the eyes. In the attached images, the full body shot is late in the day, with ambient light from behind the dog. But, one may say, the dog isn't looking at the camera. Well, in the portrait image, the red dog is looking right into the lens. No problems.

[Meanderthal]

The images. I forgot tho click on the Upload in my first attempt :oops:.

[jlambe]

pics of dogs are never easy I have always had problems with my black lab. Like others say leave out the flash and as much as possible shoot in natural daylight.

samples

John.

[skeeter_e60]

pics of dogs are never easy I have always had problems with my black lab. Like others say leave out the flash and as much as possible shoot in natural daylight.

samples

John.

That second picture is a great in action picture!

[ClaireD]

Fabulous photos everyone. Here is one of my boy taken just as the sun was starting to set, no flash..

[ClaireD]

And another of my girl, again, no flash..

[ClaireD]

And last but not least my golden oldie who was going on 12 years old when this photo was taken..

[jmorante]

What settings were you using and what lens? How did you about blur while they were moving.

[jmorante]

What settings were you using and what lens? How did you avoidt blur while they were moving.

[k9trainer]

Here are a couple I shot, although not labs I prefer natural light.