How to Master Pet Photography
• From a simple one-light setup for beginners to advanced three-light dramatic looks, Adam demonstrates how to use the Westcott FJ400 ecosystem to create professional results with any dog, even those that won't sit still. You'll learn the importance of catchlights, how to use modifiers to mimic the sun, and a few "secret" sounds to grab a pet's attention every time.
We also feature a very special guest, Zeus, a foster dog from Jolly Tales Animal Sanctuary. Watch until the end to see how we used a single gridded strip box for a creative, dramatic profile that clients love.
What You’ll Learn:
• The "George" Method: Why practicing with a stuffed animal is a game-changer for lighting.
• One-Light vs. Three-Light: How to build depth and separation using rim lights and grids.
• Freezing Action: Why flash duration is more important than shutter speed for "treat catching" photos.
• Animal Psychology: Tips for desensitizing foster or nervous dogs to studio strobes.
• Modifier Selection: Choosing between the 42” and 36” Click Box for the perfect catchlight.
Gear Used in This Video:
FJ400-SE Studio Strobe (AC Powered): https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/f...
FJ400 II AC/DC Touchscreen Strobe: https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/f...
FJ-T1 Flash Trigger:https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/f...
ClickBox Octa 42 (Bowens): https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/c...
Rapid Box Switch Octa-M (36"): https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/r...
ClickBox 1x3 (Bowens): https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/c...
40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for ClickBox 1x3: https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/4...
Support the Second Shot Program
Adam’s Second Shot program helps shelter and rescue animals find forever homes through professional photography. These high-quality "second shots" replace intake photos and significantly increase adoption rates.
• Support Second Shot on Patreon: / agoldphoto
• Follow Adam on Instagram: / agoldphoto
Follow Us Here:
Instagram: / westcottlighting
Facebook: / westcott.lighting
Twitter: / westcottco
TikTok: / westcott_lighting
Subscribe to Westcott Lighting's YouTube channel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, lighting education, and the latest gear tips from your favorite professional photographers and filmmakers.
00:00:00 - Intro: Why Pet Photography?
00:00:41 - The One-Light Setup & Choosing Modifiers
00:05:19 - Mastering Catchlights and Eye Focus
00:09:20 - Studio Prep: Backdrops, Tape, and Safety
00:15:14 - Non-Photography Things to Have
00:18:42 - Meeting Zeus: Reading Animal Behavior
00:27:44 - Flash Training and Desensitization
00:29:37 - Advanced Posing and Luring Techniques
00:40:33 - Capturing Pet & Owner
00:43:38 - Having an Assistant
00:45:54 - The Three-Light Dramatic Setup
00:54:23 - Action Shots: The Art of the “Treat Catch”
00:57:43 - Creative Lighting: The Moody Profile Look
01:00:02 - Conclusion & Second Shot Program