Pet Photography Tips & Posing Tricks

Pet Photography Tips & Posing Tricks

In this video, Pet Photographer Adam Goldberg breaks down his complete studio workflow for creating dynamic photos of dogs and other furry friends.

Gear Used:
FJ400: https://www.fjwestcott.com/fj400-strobe-400ws-with-ac-dc-battery
FJ-X2m: https://www.fjwestcott.com/fjx2m-universal-wireless-flash-trigger-no-sony-adapter
Rapid Box Switch Octa-M: https://www.fjwestcott.com/rapid-box-switch-octa-m
Rapid Box Switch 1×3: https://www.fjwestcott.com/rapid-box-switch-1×3
40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Switch 1×3: https://www.fjwestcott.com/40-degree-egg-crate-grid-for-stripbank-12-x36-switch-1×3

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00:00 – Intro
00:46 – Importance of Treats
04:08 – If Treats Don’t Work, Try This!
05:03 – Best Camera Gear for Pet Photography
05:42 – Lighting Gear
07:43 – Key Light Modifier
08:53 – Key Light Location
11:03 – Importance of Catch Lights
11:56 – Treat Catching
14:21 – Running at the Camera
15:06 – Camera Settings for Portraits
16:32 – The Most Important Pet Photography Tip

46 Comments

  1. @AmelieAndersen-q8b on October 29, 2024 at 9:03 pm

    hey Adam, great video. Just wondering what is your power output on key and the strips. Thanks.

  2. @TheresAlpha_In_Moxy on October 29, 2024 at 9:04 pm

    What’s a good camera and lens to start out with?

  3. @anthonyshepard9606 on October 29, 2024 at 9:05 pm

    : OUTSTANDING informational COMMENTARY.
    I was wondering if I can use this concept on babies, toddlers and young kids. I was trying to figure out what type of treat to use. LOL. (Just kidding)
    Can you use this with cats? They are a little bit more finicky.
    🐒 πŸ“Έ 🐒 πŸ˜€ 🐒 πŸ‘

  4. @utopiaforgood on October 29, 2024 at 9:06 pm

    Hi, could you please guide me on where i could Buy your same background rollers Setup ? Love the channel! thanks for everything!

  5. @emns-fn9xh on October 29, 2024 at 9:06 pm

    Using just The flash to freeze motion is actually really easy and would also be the way ppl without hss compatible gear would do it..

  6. @donnaholt on October 29, 2024 at 9:07 pm

    Great video!!

  7. @bobbystacy5890 on October 29, 2024 at 9:10 pm

    So how are you using 1/4000 and the flash?

  8. @MrChamber on October 29, 2024 at 9:11 pm

    helped alot

  9. @mypawssionbyamoreenaandben9069 on October 29, 2024 at 9:11 pm

    How do you photograph 4 dogs at the same time ? Any tips will be appreciated

  10. @rondrake2674 on October 29, 2024 at 9:13 pm

    hey Adam, great video. Just wondering what is your power output on key and the strips. Thanks.

  11. @amandabarthorpe1898 on October 29, 2024 at 9:16 pm

    Sorry, I am confused. How are you shooting at such a high ss with strobes?
    Great video. I have been a photographer for 7 years specializing in newborn but am slowly changing my specialty.

  12. @sedwards7428 on October 29, 2024 at 9:17 pm

    dont give hot dogs — full of toxic ingredients — linked to cancer

  13. @JeffCreates on October 29, 2024 at 9:19 pm

    Dear god it’s so refreshing to watch a video that gives useful genuine information without feeling the need to be bombastic about it.

  14. @spoox7107 on October 29, 2024 at 9:19 pm

    Awesome walkthrough video and tips! One question. How do you keep your lights on and have them flash? Thank you 😊

  15. @mcs3015 on October 29, 2024 at 9:22 pm

    A sample image in the video shows ISO 1600 – f/5.6 – 1/6400 sec. The catchlights look like the Octa-M, so I’m assuming you used the FJ-400. Are these the actual settings? And what are your flash settings on the camera body? High-speed sync? The tips on this video are AMAZING! Thanks for all the valuable info in addition to the gear/technical tips.

  16. @PritiShikotraPhotography on October 29, 2024 at 9:22 pm

    lol the squeaker went and my dog just got up off the couch πŸ˜‚

  17. @thedronescene7474 on October 29, 2024 at 9:24 pm

    I am so confused with him. He said " I do not need high ISO" but yet he was shooting with 1600 ISO………..

  18. @tommytexter4054 on October 29, 2024 at 9:24 pm

    Why do u need shutter speed when using flash in studio???? Your flash duration is the shutter speed.

  19. @bobeedy on October 29, 2024 at 9:26 pm

    Super helpful, thank you! Can you tell me what your multi backdrop system is called. Looks like what I’m looking for (if it’s not attached to the ceiling or wall)

  20. @Joel-up3ru on October 29, 2024 at 9:28 pm

    Do some pets pee on backdrop sometimes?

  21. @Lubo54 on October 29, 2024 at 9:29 pm

    πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

  22. @pattymattes7124 on October 29, 2024 at 9:29 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I do photo shoots for our local shelter. I’ve never had an animal be afraid of the flash. I’ve had a dog be afraid of the noise of the background paper but I’ve not had an animal be afraid of the flash. For me I would be concerned about continuous lights always shining in the animal’s eyes. Also, I use my sync speed on my camera when doing treat throws. I rely on the flash’s flash duration to capture action. Saves on battery power because HSS can eat up that. Just my experience. I love how you converted a shelf to use as a platform. I’m currently looking into doing something similar for home studio shoots. At the shelter with small dogs we use a table with a spotter of course. Thank you!!!

  23. @marieschaller4560 on October 29, 2024 at 9:30 pm

    Your videos are always so informative, so thank you again for this one! How do handle a high energy dog, who maybe isn’t the best listener? Im just starting pet photography (starting with my own), and one of my Labs is very food motivated, but follows me for his rewards, instead of staying where I want him placed.

  24. @marleneanderson9121 on October 29, 2024 at 9:33 pm

    Thank you so much for the information! I am just starting out and this is super informative 😊

  25. @theoilyduckling1577 on October 29, 2024 at 9:36 pm

    Squeak toy noise on the video has my dogs on high alert 🀣

  26. @kaylablock1425 on October 29, 2024 at 9:37 pm

    What kind of lighting do i need indoors?

  27. @LeHung-sr9qd on October 29, 2024 at 9:38 pm

    I was looking for a guideline to give my dog a photoshoot and have found out that there are 2 layers of diffusion with the soft box. thank you so much for the information. you earn an appreciated subscription.

  28. @suekvale183 on October 29, 2024 at 9:43 pm

    Front button or back button focus?

  29. @ioanagogo on October 29, 2024 at 9:43 pm

    What camera would you suggest for someone who knows the settings and other information but wants to start a small bussines for dog photos but outside? I wanted the sony a7 ii for start then to go to 7iii.

    What do you think?

  30. @randomstufff4u on October 29, 2024 at 9:45 pm

    Zukes training treats are great, soft, and small it just is enough to give them a taste.

  31. @Rambo-Ruby on October 29, 2024 at 9:46 pm

    Good video 😊

  32. @Grizubom on October 29, 2024 at 9:46 pm

    Which one is better for animal eye focus? Sony a7 series or Canon r5?

  33. @kimdavidson8020 on October 29, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    Wonderful video Adam. I am gearing up to start taking photos for a non-profit that helps transition dogs from a rescue or shelter into their new homes. What brand, color and size of background paper you use or recommend? Do you use paper? Thank you.

  34. @JMCretella on October 29, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    Any referrals for the frisco Texas area?

  35. @dieg0b0huri on October 29, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    What backdrop stand do you recommend? Thanks!

  36. @betasector on October 29, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    I work at a shelter in Hungary, started photographing our rescues in 2018, and aside from no studio work yet (we do outdoor shoots), it’s good to see/hear how similar techniques you use.

  37. @Teenywing on October 29, 2024 at 9:50 pm

    Little nuggets of liver. It’s the best for me.

  38. @janehwang5578 on October 29, 2024 at 9:51 pm

    Great video! What is the brand of the background you use?

  39. @EliInfante on October 29, 2024 at 9:53 pm

    Wonderful tips Adam! Always love your insight πŸ™‚

  40. @user-lr6ze7dg2k on October 29, 2024 at 9:53 pm

    thanks good video

  41. @yaxonmedia on October 29, 2024 at 9:56 pm

    Great tips!! Patience is totally necessary if you are working with different types of doggos.

  42. @smallnuts2 on October 29, 2024 at 9:57 pm

    I’m getting into photography. I want to get into full body pet and people portraits.
    I was wondering if you have some cameras suggestions? I hear you want full frame camera? If so any
    suggestions? What’s the most mega pixels and sensor for best image quality?

  43. @santiagotorrealba8489 on October 29, 2024 at 9:58 pm

    Do you always shoot with flash? are there pets or pet owners that dont allow flash?

  44. @Lucamitm on October 29, 2024 at 9:58 pm

    What precautions do I need to take with light with newborn puppies ? I know I can’t just flash them with a strong light but I’m guessing a size of softbox, distance and power output combination diffuses that light to be safe but no idea on where to start. Right now my cousin has a one month old puppies I’ve been wanting to photograph but have been hesitant with the lighting. Thanks

  45. @duku_jh on October 29, 2024 at 9:59 pm

    Thanks for the great tips! But does your camera allow you to have more than 1/250 shutter speed with lighting? I thought most of the cameras let you have shutter speed only upto 1/125 or 250 with lighting.

  46. @Ry311GP on October 29, 2024 at 10:00 pm

    What freezes action with flash photography ? Shutter speed or flash power?

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