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View Full Version : Black Dog (not the led zepellin song)



Grumpy John
10th October 2008, 09:40 PM
My wife has me asked to take some photos of 5 Mini Schnauzer puppies she bred. It's hard enough taking photos of 6 week old puppies that refuse to stay still, but they are black and it's very difficult to see any detail in their faces. Are there any tricks of the trade for getting good portrait shots of black dogs?

Cheers
GJ

View youtube link to see puppies in question.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQYbOApcoP4

pugwash
10th October 2008, 11:46 PM
I use a digital SLR with a zoom lens so I can stand further away. I get down to the same level as the dog, or raise the dog to my level.
I use a reflector, just a piece of white board, to bounce the light back at them.
I usually get the best results outside, in the morning, before the sun gets too bright.
I don't use flash, and I avoid having more than one other person "helping" as it stresses the puppies. A whistle or a squeaky toy is good for getting their attention.
Putting puppies in a container, maybe a bucket or a plantpot, is a good device for stopping them from wandering off, leaping on the photographer etc.