{"id":21132,"date":"2019-02-17T17:16:15","date_gmt":"2019-02-17T06:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppy.kreatology.com\/?p=21132"},"modified":"2024-01-17T15:39:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T04:39:21","slug":"using-natural-light-in-dog-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/using-natural-light-in-dog-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Natural Light to Beautiful Effect in Dog Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My inspiration and tips for stunning effects working in natural light – Backlighting, Window Light, Bokeh and Starbursts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Backlit Beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is Backlighting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know that tense moment in a horror movie when a monstrous shadowy shape emerges out of the sun\u2026.Well, this is backlighting used for dramatic effect. It hinges on the subject of the photograph being in the foreground with the light (usually the sun) behind them. This places their face in shade as they look toward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Take Backlit Photos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The basic idea is to place the subject (aka your dog) with the light behind them. Focus in on your dog’s eyes as the area you want to be sharpest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you were photographing people, you have the advantage of being able to utilize metering mode set to a spot on their face. However, this doesn’t work so well with dogs, unless they are the equivalent of 18% grey, which is what the camera evaluates the scene on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With dogs, in my experience either photograph in manual or with aperture priority and then adjust the exposure to compensate. This is largely a matter of practice, and after a while, you’ll get the hang of the necessary exposure adjustments to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips & Suggestions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Time of Day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The full midday sun is harsher than that of early morning or late evening. Whereas the former is extremely bright in relation to your subject, the latter is more forgiving. This makes the settings less challenging for you to retain some of the background detail when photographing closer to sunrise and sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extreme Contrast<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If the photo is too bright or too dark overall then you either need to use manual exposure or use the exposure compensation setting to adjust the brightness to get the desired effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything’s Relative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Play around with the position of your pooch relative to the sun; such as directly in front, to left or right, above or below. This gives different results and can introduce interesting effects such as light rays, haze, or flare. Again, have fun and play around to see what you like most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flash and Filters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be afraid to filter strong light through features such as trees or tall grass. This helps to diffuse the light, which in turn reduces the harsh directness of the effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you gain confidence try combing a back filter with a flash or external light source to even out the contrast in brightness between the dog and the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Window Light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is Window Light?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Window light is the term used in general for light that\u2019s entering a space.  So naturally, we first think of windows that allow light into a room. It can also be the light that enters through a doorway or skylight.  The term can also be loosely used to include light that enters an undercover area – even though it hasn\u2019t strictly come through any window!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Window light is soft and subdued, and ideal for dog portraits. And the great thing about window light is you can see exactly the impact it is going to have in your photo just by looking.  You can see if what will happen if you change your dog\u2019s position relative to the light entering through the window – whether that be by moving them closer or changing the direction that they are facing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Take Photos Using Window Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Face your model toward the light or at a gentle angle to the light. Often when using window light you\u2019re looking for it to create a gentle and soft look and feel.  But you can also use it to create more striking contrast, or even a silhouette, by changing where your dog is relative to the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"White<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips and Suggestions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Look for the Light<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Photographing indoors or undercover can often be in quiet dark spaces.  Look for rooms with large windows that allow lots of natural light into the room.  Raise any curtains or drapes to allow more light in.  Also aim to find windows with a northern or southern exposure, as this will provide a very soft, indirect light all day long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance to the Window<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The closer you place your dog to the window the more contrast you\u2019ll see on them.  If you want softer light and less shadows, then try moving your dog further away from the window.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bokelicious<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is Bokeh?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This term comes from the Japanese word ‘Boke’, meaning a haze or blur. This refers to an aesthetic quality, where the light renders areas of the photograph out of focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practical terms, it can be a fun way to pose your dog, with the hound sharp against a hazy background, which makes the subject more impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"White<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Take Bokelicious Photos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start out by looking for a background where some of the light is filtered, such as falling through trees. Alternatively, use lots of small lights in the distance such as found in a cityscape, Christmas tree lights, or city decorative lights.  They will create small pinpoints of light that becomes blurred in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, there’s more to taking these pictures than meets the eye because the full bokeh effect depends on a combination of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n