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Archive 2018 · Pet specific portrait lighting
  
 
Yukonica
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Pet specific portrait lighting


What size of soft box(s) offers the most versatility for large dog full portraits? Stacked show dogs.
My wife shows Bernese Mountain Dogs and although I've been taking pictures of them for years (including three covers of a breed specific fanciers magazine) it hasn't been a focus of my hobby; wildlife and landscape were.
Contracting advanced rheumatoid arthritis has changed my mobility and expectations so I'm adapting by learning new skills. I'd like to learn to use off camera speedlite techniques. Having a practical light modifier or two seems to be a good starting point. Check marks: simple, portable / storable, no interest in top shelf learning tools.
Thanks.
May 23, 2018 at 04:21 PM
boshek
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Pet specific portrait lighting


nothing faster than an umbrella. I use profoto umbrellas and add a diffuser. nothing faster. good luck, I'd love to see some pics
May 23, 2018 at 06:14 PM
Yukonica
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Thanks Boshek, I already have a couple umbrellas (although not ProPhoto). I'm looking for more controlled lighting. Something that can be feathered etc. I'm sticking with speedlites for now so the box has to fit the light source.

The question comes down to which shape works best at close range to cover a subject that is three feet tall and six feet long.

Rectangle, square, octagon, what size, would two smaller units offer better options? etc.
What are the solutions the 'pro's' use in studio?
May 24, 2018 at 08:30 AM
friscoron
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Pet specific portrait lighting


The bigger the softbox, the softer the light will be and the more it will feather around the subject. If you're photographing a small dog, you can use a smaller softbox than if you're shooting a Great Dane, for example.

Some dogs are almost as large as people, certainly as large as children. I'd use a 24x30 softbox for smaller dogs, and 60-something inch octagon for larger dogs. I rarely photograph dogs on their own, but that's what I would go with.
May 24, 2018 at 12:12 PM
Steve Wylie
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Pet specific portrait lighting


How about a Westcott Recessed Mega JS Apollo? It's 50"x50"; it has a recessed diffuser, so it can be feathered nicely, opens like an umbrella, speed light-friendly and is relatively inexpensive at $169.90 (today at B&H-just looked at it). You need an umbrella swivel and a light stand (with a lightweight boom arm if you want complete placement adjustability).
May 24, 2018 at 01:09 PM
Yukonica
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Pet specific portrait lighting


I looked at the Westcott. Big, I'll say it's big.
I wonder if the 580 will have enough power or if I have enough batteries to run it at full power?
I liked the image of a speedlite on a stand in the box with the box on the floor. That might actually work for dogs.
It doesn't seem to have an interior diffuser but I don't know that matters at my current skill level.
May 25, 2018 at 08:06 AM
Steve Wylie
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Pet specific portrait lighting


One thing I forgot to mention with the Apollo is that the speed light can be positioned facing to the rear of the box, which limits a frontal hotspot and reduces somewhat the need for an interior diffuser. And a single speed light should put out enough power to light your dog.


May 25, 2018 at 10:27 AM
BugLightGeek
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Pet specific portrait lighting


I just got a Cheetahstand Quick Soup Bowl.
I have only used it twice so far but I love it.

It's got an inner beauty dish diffuser plate and 2 layers of diffusion fabric.
However, I am using it with a Godox/Adorama AD200 strobe rather than a speedlight.

The Adorama Glow Parapop line also looks to be a great solution.
May 25, 2018 at 02:05 PM
moranjr
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Perhaps you could reach out to Andy at furtographs. I admire his work.

http://www.furtographs.com/about/
May 26, 2018 at 02:10 PM
Yukonica
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Moranjr Good call.
I went through the galleries and he has some nice stuff. I like some of his presentations as well.
Looks like he uses beauty dish and soft box based on the catch-lights.
Is this person a forum member or is your recommendation just a matter of you know he does good work?
aka; contact herein or direct to his business?
May 27, 2018 at 10:06 AM
airfrogusmc
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Pet specific portrait lighting


The quality of light from umbrellas is different than that of a soft box. When I do any type of portraits I decide the tool (modifier) I need based on the quality of light I desire.

Edited on Jun 03, 2018 at 07:52 AM · View previous versions
May 27, 2018 at 10:30 AM
Yukonica
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Airfrogusmc, using the right tool for the job is always excellent advice. My lens collection substantiates the adage as best as I can afford. My ability to wander the woods is leaving me so I want to zero in on what I need to be able to continue to pursue photography on my acreage. I have 2.5 km of trails I've built, I can move photo gear by atv and trailer, and I have 7 champion Bernese Mountain dogs and a 3 month old champion in the wings as subjects.
What lighting gear would you recommend?
I currently own two umbrellas, an early cactus radio trigger set, a 580ii and a 430ii. And, am well covered for lenses and camera bodies.

Edited on May 27, 2018 at 09:59 PM · View previous versions
May 27, 2018 at 02:40 PM
Keiththom
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Pet specific portrait lighting


I've played with photographing different types of animals with various softboxes. One of the things that helped me was figuring out the right light stand. At first I struggled with stands that wouldn't adjust low enough. Then I started using stands with boom arms. They can be adjusted to floor level. Life was good again.


May 27, 2018 at 07:04 PM
Yukonica
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Keiththom, Very good point. Humans do have vertical profile. I have given some consideration to a three foot slider that can be staked to the ground along the trail. A boom would be a lot faster to move (and easier than getting down to pull the pegs).
May 27, 2018 at 09:29 PM
moranjr
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Pet specific portrait lighting


Sorry for the late reply. I just discovered his work online and suggest you contact his business. Keep us posted!



Jun 02, 2018 at 10:45 PM





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