G under light

When I'm shooting a client's dog, I really don't have the time to make drastic lighting changes. I set up my lights before the client arrives (based on what effect we're going for) and pretty much leave them that way for the shoot.

That's why I love having the smalldogs around to do different things with. Although they are usually reluctant models, I do get the chance to get a few shots off before they skulk away. I love this shot of G. I wasn't sure how she would react in this shot because of the way the lights were set up, but I got the perfect expression from her. She's a trooper.

do the math, adopt a rescue

If you're thinking of a getting a cat or dog for someone this Christmas, please please stay away from pet stores and visit your local shelter. If you don't find an animal there, ask them about local rescues (who often have many pure-bred animals who need homes).

Rescues make the best animals, and the karma you will build up for saving a life is immeasurable.

Prints of this photo are available for purchase at my Etsy shop.

More of GatorBait (having lived in Florida for several years, I can totally appreciate this name).

great dog, great client, great shoot

Had a very successful shoot this morning, in large part due to the fantastic client, Rita. She just had a wonderful understanding of the process, even though I don't think she'd ever had her dog professionally photographed before. She walked him before she arrived; she brought a bag of his favorite toys; and she was almost instinctively doing what I needed her to do to keep the dog (Gator Bait, best name ever!) where I needed him to be.

The is the only shot I've processed so far; I've taken the advice a good friend (and amazing photographer) who told me to always wait a day before I begin processing a shoot.