What’s Your Preference?

candleman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 10:57 PM

i put this under "people" because it is a portrait...

A friends dog is dying.. they are putting it down on Monday.
They have asked me to take some pics of their dog before they put it down.. its 17 years old or something redicuous.

Its a white “pig dog”

I’m planning on doing a simple 2 light set-up on my seamless grey paper
One large keylight (45”softbox) and one light snooted on the seamless grey paper behind him

If you have any tips for shooting dogs.. pleas fire away
i've never done pets before

its not hyperactive.. and is relativley obedient apparently.
my only concern is the leash and my light stand.

VetNutJim · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 11:41 PM

First post... hello everyone.

Sorry I don't have any tips for you other than to say I'm sure anything you do will be
greatly appreciated.

One tip I do have is that to many of us our pets are just like our children. We love them to no end. There's a bond between our dogs and we become their "person'.

Your photo's will likely be viewed for quite a while into the future with tears.
Then, at some point in time they'll be viewed with smiles and you'll be so appreciated for your work.
I had my baby Yorkie pass last Oct. and it's taken over a year until I can view pictures I took of her without crying. Now when I see them I remember all the fun we had together and I'm so glad I took a lot of pictures of her.
She was 9 years old but one thing about dogs is they are perpetual babies to their owners.

Hope the shoot goes great for you and the 'parent's of the dogger.

A Team · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 12:03 AM

This makes me want to cry, just thinking about this family putting their beloved pet to sleep. It will be an emotional time for the family.

My first thought was to capture the relationship between the family and the pet. I personally would use a bean bag chair and put a nice color blanket on it to add warmth to the photo.

My challenge when taking pet photos using flash is getting the set up just right so that I do not get glowing eyes. With that being said, I would plan on some natural light images as well.

Hope this helps.

Christi V · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 12:38 AM

i would also suggest getting down to their level... which helps alot..
this makes me cry also.. no one likes to make that decission about their beloved pets, as they are family. At 17 he/she has lived a full life... My thoughts will be with them at this time .... But the photos will always be cherished as all the the wonderful love and times they have endured having a great family member in their lives.

lputman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 12:58 AM

If the dog is obedient, then work without the leash.

J. r. Weems · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 01:49 AM

I just went through this summer before last. Molly was just 17--- her body had just shut down, little at a time. Lost her sight, hearing went, in the end, she just could not get up one morning.
Just a little over a month later, my Ginger, almost 14 went to Rainbow Bridge to wait for me.

I would keep the dog in familiar surroundings if possible . Her own bed, if there is one. A favorite toy, and on the owners lap. This is sad business for sure. They become part of the family. Be gentle.
This is one of the last photos taken of Ginger on a camping trip with two of my Grandsons from Calif., Just a few weeks before we lost her. Later, after she was gone, I looked at this and it was as if she was saying, 'I will be waiting for you'.

naeno · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 05:09 AM

Thanks for putting me in tears Jared! Geez. (I have 3 dogs, all of whom are getting on in years)

Working with a dog will be a lot like working with a child, even in the dog is older and not moving so fast. They are fairly unpredictable and uncooperative, but when you catch the moment, ahh, there's nothing like it! Make sure to become "friends" with the dog before snapping away. Pet him, talk to him, show him love and bring dog treats! Dogs accept bribes just like kids.

I'd really suggest using as little artificial lighting as possible. It may freak the poochie out.

Do involve the family as much as possible in the shoot. Your pics really will be cherished memories for a very long time to come.

candleman · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 05:56 AM

wonderful

sorry to make so many sad too... the emotional responses have made me remember to be more sympathetic to the owners too and make this "special" for them..
.

thank you all for your excellent replies.

THIS is why i love dPs ...you people

LoveDSLR · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 06:44 AM

Don't just take planned images. Hit the motor drive and capture as many as possible (e.g., with the family). There will not be a second chance.

Business wise, your client may like to have some of these photos or you can turn them into a DVD video as a personal gift.

Sime · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 10:11 PM

My dad used to breed Irish Wolf Hounds, I went along to "Discover Dogs" in London because I'm working on Crufts for 2010 and I saw some beautiful Irish Wolf Hounds, made me sad... While I was there, I also saw this little guy - and reading your post made me think of this picture I snapped...