Ninja!
Jul, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at my local Rescue Centre (SPCA). I go there on a regular basis to take adoption photos to help the animals get adopted faster and also cover events for them when I can.Time
This was mid afternoon, inside with daylight from the window in the room - no other lighting was available to be used.Lighting
When working at the Rescue Centre lighting is always an issue - basically I have to work with what natural light there is and at the times of day that suits their busy schedule not with light in mind. All the cats are inside and the dogs outside so I need a pretty bright day for the cats and then of course that creates a challenge for the dogs in bright sunlight. But it is a fun challenge!Equipment
I used my Nikon D600, 105mm macro lens. No lens, no tripod, no flash (as this upsets the animals). F3, 1/125sec, ISO 320. I try to keep it as basic as possible to make it easier when working with a large amount of animals in a short amount of time when doing Rescue Centre work.Inspiration
I LOVE taking photos of animals and this was for a specific purpose i.e., to get this wee kitten (who is called Ninja) a forever home as fast as possible. It breaks my heart to see the same animals there every time I go, so when I can help get one adopted by taking some great photos for them to advertise the animal with it makes me feel like I am doing my little bit to help.Editing
I always try to keep the post processing to a minimum and in this case the only post processing I did was to brighten up his face, on camera right, as it was in shadow. Sometimes I will have to edit out something distracting in the background or a collar and leash (on dogs) - or even my own feet when the animals sit too close to me, haha. I also have to turn around the photos in a day so, keeping the post processing to a minimum is a must - that means getting as much right in camera as possible!In my camera bag
Normally in my main bag I have my Nikon D600, my 105mm macro, my 50mm 1.4, my 28-300mm, my flash, and spare batteries for the camera and flash - and I keep a reflector in my car for when it is needed. I also carry a small lens cleaning kit and a drink (bottle of water usually). I don't often take my tripod. If I am doing an event I will also take my other bag with my back up gear which consists of a Nikon D3200, 50mm 1.8, 90mm macro, 18-55mm kit lens and 55-200mm kit lens - and of course spare batteries.Feedback
The best advice I can offer here is really know your camera/gear, know how to work with available light and have patience with the animals! When I am doing Rescue Centre work (all voluntary), I often have 1-2 hours and 20-30 cats and 5-10 dogs to photograph, so time is an issue always. The cats are usually 5-6 to a room so often they are hard to work with and the dogs are often super excited to have someone around they are hard to work with. I am not able to take in any sort of backdrops or extra lighting so I really have to work with what I have - which is easy when you know your camera and how to maximise available light. Shallow depth of field (DOF) is very important to ensure I am getting the best out the available light and also blurring the background as much as possible, as a concrete floor is not a great backdrop and takes a lot of work to edit in post processing. The animals are usually either really scared or just want to be cuddled so having patience and being ready AT ALL TIMES to take THE shot is key. This particular shot is where the kitten is at my feet, looking up at me and desperately wanting a cuddle. I have another shot exactly like this except he is mid 'meow' as he was begging for a cuddle. I don't take in treats or toys, but use a lot of mouth noises and often a continuous shutter so that the camera clicking gets their attention and they look directly at it. Know your camera, know how to use available light and be patient with the animals.
