I decided to break down and test some plexi for "flooring" today. I originally didn't want to use plexi for fear of sharp edges and puppy paws, however, I think I could work with that.



There are things, however, that I don't think I can work with very easily.



Not Bad, but the first problem shows up right away. No matter where light hits plexi, it is transmitted to the edges and lights them up. You can see the rear edge of the plexi in the first two photos.






Now's where it gets tough. Any smudge causes the light to "escape" for lack of a better term the flat surface of the plexi on the way to the edges. This refraction results in some funky, blotchy color in the third photo. We'll get to the fur in a minute.





Next issue: Static Electricity. When you are photographing pets, static electricity sucking in every little stray fur and finding fur you didn't even know existed makes the surface look crappy. For a single session with plenty of time to clean the surface, I could get around that, but I'd never try to use it for a group fundraiser event or the like.

You can see the fur (and the reason dinosaurs became extinct) in the next two photos.











Yep, Corgi: 1 - Dino 0




Conclusion, nice for product shots on small surfaces, Looks real nice for reflections in general, but way too high maintenance for regular use in the studio or on location.

Most dogs I shoot like to stand on a non slip surface of some type. Plexi was a great idea but, I guess not workable...

Yeah, the Plexi is actually less slippery than seamless paper on a smooth surface.

I've found a few ideas on fighting the static that I'm going to try out. I also have a thought on making the edges disappear.

All of that goes on the back burner as I build a Christmas set for three agility dogs today.

Hey Jim,

I have done a few shoots on Plexi. I like the look - however, it does notnlast. It scratches easily - even the harder lucite stuff.

James

Yeah, I did some looking into scratch-resistant coatings, but wanted to see how it worked out first.

Until I find something better, I'll use it for specific photos, but definitely not all the time.

Like everything else, it has its place. I would not want to use it with hairy dogs

I do like the results though

Hey Julie,

Those are quite nice - I particularly like the last shot. It makes the lizard appear rather elegant.

James