Snapping quick photos of a family pet can be fun and exciting and I find myself doing this just about every other day when I am not out shooting for a client. I usually set up my flash unit off camera and above the subject by roughly 45 degrees so that I can work with whatever Sydney or Skyler (my girl friends cat's) are doing at the moment. Since their eyes are an amazing blue, I find that focusing on their eyes really makes them stand out.
On the flip side, using the natural light that comes flowing through our sliding glass door each evening gives me a chance to really dramatize the moment Syd or Sky are experiencing. The following image of Skyler lazing in the evening sun is one of my favorites. Another simple scene enhanced by the light.
I try to learn every chance I get. Even though I have been shooting for years now, I still learn something about light every time I point my camera at someone or something. I am constantly taking what I learn from simple photo sessions such as these and applying them to my work for clients.