Hmmm reading this makes me realize I am missing some basics. That is the problem I have learning this stuff, I have read a bunch of books from the library and am reading more now but they all start as though you already know this stuff. I really need a book of the very basics that explains the simplest of things but haven't been able to find a book like that. I am definitely learning but missing a lot as I go along since I don't understand it all.

Right, no I am not using available light, I am using 2 AB800's with umbrellas. I would like to use the flash meter to help me meter each dog set up. As it is, I have to take a test one, I do check the histogram, then I fiddle with the lights or the settings on the camera (again I never know what is best I just fly blindly) and take another shot until I finally get the histogram close. By that time I've lost those first golden moments of ears and expression as the dog starts to go flat.

I am sure given time I can ferret it all out but I have such little time to study up on this stuff with my work hours, etc, so I would love an easy beginners book on how to make this studio stuff work. I am actually quite amazed I have been able to make them work at all with as little knowledge as I have LOL.

For instance, I am reading a book from the library now on high key actually, and it will say to shoot the background at f/8, the middle ground at f/11, etc...but I have no idea how to shoot part of the scene at one aperture and another part at another...I am sure it doesn't mean aperture but this is where I need a basics beginners instruction so I can understand what these things are.

Thanks for the info on the RAW I do have bibble and I am sure I also have the ACR. I will shoot some RAW as tests and process them in there, I'm sure it's more an issue of me not knowing how to use the program well than it not doing what I want it to.

I so far have been setting my lights up at 45 degree angles from the subject. I am going to set things up with a stuffed animal and practice away.

Thanks for your input Jim.

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