are there any pet photography books that anyone here would recommend? i took some photography classes years ago but, would like a little extra help. especially with lighting. thanks!

I would recommend these two

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Techn...2102&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Canine-Photography-Larry-Allan/dp/158115321X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

both are good books, I prefer the Larry Allan book because of its greater depth about dogs. Neither is very strong in the lighting department.

To study lighting, it would be best to used a stuffed animal in a dark room; get a cheap home depot light and move it about the room and observe the highlights and shadows.

I have found tons of great info online but not much that deals with pets. Some of the same lighting that applies to humans applies to dogs and cats. In this age of digital, it is best to get your stuffed animal and practice, that would be the fastest way to learn.

In general, I use a fill light near the camera; my main light is either 90 degrees to the side or 45 degrees to the side. I usually use some type of hair light. If shooting a black background, I add a bit of light between the animal and the background to provide some separation-so the animal does not merge into the background. For a white background, I light it (the background) with multiple lights.

I use a combination of reflectors, soft boxes, umbrellas, snoots, barn doors, etc but to start with, just use the basics.

Some may recommend to do frontal lighting. In my opinion, this is the worst choice because the fur needs the shadows provided by the main or key side lighting.

Please, ask any questions, we are a group ready to help.

The KISS method works best when you are starting out. Pets are the one subject that it is tolerable to have a flatter light. You want a more specular light though and bounced umbrellas work better for them than the softboxes, due to the more specular light you get from umbrellas(especially silver ones)

So, if you are *just* do a dog, or cat, a frontal light works fine. You can start out with very basic stuff and get nice photos.

This was done with one light in the front. Very simple, very effective. You don't have to get fancy to begin with. It will just frustrate you. Add in lights as you get comfortable with them

I have both Creative Canine Photography by Larry Allen & Pet and Animal Photography by Debrah H. Muska. Although I found both to be helpful, I really like the one by Muska. She give great tips and techniques and her photos are amazing.

Thanks for your input! i recently bought Creative Canine Photography by Larry Allen and Professional Techniques for Pet and Animal Photography by Debrah H Muska is next on my list.

Julie, as always, beautiful work and very good illustration on the KISS method. When first starting out, frontal lighting works good; it is much easier than dealing with multiple lights.

Well, I just received my new Alien Bees with umbrellas (combined shoot through and reflective) and wireless remotes, and also purchased a light meter (Sekonic L-358). I can't wait to play. Simple is great, but complex and challenging sure can be fun too. It typically equates to new toys!