An essential if somewhat overlooked element of my pet photography business for the past 9+ years is my "perfect model", Rowdy. Rowdy's role is to provide me with a subject that will do exactly what I ask for however long it takes for me to get my lighting and angles set up.

If I'm setting up at shows, I can stack Rowdy on the podium, go back to my camera position and just toss toys or milkbones to get him to "come up" into a perfect pose.

If I'm doing a "studio" setup, he'll sit or down for as long as I need and give me great expression when I squeek my toy for those test shots. Because he's a black dog, I can set my RAW exposure for him knowing I'll not blow out any highlights for lighter-colored dogs.

And, best of all, I can take him anywhere because he is the sweetest guy on the planet. I realized yesterday what an advantage it is having this photographic assistant. Here's a shot of Rowdy helping me figure out how to light a black background with one Alien Bee 400 strobe: set high, right in front of the camera position, bounced off of a silver umbrella.



And, no, you can't borrow him. He's all ours .

Jim

He's GReat Jim! Just love him!!
Puppies are going home throughout the weekend, so been really busy around here getting stuff all organized!
GIve that big head a big hug!

His sweetness shows in his face, what a great guy! He is SO handsome. You are very lucky.

I have a Rowdy too only she comes in a smaller, shorter, longer package. She will also strike any pose and stay there until I'm done fiddling, and also has not a mean bone in her body. These once in a lifetime dogs are to be treasured. Give Rowdy a hug for me.

Marta, Dee Dee,
thanks for the compliments. I just read them to Rowdy and he blushed.

Believe me, we know how incredibly fortunate we are to have him in our lives. And to have his daughter, Cassidy, and his grandson, Sundance. I watched Rowdy chasing Sundance and Jasper around the back yard this morning and realized that he really likes those two annoying adolescents . BTW, Rowdy can catch both of them with ease.

Thanks for the nice words. Rowdy sends puppy licks (no big slurpies!!!)

Jim

Your perfect model indeed is a handsome boy. How lucky to have him in your life. Isn't it a joy to just look at them and they make us smile inside- outside too!

Hey Jim,

We do exactly the same thing with Mahkayla! She acts as our lighting subject before many of our shoots when I am trying to get the light properly. The photos of the Chihuaua, for example, had Mahkayla acting as a double first. She has been instrumental on several occasions for us to get the 'right' light.

Anyway - as you already know, very nice shot.

James