Meet Erin Vey

I am a dog lover first.

A photographer second.

By some random chance of fate, I was able to combine the two loves into the coolest job ever: A Dog Photographer

I grew up in a family where dogs were always an integral part of our lives and most importantly, members of the family. Most of my childhood was spent with various Basset Hounds of the lovable but extremely stubborn variety. We never had less than 2 at any given time, sometimes 3, and the occasional stray that one of us would bring home for a visit.

After a short stint doing portrait work, which I still love, I realized my true calling is capturing the essence and personality of dogs. Upon reflection, I feel that my time doing portrait work was not wasted. Because of it, my experience with portrait work flows beautifully into working with people and their dogs.

My husband and I are owned by the fabulous Miss Gracie, a 5 year old Great Dane who brings energy and life into our house. You’ll see her around here a lot, she loves having her portrait taken (at least I like to think so). She is a complete Diva and if you stick around long enough, you'll know what I'm talking about!

What an amazing adventure this has been so far. I’m so glad you are here experiencing it with me.

Sam in the Studio

Monday, October 20, 2008

[ Contest ends this week! ]

Sam turns 1 today! In honor of his very special birthday, he came over to the studio for his 1 year portraits.

I really like to show these behind the scenes shots because I am a visual learner myself and I think it really helps to see how photographers are using their lights to get the desired results. Up to this point, I have always been using my 580EX as my light source but I rented some gear this weekend. I don’t always listen to my own advice but I always recommend renting gear before you buy it to make sure you are ready to invest in the equipment.

I shot with a Profoto Acute 600B and a 45″ convertible umbrella. I took the black cover off the umbrella and shot through it, creating a nice (but powerful) diffused light.

I am really glad that I took the time to shoot this weekend as it helped me make some final decisions on studio work.

Here is the studio + Studio Assistant.

Posted in clients

by Erin

24 comments

link to this post email a friend

Erin - Yes, it is the same. I changed paper.

cheridy - are the photos above (sam in the studio) the same studio below? the photos look like they are on a white backdrop but the studio has grey looking stuff... just curious - thanks. your animal photos are outstanding.

Deborah - I love his tongue!! :) How cute!

Sonia - Hi!! LOVE Sam's expressions!! very cute! and great golden color!

Lisa Lacroix - Erin, you are wonderful! I think I have a little girl crush on you, you are that wonderful. Thank you for the wonderful dog-spiration, the helpful teaching and the amazing work you create. Despite everything in the previous sentence, I can't take a picture of a dog to save my life. So when my mom gets her new puppy I am sending her to you even if we have to drive from Edmonton. Thank you for all you do!!!

Erin - Hi David. I don't use a meter, I rely solely on the histogram. I start at ISO 100, 1/160, 6.3 and adjust from there. I was shooting on 1/2 power here. Full power was way too much. Most of these were shot at f/10. Nothing like shooting at f/10 to let you know just how dirty your sensor is!

David - Hi Erin. I also just set up a "studio" in my basement (which, by the way, I share with 3 other tenants). What about metering? Do you have an incident meter or do you just rely on the histogram/trial & error? Any tips for getting the right exposure?

Erin - Andrea: I think before you invest in a studio setup that you need to really understand all the options out there. It is quite overwhelming. If you can, I would pick up Zac's One Light Workshop DVD. It is awesome. It will help guide you in what you should buy.

jennifer - Sam is too cute. Love the tongue pic. Also, thanks Erin for showing behind the scenes!! There are many photographers who aren't willing to do that. You are the best! Love your assistant, too!!! :)

paperdiva - Sam is a cutie! I love his little tongue. Great shots!

jen - you usually use a 580 and softbox? do you place your softbox similarly to what you did here? would you share your settings? your work inspires me to challenge myself with studio lighting!

Jill - I want to get into studio work, it still scares me though. Thanks for the behind the scenes photo!

kristie kulik - happy bday Sam! I love your leg shots!!! I wish my pups were taller so I could try this :) And I agree with everyone else...it is awesome that you share the behind the scenes- it is nice to see that even my dog-photog super-hero still has a set up in her garage :)!

Melissa - Goldens melt my heart every time! It's nice to know the studio setup can be done anywhere without having to rent or own a fancy, expensive dedicated space.

andrea - can you recommend a good set up for a newby to studio?

Erin - Yes, I do own a 28 x 28 softbox, but I find it too small for the results that I want. I am planning on getting the 50" here shortly. The kit came with the umbrella so I played with that this weekend.

andrea - cute cute cute, and oh so much more cute!!! erin do you ever use a softbox for studio shooting?

Erin - You know, I actually debated whether to show this shot or not because of the "clean garage" comments that I knew I was going to get. It is a family joke. Imagine my disdain when shortly after we bought the house I was forced to help paint the walls white because they weren't finished. Before I could even paint any walls inside! Next up he wants to do the floors. I am drawing the line there....at least until I get my new bathroom.

Bonnie Berry - OMG! That is the cleanest garage I have EVER seen. Shoot Sheila beat me to it.

Erin - 1 Stick of String Cheese and lots of kisses from her mother :)

frances - Your images and subject are very sweet. I love your assitant. What is her day rate?

Erin - The state of the garage has absolutely nothing to do with me :) It is crazy clean. We had my 30th birthday party in it. It was rad.

Sheila - You have the cleanest garage I've ever seen! :P Seriously though, thanks for showing us the setup. I'm curious to hear more about your decisions if you don't mind sharing.

amanda - beautiful shots erin! also, thank you for sharing your knoweldge with the rest of us...also a visual learner, this helps alot...

Dog Photographer Erin Vey » Lifestyle Dog Photographer

Meet Erin Vey

Sam in the Studio