Im on a very limited mono lights, set up and tear down in living room budget and teaching myself best I can as my work schedule doesnt allow for any classes. Just wanted to see what yall think. I wasnt sure which way I liked better

Nice Chihuahua. Have you tried adjusting the contrast/curves to bring out the muzzle from the background?

Thats what I was wondering about. If you look at the other version, the contrast is adjusted more. Thanks for the input.

LOL, that is indeed quite a chihuahua. THat is a completely awesome looking creature. As to curves adjustment, I think that the initial exposure looks a bit dark. Do you want to talk a bit about your set-up?

James

Thank you That's Boss, he finished his championship at 12 mo old and we are just starting to special him. We are quite proud of him. I adjusted the levels some on the other version I posted and that seemed to help. As for my my set up, all I have are some cheaper monolights. For that shot I used a single strobe, high and right. Nikon D70 1/125 F4.5 with 18-70 4.5 lens. My lights are adjustable but do not have and f stop settings and I do not have a meter other than a very old one that they dont even make a battery for any more LOL. Basically I am trying to teach myself through trial and error(both studio set ups and PS).
Im trying to shoot as much as can on days off from work and hope to learn what I need between that and advise on here. ANY help I can get are GREATLY appreciated.

David,
Boss is gorgeous. I played with the exposure just a bit -- see if you like this version better.



I shoot my Rotties on black backgrounds often and if you can play with lighting and contrast a bit the results can be stunning. With such a great model, you'll have a lot of fun experimenting.

Give Boss a BIG hug from me.

Jim

LOL, Jim, there is no other option. Can you imagine giving him a 'small' hug?

James

James,
LOL, not at all. I love Mastiffs. They form the foundation breed for so many of the Working Breeds -- including Rottweilers -- and they are so big, powerful and, at least in my experience, so sweet.

They rule through intimidation. Their size alone makes them formidable. If folks only understood that they are big wusses they wouldn't be afraid. But size alone does intimidate.

As with most large breeds, the confident ones are the ones that I adore. Fear in a breed such as this is something that makes me very uncomfortable. Boss looks like a great dog and I'd love to meet him.

Jim

Very cool dog and must be a wonderful mastiff to have finished so quickly!!!