FULL TUTORIAL: Photograph a Black Dog on a Black Background in Studio

As it says on the tin, in less than 30 minutes you're going to know how to photograph a black dog on a black background in studio. Covering studio lighting setup for black background photography, studio kit needed, tips and tricks, space requirements and more, you'll see how I set up and shoot black background studio portraits where the background is actually black in the camera, not afterwards!
👉 Kit for this shoot:
Heavy-duty light stands - amzn.to/2T1kD1E
White Balance card - amzn.to/3d3BWXl
Backdrop in this video - amzn.to/2ZeJEZ7
Strip boxes + grids - amzn.to/2ZfjYLL
Beauty dish + honeycomb - amzn.to/31mu4xa
👉 Blog post for this video: www.thatdogspot.co.uk/how-to-...
👉 Editing video for this shoot: TBC
👉 Timestamps for info:
0:00 Intro
0:24 Equipment
10:32 Settings and Setup
17:28 Building the Light
21:20 Adding Bramble the Labrador
26:23 Outro + Outtakes!
👉 Subscribe first you amazing person! 🙏
OUR Blog: www.thatdogspot.co.uk/
OUR Insta: / thatdogspotphoto
OUR FB Group: / thatdogspot
- Useful Links to my kit -
Awesome Audio Microphone/Recorder - amzn.to/395l2Wx
My Mac (mine is custom specc’d, but this is close!) - amzn.to/2TdEhGF
- My Actual photo kit -
My main Camera - amzn.to/3clDX0H
My second Camera - amzn.to/3c2s7su
My studio lens - amzn.to/2WhNbW7
My action/portrait lens - amzn.to/2WmaXk5
My bokeh lens - amzn.to/2HN4qGQ
My fave light stands - amzn.to/2T1kD1E (SOLID as a rock!)
My fave tripod - amzn.to/2Tc2XPA
My fave gimbal (video) - amzn.to/38UpaZd
Best reflector ever - amzn.to/2HRVKim

[@victorboucher675]

Once black, never back. Love the hair. Thank you.

[@isabellegauthier1254]

Wow, I love your tutorials, I'm studying photography at TAFE, and I learn so much more with you then my teacher. Thank you so much.📸🥰

[@AC-xh9wr]

What a wonderfully good boy! So heart warming to watch him 💙

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Ah - thank you!

[@wwooley1]

You have a gift for teaching. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@phenomenia]

One of the best videos for black background photography I have ever seen. Thanks sooo much for sharing your knowledge. I struggled to get good results, even after watching other videos. After this one it works perfectly and i know how to adapt in different lighting situations. Thanks again!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it has helped you Felix!

[@dbv11]

Have been looking everywhere for this topic! Well done. You’re an amazing instructor.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samwise7]

Love this! I just finished up photo school and have dived into making animal photography my career and you've nailed it! Even after an education, it's really good to remind oneself about certain techniques and this is just wonderful.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davevowles8093]

Awesome video, great content and delivery. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Much appreciated!

[@myrahencherphotography7944]

Loved the specifics! Will try this with soft boxes/grid and speed lights to see how close I can get. Thanks!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Enjoy the experience, test and learn and test and learn 🤓

[@Bella12243]

Great info! Thank you for all you do! Love how you explain!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for watching!

[@isabelnash7130]

Terrific video. Your explanations make sense and are easy to follow.Thank you for sharing.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I’m so pleased ☺️

[@claudialima6142]

You helped me a lot with this tutorial. Everything was very well explained. Thank you very much!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're very welcome!

[@marchinderickx8193]

Hello Jess,Our son enlarged the family with a black dog (Beauceron). I was looking for a tutorial to get beautiful photos of this big black dog (> 50Kg) and I discovered your KZbin channel. What a gold mine! It's super interesting. Keep sharing your secrets.

[@shiuantzer]

The rim light is fascinating! Thank you for the tutorial

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

My pleasure!

[@marikac6263]

I have just discovered your channel and subscribed straight away ❤️ so informative and your photos are stunning!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Ahhhh thank you! 🤗

[@chrissysimpson6692]

awww your doggo are gorgeous...You explain everything perfectly ..he is a good doggo waiting there :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks Chrissy!

[@jer3006]

So impressive! Having never shot anything with off-camera flash, it was so amazing to see your scientific set-ups for positioning and sync'g everything. My gosh, the dog was the easy part! 😵😲 Alfie continues to blow me away... your finger wiggles that caused him to inch forward-I've never seen anything like that! I'm upping my estimate of his trick count from about 26 to 20+. Bram's shots were terrific and the background was just as black as you promised. Nice! Also loved how you set the mood with your black jacket and the occasional spot of tea (assuming tea 😁). Thank you so much for providing such great content!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks Jer! Yes, Alfie is just the best. I'd honestly be lost without him, he is my shadow, he's always there. I don't think there'll ever be another dog like him in my life - of course I LOVE all my dogs, but Alfie fills a very special place. Bramble was so much fun, she was a little stressed but she did super well! And yes, lots of tea - always have a mug or a flask at hand 🤓

[@susanneh2207]

This was awesome! Well explained. Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@natasjabeverloo2563]

Love love it!!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

🥰

[@alerijillo]

Im happy watching someone to take a photography niche that no one has taken. Love your content

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Aww thanks Alejandro (awesome name by the way) - it's a busy niche here in the UK but not too much is done "different" in studio I don't think?

[@alerijillo]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I'm sure you'll be the benchmark on dog photography here at KZbin

[@JinHwang]

love it

[@johndonaldson5126]

Thank you. I learned a few things. I appreciate the effort you put into this video.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@zsoltvaranka9741]

love your nice accent, your hairbun and also enjoyed your precise and very descriptive explanation of all key elements of the shoot :) ❤

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much for those kind words🙏 Hope you continue to enjoy the content we put out there

[@HustlHub.Community]

Thanks a lot, super educational!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you found it useful 🙂

[@heidihartingphotography4512]

So great! Would you do a white background start to finish?

[@madalinapuscasu1956]

The best day of 2022 so far was the day I subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much for creating such an explicit video! Keep up the amazing work

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for such kind words, they mean so much 🙏🙏

[@kennypringle4580]

Nice photos👍

[@loganlion6314]

Those great models / dogs

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

😊

[@MrWolf__]

I have to say I have you explain how to set up and use the right settings you need to get these shots and why. While using a flash or with out a flash.. I have understood your videos more than I have done on my photography course.. Question I have highlight alerts set on my canon camera is that the same thing as black clipping?.. I will be testing all this on my stuffed Wolf animal toy... And I must remember to bring tea to my photo shots.. I always forget lol.. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos.. They have been really helping me.. 📸😎

[@buntybrads]

Excellent!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Many thanks!

[@julierubacha220]

Great video as always! I'm curious...is there a reason why you don't use the grid on both lights?

[@judybaldwin2403]

hi, I've become obsessed watching your photography! so informative. in some of your videos what is the external monitor on camera?

[@rondrake6500]

awesome awesome. i didnt quite catch the power setting you used for the strip boxes

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Won't lie, this was a looooong time ago and we can't remember! But, if you put subtitles on it should tell you 🤗

[@pollypowell415]

Outstanding video! Been waiting for this particular one...have a giant black schnauzer. Question, is there a video that dives deep into using a speed-light and the whole "power level" concept? Your videos and personality continue to ROCK!!!! Thank you and please keep the great content coming.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks so much Polly! I haven't made one, no, because each speedlight is a little different in terms of terminology, settings, options and so on. There is also zoom on speedlights to consider! I would search KZbin for your specific speedlight make and/or model and look at a how-to tutorial for exactly that speedlight. After that, it's just changing the settings based on what you're getting in camera ☺️

[@jonhermannsson9231]

Awesome video as always You should have lots more subscribers I'm telling friends about your channel

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you Jon!

[@tomdomany8865]

I've been watching a lot of your videos, and I must tell you how much I love them. This one, especially, was so incredible. You said what you said, then you demonstrated with each light, then showed the photo. It was so helpful that you had that continuous line of where to place the animal, so that was always the same. I have one question...how can you get focus with your camera on a completely black background to see if you have any ambient light coming in? I'd have to have something there for my camera to focus on. I mean, this is all while you were testing with no dog.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You can set most cameras to "release with no lens" and "release with no AF lock" - the former you don't really need, but the latter enables us to take a photograph with no point of focus. You could also focus on the light stand and then recompose before taking the shot, either works!

[@tomdomany8865]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Thanks so much for your reply. I don't know about either of the features you mentioned, so I'll have to check that out.

[@hussainkhaliq1804]

Well explained..nice job....❤👍 Plz make a video on adjusting ISO,aperture,shutter speed etc. manually in accordance with the light.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This is mostly covered in the Exposure Triangle video Hussain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXiylISwZ9toadE

[@hussainkhaliq1804]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Thanks a lot Mam Jeass....

[@NathanSquires]

Whoa whoa whoa. Awesome. But let me finish learning a bit more about exterior shoots first 😝

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Studio is easier 🙈

[@jmewest]

This is so helpful for us who are a little newer to this field. Thank you very well explained. Jamieandkaiser

[@kaligeisecke8716]

Could you do a full body like this? I'm thinking about using a black background for Halloween minis but not sure if that's crazy or not haha

[@MrMajoroak]

Great tutorial! Can't wait to try it out on my two German Shepherds ... although they're not as well behaved. Please could you tell me which strobe lights you use? Many thanks.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Check out the description, all kit is written down there 💪🏼

[@MrMajoroak]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you for the reply. I can see all the kit listed ... apart from the strobes. From watching some of your other videos, I think they're possibly Godox AD200 Pro? Will have to start some serious saving for these beauties.

[@michelterral5907]

you are so good..!!! and so british with your cup of tea...i think & hope i can try to do the same with cheaper light...what do you think ?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hey Michel, yes, you should be able to do this with any flash light as long as you control the ambient light - remember that the flash has to outpower the rest of the light in the scene, so close blinds and shut curtains before you start indoors!

[@rahulrocky266]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rebeccaperry-taylor2128]

I can't find the black clipping setting on nikon d500

[@markyeomans8232]

I love watching your videos could you please tell us what your main lights make and model please as not listed above thank you

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This link should help 🙂 www.thattogspot.com/kit-bag/?v=79cba1185463

[@markyeomans8232]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you

[@youdoyouplayer8529]

That look @21:58

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Concentration is key! 🤣

[@adelehamilton8948]

Where is the editing video for this session that was supposed to be linked? I can't find it

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Drop us an email at [e-mail] and we can sort this for you!

[@tracyshankland]

Can I ask why you only have a grid on one box?

[@afonsosantos8364]

Sony FF bodies (like the A7R you used) have 1/250 x-sync speed, the APS-C bodies have 1/160. No need to shoot at 1/125 f10 when you can shoot 1/250 f8 and reduce the power of your flashes (Wich also disturbs your talent less) and makes for a longer session (more flashes per charge), quicker recycle times between flashes, etc.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Only with a Sony approved trigger Afonso, not this one!

[@afonsosantos8364]

@@ThatPhotographySpot that explains it

[@garrysolomon_petphotography]

Great vid! Do you have a link to the backdrop stand you use?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I usually use the Light Stands in the description under the video and then a "telescopic backdrop crossbar" (any are fine!). Hope this helps!

[@garrysolomon_petphotography]

That Dog Spot brilliant! Thanks a lot ☺️👋

[@belleboca5997]

Hey! I'm purchasing the godox soft boxes to try this out. But What are the modifiers used for the speed light (rim light)?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Try this for the speedlight modifier - www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/80x80cm-square-easy-open-round-head-speedlite-softbox-speedlite-bracket-included/#image-2 This for the strip boxes - www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/pixapro-30x90cm-easy-open-strip-umbrella-softbox-with-4cm-grid/ Also, we've got a discount code you can use - it's 10OFFTPSJM 🤗

[@Linda-ce7fx]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you for the discount code. Used it today 🤗

[@kristinamullen7590]

Could I use this same technique with a horse? I’ve been looking for a black background horse portrait using strobe tutorial and I haven’t found one yet

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Absolutely Yes! 100% you can 😊

[@bellandkas]

Hi! Im new to this field . I have a canon m50 camera with 18-55mm lens . So will it do the job? Or should I have to buy another lens for shoot pets?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That will be fine for studio Kaw 👍

[@Ladybirdsin16mm]

Where's the next vid of the edit? I can't seem to find it

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

All of the longer full edits where removed a couple of years ago due to copyright (people copying and posting as their own content). These are now available within our Imaging Membership along with 20+ other full edits 🤓

[@jkkim3333]

what lighting do you recommend under $1000? Where you can get two solid lighting? I want to change from a old to new but I'm not sure what I should get. I thought about getting two profoto a1s but it was way out of my budget... is there a godox, fomex, etc two sets of lighting you could recommend for me? thanks

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

If you check out this link from our previous post there are a couple of options in here: www.thattogspot.com/how-to-use-butterfly-lighting-with-dogs-in-a-small-studio/?v=79cba1185463 Essential Photo have a range of other lights available too (discount code available in the description of our videos)

[@jkkim3333]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you!

[@Rickyswoop]

Hi there. I can't seem to find shadow clipping in my Canon 800d, can anyone help? Thanks

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Page 377 in the manual for this camera seems to suggest there is only highlight clipping in there as an option 😔 however, there is a clear histogram on one of the view modes, as long as this is completely to the left (literally, all to the left) you should be ok 👌

[@Rickyswoop]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Sweet thanks for the reply!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!

[@andrewhillphotosvideos2909]

Hi Jess... a question do you encounter bad dogs or do you draw a line?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No dogs are bad! It's all down to how they are trained 🙂

[@elsfirens1337]

I have a black poodle (starting to get a little grey because of her age) and I can't find the right technique to take a decent photo of her.Preferably in the city.I've see the video of the little puppy but I'm not getting the exposure,the editing right.Is there a video where you photograph a black poodle?Thank you very much!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No black poodles but the principle is the same as any dog, use the histogram to ensure you don’t clip any of the blacks and expose appropriately thereafter 😊

[@elsfirens1337]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you. 😊

[@vincentnursalim01]

what lens do u use for this shoot ?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This was a 24-70 2.8 I think ☺️

[@dominiqueprin7616]

bonjour. je possède 2 ad 600 , que j'utilise à environ 1/2500 et 1/3500° . Le 3° flash que vous utilisez en backlight à quelle vitesse ou puissance est il ? Doit il etre aussi à 1/2500 ou /3500) ou peut il être utilisé à pleine puissance ou 1/2 ? merci pour vos réponses .Bonne journée Hello. I have 2 ad 600, which I use at around 1/2500 and 1/3500 °. The 3rd flash that you use in backlight at what speed or power is it? Should it also be 1/2500 or / 3500) or can it be used at full power or 1/2? Thank you for your answers. Have a nice day

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hey Dominique, the one to the back will depend on distance from/to the subject. It is best to do some test shots and assess it on the camera. If you are getting flare, you need to move your light round slightly or use a deep lens hood which will protect the front of the lens from catching the flare and causing ghosting in the images. 🤓

[@dominiqueprin7616]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Merci pour la réponse. je souhaite acheter godox ms 300 qui va de 1/800 à 1/ 2000° de seconde. Est ce que cela pose un problème si la vitesse de descend pas + bas; par rapport au flash avant.? le prix godox ms 300 et de 110 euro, donc intéressant )

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

​@@dominiqueprin7616 Is that the flash duration, or the flash sync speed?

[@dominiqueprin7616]

@@ThatPhotographySpot 1/2500 - 1/3500 °flash duration godox 600...... vitesse panasonic G9 1/200°

[@moorereplacements9983]

I am struggling finding my own style and would love any suggestions. I am realizing everyone's a photographer nowadays and I will need to produce something unique and awesome. I want to use my name Dogs made Famous somehow to promote my customers do, just now sure what I could do differently... Hope you don't mind me asking for a little help. I am watching all of your videos and love all but 1.. Just kidding, they are all great. Some I watch over and over. Thanks for putting them out there.

[@thec313]

Lol ok but who’s dog just sits there like that lol

[@jurgenvanhest9913]

Allways thought that flashes were anoying for animals, but it can be done....

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This is a common myth that non-studio photographers tend to reiterate regularly. It also is not harmful to their eyes (unless you misuse the lights of course!) and if a dog is fearful of the flash, it's usually the "pop" noise that worries them - it is very very rarely the light flash itself 💪

[@fionacherrett1171]

Hi, where is good to but some black fabric and is it just a black muslin type of fabric ?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yeah any type of black fabric is fine really, try to avoid anything that is "shiny" in appearance though because it will reflect light more!

[@blazejzalesinskiart]

"Editing video for this shoot" - I can't find any. Is it premium content?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

All of the full edits had to be removed from KZbin and are now within the Premium Membership that we offer. We do apologise for any inconvenience but this was a step that we had to take, sorry

[@blazejzalesinskiart]

@@ThatPhotographySpot that’s ok. I wasn’t sure

[@182-media]

Why is 160 risky. you can do 200 or even 250 with a sony camera ;)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Only with approved triggers/lights, these were neither for this shoot 🙈

[@182-media]

@@ThatPhotographySpot aha I use godox products only 😀