Dodge the dog

[Jenn]

I take a great deal of photo's of my dogs and i was wondering how to get the eyes to light up so you can see them...
Here is one of Dodge...

[jiminyClickit]

Jenn,

Have someone put on a really big ugly cat diguise and just as you're about to snap . . . no, that would probably only work once. Dog therapists are expensive, too. Looking at Dodge's eyes suggests a lighting solution, such as having an assistant with a small floodlight off to one side to create a good highlight, or close enough to actually get a sense of the color of Dodge's eyes. Or two reflectors in different positions (side and overhead, maybe) to make an interesting double reflection.

[Saralonde]

Did you use a flash? Sometimes a flash will create a catchlight in the eyes.

[Jenn]

lol. Thats a great tip I'll try it.

I did use a flash but I think I was to far away from him for it to make a difference.

[jiminyClickit]

Jenn,

Forgive the edit if you frown on that sort of thing. Only change is in Dodge's eye, as if the light were strong enough to bring out the color. Only a good closeup would allow you to distinguish the iris at all, even with better light. (Larger one on Flickr)

[Jenn]

Thank you. That does look better, at least you can see he does have an eye... Some times I can get the eyes and some not.

[Saralonde]

It would be difficult to get his eyes since they are small in relation to his face. It's still a good shot.

[Jenn]

Thank you

[Speezer9999]

Photographing dogs is difficult. The only way I have been sucessful is with good lighting and a partner or two. Usually one to keep the dog where you want them and the other to get them to look in the correct direction. The easiest way if you are alone is to use a multi shot. This way you have many pictures to choose from, increases the chance of light hitting the eyes just right.