As we get close to the end of the year, it's becoming a busy time - but the last month I have been working with some photographers on indoor studio/lighting setups so the theme of "in a chair" works perfectly!.  We have several dogs, of which three are very eager to model for our sessions as it always involves a little incentive - food!  The first week we did a session the dogs didn't totally understand what we wanted from them - but now, they are becoming 'old pros' (and they are less than 3 years of age).

I setup a white blanket in a chair, then setup my new eVOLV AD200 light with a 25" beauty dish as the main light.  I used an LED panel against the background to help fill in some of the shadows which seemed to work pretty well as a fill light.  Here's a photograph of my lighting setup for those of you that might have an interest (taken after I was done shooting photos of my sleepy dogs).  There are many different lighting setups, but I'm working with new lighting and also working to have it all 'battery powered' in case there is not electricity available.

Once the lighting was setup, I placed my stand by dog (a life size stuffed dog) in the chair - worked out the arrangement of lights - then picked up little Ollie and placed her in the chair - half asleep, so this part was easy!  Her sister, Rue, saw what was going on (I'm sure she saw food!) and jumped into the chair with her.

A few months ago, we found out that the dogs have a great reaction to my husband playing the harmonica. Since that time, we have used this little trick with these dogs and tried it on some other dogs - it's works great with these two - some dogs like it, some are scared (go figure).

Do you want us to head tilt with our ears together?

Or would you prefer that we head tilt the same direction?

It was instant head tilt when they heard the notes coming from the harmonica (just in case other pet photographers out there haven't tried this!).  After the food break, the girls took turns so they could each get a solo portrait.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, serving Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).