Hi Everyone;

I have been quiet about my progress toward indoor pet photography but have been making some progress. Yesterday I purchased a four light set of Photogenic Photomaster lights (plus an extra powerpack) and today I agree to rent a studio space near my home-there is no room in my little apartment for photography and the studio was cheaper than renting a larger apartment.

I purchased two powerpacks for the lights so that I can keep the wires from crossing from one side of the room to the other. The extra powerpack also gives me greater power for the heads. I can select from 400 w/s, 200 w/s or 100 w/s. For my smallish studio, I think this will be a good starting point. I had planned to purchase Alien Bees but this was a much better deal. I am also familiar with Photogenic as this is the brand I used back in the 70's in my portrait studio. I plan to use the four lights as main (with umbrella or softbox), fill (with umbrella), and two background lights; I also have an extra flash I will use for a hair light or extra background light.

To start with, I plan to hang three rolls of paper for backdrops: black, white and gray. Maybe later I will move into muslin backdrops.

I am thinking of building a stage in my studio, maybe 2 feet high, semi-permanent; very strong and sturdy. This will allow me to have the dogs and pets at a slight elevation without my needing to lay on the floor to take eye-level shots; any thoughts from others? Size-I am thinking of a 4 ft by 8 ft stage, one to two feet off the ground. On this stage could also go various props like baskets, posing table, etc.

Your thoughts are most welcome.

John,
I think you have more than enough strobe power with the 4 Photogenic lights and, since you are familiar with them, you'll have no learning curve. Good choice.

Studio rental is an interesting option and it'll give you the space you need to do some set-building. That's good. It also increases your overhead. That's bad . Such are the trade-offs.

I like the idea of a raised "stage" so you can have a little breathing room for low shots. I think you'll really appreciate that addition when you shoot larger breeds.

Let me know if you need any help setting things up or building the stage. I have tools, can travel and am reasonably handy:).

Cheers,

Jim

Hey John,

Congratulations! I have avoided going the studio route exactly for the reasons that Jim mentioned - overhead. However, I think that there is a huge plus though - visibility. Hopefully, this will give you greater volume.

As to a stage - I think it is a great idea. You might even want to consider a couple of different levels on the stage.

James

While a 2-foot high stage would be great for larger dogs, I would suggest a higher level stage for the toy sized dogs. I agree than shooting from dog's-eye level (or lower) is best.

I have been shooting mostly Maltese for which the AKC standard is 4-7 pounds. I use either a large coffee table which is about 2 feet high or an old dog grooming table which is a bit higher. It is easier to shoot the toy dogs using the higher table. I have jury-rigged a backdrop holder from PVC pipe. While, I also have a traditional folding backdrop holder but, the PVC model is actually more handy for shooting.

I have a variety of backgrounds made from velvet, fleece and other interesting materials. These do very well with the small dogs which I have been shooting. You can also find interesting BG material as remnants at upholstery supply shops.

While the table setup is great for small dogs, I will soon need a lower and larger stage. I have a new Goldendoodle (golden retriever-poodle cross) puppy and will soon need to use a more traditional sized background and elevated shooting stage because she is growing like a weed and will be 50-60# when full grown.

I would also scout your area for natural outdoor backgrounds which would be suitable for larger dogs. Some larger dogs, especially the sporting varieties really look good with natural backgrounds.

By the way, using a right angle viewer can help you get shots from somewhat of a lower lever without breaking your back.

I certainly plan to shoot at eye level for the large and small dogs, I think the 2 ft height will be enough for both breeds, at least for me. I do not want to get to high because I do not want to scare the animals with a high table or a table that reminds them of the vets office. I have shot thousands of animals in the wild from eye-level; but I know that pets are a bit different because of all the arranging of the feet and heads, chasing down the toys, etc.

Sometimes (not always, you have to know the animal) a high table works to your advantage, as it keeps them from bolting or walking off.

You have to balance that plus with the negative that if they do bolt, it might be high enough to cause injury. When in doubt, though, play safe - like you seem to be.

"So arrange your stage to allow you angles anywhere from a little below to a little above the dogs. It sounds like you've got some great plans and ideas, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful studio when you're done! "

Great point. The purpose of the stage is to have freedom and effective control of the lights. I look forward to seeing this when you have it all together.

James