A higher key

These are not "high key" portraits but are an attempt to shoot some dog portraits in a higher key than I have done so far.

So i used a grey background instead of black. I used a white reflective umbrella as key light to camera left with a softbox providing fill placed to the right of camera. A snootplaced to the right and high provided direct light to the top of Rio's head.

This has given me the bright and even lighting i was looking for. Again, any thoughts and criticism gratefully received.

K1 + FA*85mm 1/180 + f9.5 ISO 200

Prefer those to that dark one Peter. A penny for Rio's thoughts!

Very nice, good detail colour and the expression of boredom says it all, "enough now time for a walk"

No, lets hope that Peter's dog doesn't get bored with photography!

I second the comments about good expression and the depth and clarity to the focus and sharpness is very good. It looks like you've applied that suggestion to leave just one catchlight too Peter....?

There's a nice even spread of light, and with those 3 flashes you have really covered it all, so the effect is brighter and more upbeat than the previous 'noir' ones. Personally I prefer the higher contrast from those, with a stronger modelling effect, so I wonder if that could be achieved here with a higher ratio of power levels between the softbox & umbrella lights ....? As they are it looks like a similar output from both. Of course that's the beauty of lighting, you can choose exactly what you want, and some will like it one way, some the other way

Lighting is spot on! I can see a career in dog photography for you! No, seriously, there are photographers out there that specialise in dog photography portraits

Very good

+1 could be a nice sideline if not a complete career change.

Personally I prefer the darker portraits, but these are great too.
I never managed to get my dogs well photographed. They just hated it, so all I have are snaps sadly.
If I get another dog I'll be coming t you for advice .

The catchlights needed some photoshopping with one eye sporting a round reflection and one a square one ! The ones in the final images are brushed on.

The umbrella and softbox were powered at 1/2 and 1/16+7 power respectively and were positioned similar distance to him and at similar shallow angles...both about 30 degrees. I thought this would give me the more even light i was after. I will do some more experimentation with different ratios as this is obviously the only way to learn.

Appreciate all the comments and suggestions, thanks.

The only advice is to have bags of patience.

Last nights "shoot" was similar to every other........ Rio protests because he doesnt want to lay down in the dog bed. When I do get him settled and am focussing he decides he wants to go exploring. Just as he is settled again and I am focussing for that perfect shot....little brother Ripley comes into the room and jumps all over me. Much barking and tail wagging ensues so I decide its time to pour myself a drink.

What's that saying about working with children and animals ?

Yes, the umbrella loses much more light than a softbox, due to it being reflected back rather than straight forwards through the box, so I guess the extra power from the umbrella was needed to balance that of the softbox. You're exactly right, its a trial and experimenting thing. I often play around before any live subject comes along, with a doll or teddy bear, and try out a few different lighting balances ....inevitable I find myself trying to create a more contrasty look across the face from one side to the other. Its usually easiest to get the 'Main' exposure correct .... the 'Fill' one is open to a lot of creative interpretation.

PS ... I meant that I play around with the flashes and power settings, not the dolls and teddy bears

Your secret is safe with me

These are just wonderful, the lighting is so even but not harsh at all, the dogs eyes are so beautiful, he is so laid back.