Advice needed on set up to shoot cats and dogs at shelter

[BobSanderson]

Thanks for all the great recommendations on lighting set ups/optoions (I know very little about this except about flash which I hope to avoid) and reminders on the grey card ( I have one in my kit and it does save a great deal of time) and all advice on approaching the animals (and choice of lens) to routinely get great pictures quickly. It will be an experiment and if it works I will update you guys.

Looks like you're on the right track, but you might also consider using live view. The shutter sound is quieter and you can see the end result...framing, dof, lighting...much easier. Also, be sure to use a long enough lens that you're not too close to them, they'll be much more comfortable and so will you in some cases. A zoom will allow you to make framing choices without moving around too much and distracting/scaring the skittish ones.

Anybody think to mention treats? If you've got several different kinds you'll be sure to appeal to almost every animal, and this get's that head up, eye's alert, ears forward like nothing else! Makes your shoot go a lot quicker and gives the best look of the animal up for adoption.

Good luck!

Please post info on those treats. I have great cat treats but I'm curious on what you are using for the doggies.


Here are my two rescues from the shelter sitting happily at home:

Thanks again!

 

[wellfedCanuck]

Please post info on those treats. I have great cat treats but I'm curious on what you are using for the doggies.

Most dogs are garbage cans, so almost anything works- bits of hotdog weiner, Snausages, those "bacon" things, but my dogs go mental over a kind of "peanut" treat sold only at Walmart. The only treat I've never had success with are those milkbones- for some reason they're hit-and-miss. But, like people- dogs all have different preferences, so 2 or 3 different types would guarantee that you had something for everyone.

Good luck, please post some of your shots!

 

[DeadPixel]

Bob,

My cats don't mind flash at all, but of course the "laser" eyes effect is rather unattractive. I've found if I can get my cat to look away the effect is minimized to the point where the flash works and doesnt seem to affect the animal. Anything shiny works with my cats, I included a sample from recently below while playing around with perspective. A tin foil ball has been equally as distracting as the hershey kiss illustrated (no I did not let them eat it!) I've also found laser pointers work well for getting the attention of both cats and dogs, but if I shine my laser up where the cat can't get to it (ceiling or such) they will stay in that pose locked up on the point and I can photo to my hearts content.

I haven't done much with dogs, but the trick that worked well with the picture below was having a second person hold a ball like they were going to throw it right behind me. Their dog would sit and wait for the throw to go after it, that period worked good for getting some "happy" shots of the dog. Of cousre this may not work with you're enviornment.

Good luck!

DeadPixel

 

[nexus]

to shoot them you need a proper gun... (just kiddin')

now really .//. my lab hates flashes and strobes... try to use continuous light or, if you flash them... try to use as much indirect light as u can (not to blind them) maybe to bounce the light in ceiling... i have some good examples like that

 

[BobSanderson]

DeadPixel,
I like the humongous kiss with the tassel for the kitties...and the cute lab waiting for his ball. Both are very nice shots and thanks for the ideas to distract the subjects.

 

[BobSanderson]

Nexus,
I am going to try some form of steady lighting and a dark background first to see how it goes. Is Dino as good a boy as he looks?

 

[nexus]

As you can see there i blinded him with a 580 in a alu foil
also you can notice that he loves the bra

 

[Ryusui]

Shoot the dogs outside of their cages (I'm sure the people walk the dogs) and maybe use your flash for fill only (but try first without). In cages is just a reminder of them being in a shelter. Outside and happy will sell it to the people better.

...

Whatever you do remember to capture happy animals...That may take sometime for some but even a running dog is better then a dog with it's tail between its legs.

+1
If at all posible, try to capture the animals in a happy and joyful state. Playing with an employee/volunteer is a great idea. You want to showcase the animal's personality, not remind people that they're in a cage.

Also, kudos to you for this. Our dog is a shelter pup, and all future dogs will be as well.