I found the neatest site today. My sister had me take some pictures of her baby, which happens to be the cutest little thing. I can't spell her name right, so.. I will have to get back with you on her pedigree. Her name is Bitsy and some of her pictures were soo cute that I was looking for a contest to enter her in. The site I was referring to is mostly for Dog Photos for contests, and a rather extensive Photo Gallery. They have monthly Best Picture Contests. There are over 1,000 entries in the Contest Entry Gallery alone. The website shows a continues slideshow of some favorites and they were all great.
The site hosts two types of contests:
1) There is the Popular Vote Contest: These photos are judged by members of the Pix and Flix site.
2) Best Picture: A professional dog photographer selects the winner for this category.
Winners of the contests do receive a prize.
Portions of the profits for this site go to Non-Profit Shelters and rescue organizations. I really liked that part too!
So, if you are interested in maybe entering some cute pictures of your dog into a contest, then perhaps you might want to check out http://www.pixandflix.com/
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Pet Photography 101
Pet Photography 101—
Seven Habits of the Successful Pet Photographer
Whether they're cute or ferocious, you want to immortalize your family pet on film. Don't worry if your Beagle, Siamese, or Iguana is camera shy, these little devils can't escape NYI photographers! We are here to help you with our Seven Habits of the Successful Pet Photographer. So fluff up your Persian and let's get started!
1. Get inside your pet's brain.
For a portrait, you want your four-legged buddy to feel at ease so why not try to contain him or her in their favorite hang out-be it the rocking chair on the front porch, the stoop, on top of the fridge, or on top of your desk. Many cats like to rest on top of reading material, not for the intellectual stimulation, but to prevent their masters from reading so that they can get all the attention.
You should always respect your pet's personality when taking a photo just as you would for a human subject. Here's an ethical question for you. Should pet owners resist the urge of draping them in Versace? Does this really humiliate the animal? Well, we should probably leave that for your local pet psychic to answer. Chances are, though, if you dress your Saint Bernard up in red raincoat and booties, you're not going to get a natural expression. We leave this to your discretion. The NYI staff has fallen in love with this photo taken by NYI Student Carolyn Sauer of this poodle in his pink tutu. We suspect that this puppy was begging for treats and oblivious to her ballerina get-up. By the way, take a look at this puppy's feet – in first position of ballet!
2. Thou Shalt Tell A Story.
See this cat behind the screen looking out? We can imagine the story behind this photo. It is a look that cat owners will recognize – that hypnotic stare that a cat gets when it intently studies a feathered object that it would like to nibble on. Next time you see a photo of a pet, see if it tells a story. It doesn't have to be a long story. It can be a short story as in this poodle in the pink tutu. Let's say you're trying to take a photo of your golden retriever and in walks your toddler with an ice cream cone and your golden retriever then knocks the cone out of his hands. The end result will be a photo that speaks for itself!
It's a good idea to have your camera at a central location in your home so you can grab it the second you see an animal story.
3. Be prepared for sudden movement.
Pets can be unpredictable and move without warning. Consider your photo session a jungle safari of sorts and prepare for the cheetah's sudden escape. Sometimes pets can be restless and jump at the sound of a shutter click, so you should adjust your camera accordingly. Set your shutter speed at about 1/125th so your tabby doesn't come across as one big orange fuzz ball. With film use a high speed such as ISO 400 or 800 film if you are going to be photographing indoors with minimal available light.
Pets can be just as vain as their masters. You can make a shiny coat of fur look even better by using a soft light or catching your pet taking a late afternoon sunbath.
4. Control the clutter on the set.
Though you will not have to deal with the model's ill-coordinated clothing, you still don't want to photograph your Dalmatian against a drab shower curtain.
Remember, follow your pet's thought process – eat, sleep, play – in other words – simplify! Once you decide on the location of your photo session, if it is indoors remember to get rid of clutter – stray magic markers, dirty socks, human limbs, TV Guides – things that distract and do not add to the story behind the photo. Outdoors, watch out for lawn furniture, stray toys and other debris that can complicate your background.
This brings us to our fifth Habit.
5. Consider your camera angle.
It's a good idea to place the camera at about the same level of the animal. This will fill your frame with your furry subject. If you're outdoors and your subject is digging for treasures or eating your neighbor's tulips, get down in the dirt so you can be at the same level. Seeing the subject's point of view, can give you an extra creative spark which will lead to better photographs.
If you are aiming for a glamorous close-up shot as in NYI Student Patricia Fielder's photo of her cat, you will want to use a close-up lens and be very quiet so you don't interrupt kitty's trance. Oh, what beautiful fur this cat has! A pet photograph doesn't always do justice to the subject's fur.
6. Don't forget the treats and the props!
Treats are tools of the trade in pet photography. If you know your pet has a weakness for...say carrot cake, liverwurst, or peanut butter, do not be afraid to use these to help you take that unforgettable shot. This can work especially well when photographing people with pets. (Though, you may want to get your vet's approval for the peanut butter.) If you want to have a great portrait of your child and pet, try getting the child and the pet to look in the same direction. Make sure the child is comfortable with the pet and vice versa. The child can cuddle the animal if it is small enough or stroke it if the animal towers over the child. It probably isn't a good idea to have the child play rodeo and ride it around the living room. The trick is to show the relationship between the pet and the person in the picture.
This post was taken from my photography class at the New York Institute of Photography.
Seven Habits of the Successful Pet Photographer
Whether they're cute or ferocious, you want to immortalize your family pet on film. Don't worry if your Beagle, Siamese, or Iguana is camera shy, these little devils can't escape NYI photographers! We are here to help you with our Seven Habits of the Successful Pet Photographer. So fluff up your Persian and let's get started!
1. Get inside your pet's brain.
For a portrait, you want your four-legged buddy to feel at ease so why not try to contain him or her in their favorite hang out-be it the rocking chair on the front porch, the stoop, on top of the fridge, or on top of your desk. Many cats like to rest on top of reading material, not for the intellectual stimulation, but to prevent their masters from reading so that they can get all the attention.
You should always respect your pet's personality when taking a photo just as you would for a human subject. Here's an ethical question for you. Should pet owners resist the urge of draping them in Versace? Does this really humiliate the animal? Well, we should probably leave that for your local pet psychic to answer. Chances are, though, if you dress your Saint Bernard up in red raincoat and booties, you're not going to get a natural expression. We leave this to your discretion. The NYI staff has fallen in love with this photo taken by NYI Student Carolyn Sauer of this poodle in his pink tutu. We suspect that this puppy was begging for treats and oblivious to her ballerina get-up. By the way, take a look at this puppy's feet – in first position of ballet!
2. Thou Shalt Tell A Story.
See this cat behind the screen looking out? We can imagine the story behind this photo. It is a look that cat owners will recognize – that hypnotic stare that a cat gets when it intently studies a feathered object that it would like to nibble on. Next time you see a photo of a pet, see if it tells a story. It doesn't have to be a long story. It can be a short story as in this poodle in the pink tutu. Let's say you're trying to take a photo of your golden retriever and in walks your toddler with an ice cream cone and your golden retriever then knocks the cone out of his hands. The end result will be a photo that speaks for itself!
It's a good idea to have your camera at a central location in your home so you can grab it the second you see an animal story.
3. Be prepared for sudden movement.
Pets can be unpredictable and move without warning. Consider your photo session a jungle safari of sorts and prepare for the cheetah's sudden escape. Sometimes pets can be restless and jump at the sound of a shutter click, so you should adjust your camera accordingly. Set your shutter speed at about 1/125th so your tabby doesn't come across as one big orange fuzz ball. With film use a high speed such as ISO 400 or 800 film if you are going to be photographing indoors with minimal available light.
Pets can be just as vain as their masters. You can make a shiny coat of fur look even better by using a soft light or catching your pet taking a late afternoon sunbath.
4. Control the clutter on the set.
Though you will not have to deal with the model's ill-coordinated clothing, you still don't want to photograph your Dalmatian against a drab shower curtain.
Remember, follow your pet's thought process – eat, sleep, play – in other words – simplify! Once you decide on the location of your photo session, if it is indoors remember to get rid of clutter – stray magic markers, dirty socks, human limbs, TV Guides – things that distract and do not add to the story behind the photo. Outdoors, watch out for lawn furniture, stray toys and other debris that can complicate your background.
This brings us to our fifth Habit.
5. Consider your camera angle.
It's a good idea to place the camera at about the same level of the animal. This will fill your frame with your furry subject. If you're outdoors and your subject is digging for treasures or eating your neighbor's tulips, get down in the dirt so you can be at the same level. Seeing the subject's point of view, can give you an extra creative spark which will lead to better photographs.
If you are aiming for a glamorous close-up shot as in NYI Student Patricia Fielder's photo of her cat, you will want to use a close-up lens and be very quiet so you don't interrupt kitty's trance. Oh, what beautiful fur this cat has! A pet photograph doesn't always do justice to the subject's fur.
6. Don't forget the treats and the props!
Treats are tools of the trade in pet photography. If you know your pet has a weakness for...say carrot cake, liverwurst, or peanut butter, do not be afraid to use these to help you take that unforgettable shot. This can work especially well when photographing people with pets. (Though, you may want to get your vet's approval for the peanut butter.) If you want to have a great portrait of your child and pet, try getting the child and the pet to look in the same direction. Make sure the child is comfortable with the pet and vice versa. The child can cuddle the animal if it is small enough or stroke it if the animal towers over the child. It probably isn't a good idea to have the child play rodeo and ride it around the living room. The trick is to show the relationship between the pet and the person in the picture.
This post was taken from my photography class at the New York Institute of Photography.
Friday, October 19, 2007
It's All About Light
Several weeks ago I did a photo shoot for a friend. She wanted some close up shots of "her baby" to place in some cards for close friends. This special pet is a
very cute little Yorkie & she turned out to be a great little model. We took several shots outside & then decided to move inside where it was cooler. I wanted to use my 100 mm lens for some nice close ups. Unfortunatley I did not have my flash with me. I was able to increase my ISO ( speed) & get some pretty decent exposure times, but looking back at the shots I just wasn't happy with them.
Yesterday I went back over for a second try with little Miss Sophie. This time I was packing a flash & also an extra side light. The difference was unbelievable! I could tell even before I took my first shot that they were going to be much better. We shot about 30 pictures & they were almost all winners! She was happy & I certainly was happy. Sophie got her treats so it turned out to be a win, win, win situation!
My flash I used mostly to bounce from the ceiling. The sidelight I placed at 45* to the subject. It created a very warm feeling to the pictures ,& also greatly enhanced the look of her coat.
very cute little Yorkie & she turned out to be a great little model. We took several shots outside & then decided to move inside where it was cooler. I wanted to use my 100 mm lens for some nice close ups. Unfortunatley I did not have my flash with me. I was able to increase my ISO ( speed) & get some pretty decent exposure times, but looking back at the shots I just wasn't happy with them.
Yesterday I went back over for a second try with little Miss Sophie. This time I was packing a flash & also an extra side light. The difference was unbelievable! I could tell even before I took my first shot that they were going to be much better. We shot about 30 pictures & they were almost all winners! She was happy & I certainly was happy. Sophie got her treats so it turned out to be a win, win, win situation!
My flash I used mostly to bounce from the ceiling. The sidelight I placed at 45* to the subject. It created a very warm feeling to the pictures ,& also greatly enhanced the look of her coat.
Monday, October 15, 2007
A Simple Dog Picture
Simple..that's it. I set out to take some simple pictures of my sister's dog
Bitsy. This dog is not just a pet, she's really a child, & treated far better than
any child I know of. We took props; blankets, sweaters, toys, a hairbrush..yes...
a hairbrush. I thought we were prepared for everything, but apparently I didn't
figure in the weather & Bitsy's attitude. Our first pictures were outside in front of
a nice pumpkin arrangement. The wind was blowing, the sun was rather warm &
Bitsy didn't want any part of all that. We got 2 pictures & neither were all that great. After that we went inside. We had 3 different blankets for backgrounds, one was a snowflake, one was just black & the last one was a Christmas scene. I had extra lighting that we placed to the side & we were ready to go. Bitsy had other ideas. She did not want to sit up or lay out straight. Instead she rolled on her side & just ducked her head down. My sister tried several times to sit her back up so I could quickly snap a shot or two. This didn't work out all that well. We got lucky once or twice but we needed something more. Finally we figured it out...DOG TREATS!! We had left them in the car. Boy, did that do the trick. Bitsy perked right up & sat there like a model. We got lots of shots in her cute little red
sweater. We got great pictures with her sitting, laying out straight...she did it all.
Sooo..I guess the most important thing to remember when taking several pictures of your pets is bring Treats!!
Bitsy. This dog is not just a pet, she's really a child, & treated far better than
any child I know of. We took props; blankets, sweaters, toys, a hairbrush..yes...
a hairbrush. I thought we were prepared for everything, but apparently I didn't
figure in the weather & Bitsy's attitude. Our first pictures were outside in front of
a nice pumpkin arrangement. The wind was blowing, the sun was rather warm &
Bitsy didn't want any part of all that. We got 2 pictures & neither were all that great. After that we went inside. We had 3 different blankets for backgrounds, one was a snowflake, one was just black & the last one was a Christmas scene. I had extra lighting that we placed to the side & we were ready to go. Bitsy had other ideas. She did not want to sit up or lay out straight. Instead she rolled on her side & just ducked her head down. My sister tried several times to sit her back up so I could quickly snap a shot or two. This didn't work out all that well. We got lucky once or twice but we needed something more. Finally we figured it out...DOG TREATS!! We had left them in the car. Boy, did that do the trick. Bitsy perked right up & sat there like a model. We got lots of shots in her cute little red
sweater. We got great pictures with her sitting, laying out straight...she did it all.
Sooo..I guess the most important thing to remember when taking several pictures of your pets is bring Treats!!
A Short List of Professional Pet Photographers in the Southeast
SPONSOR LINKS : A Short List Of Professional Photographers In The Southeast..There are
Many, Many More!
Professional Photography Available for Studio or On-Location VA, TENN, NC, SC, KY, AL, GA, FL.http://www.ShayneHensley.com/
3Sight Photography Photojournalistic weddings, events, portraits, sports, music & retail.http://www.3sight.com/
The Perfect Pet Portrait Your special pet photo becomes canvas artwork. Precious memories!http://www.CanvasOnDemand.com/
Charlotte Wedding Photos Husband and Wife Photography Team Weddings, Portraits, Events, Lifehttp://BellaLoren.com/
Many, Many More!
Professional Photography Available for Studio or On-Location VA, TENN, NC, SC, KY, AL, GA, FL.http://www.ShayneHensley.com/
3Sight Photography Photojournalistic weddings, events, portraits, sports, music & retail.http://www.3sight.com/
The Perfect Pet Portrait Your special pet photo becomes canvas artwork. Precious memories!http://www.CanvasOnDemand.com/
Charlotte Wedding Photos Husband and Wife Photography Team Weddings, Portraits, Events, Lifehttp://BellaLoren.com/
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