hello! my name is janet. i have been working with dogs for a long time and photography has always been fun for me. i have been interested in pet photography for a while. i hope to learn a lot from this site! here is one of my firsts so, be kind! but, objective, please! i have a lighting kit but, my camera has no way to sync to it. i am hoping to get a better camera for my birthday in june. so, for now i have to use the lights without the flash.

Very cute crested puppy! I am guessing a hairy hairless with all those furnishings?

Does your current camera have a hot shoe? Where you can put a flash into? If it does, you can get a cheap pocket wizard knock off to fire your lights.

Until that point, back up a bunch and zoom in vs being so close to the dog. You are at 6mm which is right on top of your dog and above it. So, get more level with the dog.

Those two things will help the photo quite a bit.

Hi Janet,
love your Chinese Crested puppy! Julie's advice is right on the money. Keep in mind that you can trigger most studio strobes with the flash from your camera and, because the studio strobes are stronger than the on-camera flash, they'll do most of the lighting. Check out the documentation for your strobes to see how they work as "slaves".

As Julie says, "move back and move down". I shoot my Toy Breeds at eye-level even when they are on the ground. In your case, set up a table and drape it with the backdrop to move the dog up and save your back.

Good luck,

Jim

thank you guys for the advice! that'll help a lot. my camera does not have a hot shoe! that is my problem. my old one did but, i barely use that camera anymore. i really enjoy working with the digital (i know, too much instant gratification!).

Nothing in the world wrong with digital. I don't think anyone here uses film primarily anymore. I keep a film camera loaded with black and white film, but, only for fun.

What a cutie.

The primary points have been covered; biggest mistake is shooting at your eye-level.

Most all animals benefit with photos taken at their eye-level; of course there are exceptions but that is a good starting point.

Keep posting and keep shooting; we love to help.