Ringflash + Dog + Colored background = Art?

 

For a while now I have been brainstorming ideas for a series of dog portraits. I wanted to come up with a technique that could be easily reproduced and at the same time, be different than what others have done. I wanted to create something that was all about the dog and had a strong pop art feel to it.

The other night I was at a friends house taking pictures of their golden retriever who had just gotten a total spa treatment. I knew I wanted to shoot with a single strobe to keep it simple and I wanted the dog on the couch. The couch thing wasn't working out as I had in my head, although I must admit I was drinking wine and chit-chatting with my friend the who time so I wasn't getting much done. I then looked over and noticed one of their walls was painted orange. I mounted my new ringflash along with a long lens and got Toby to sit close to the orange wall. Several shots later, I knew I had what I wanted.

So this is the beginning of my new series. I hope by year end I will have 50 or so portraits of all different shapes, sizes and breeds of dogs.

Too bad Toby looks sad. I think I'll do a re-shoot and also remover his collar.