I like this pic alot : )

how did you manage to make the picture with such a dark background (poor light too?) and no flash?
i see that the aperture is very closed but still, did Pam stay "still enough" ? : )

That's what you get for trusting misleading EXIF info. :)

I actually used three strobes to light this image, all driven by a wireless trigger sitting on top of my camera. The lights were all turned way down, for small subjects and relatively close working distances... I think the key light was around 75w/s (out of a possible 2400w/s!) through a softbox, which sucks up even more light. The two rear lights were perhaps twice as bright, directed through 7" reflectors with 5 degree grids, both acting as kickers for adding some highlights and edge definition. The softbox had a grid too... grids are AWESOME for controlling spilled light and focusing attention on your subject.

If you're curious/confused I could whip up a diagram... I love sharing technique. :)

P.S. All of this could be done with cheap manual flashes, wireless triggers, and DIY light modifiers, I just like to treat myself to sweet gear.

i swear i didn't read the EXIF at all : ) too lazy and they are often wrong, specially, in my case, use -OLD- optics on my Digital SLR of the same brand

i'd love to recreate that sharp and "dark" close-ups but i only have a manual flash, diffuser, and remote trigger tho : x

i'm curious, do you have any picture of the set up?

I bet you could do something very close with a single hard light and a properly placed reflector. I'll try to take a picture of the setup and post it in scraps. :)

So why did you assume there was no flash, if you didn't check the EXIF? :)

Simply because i wouldnt use a flash for a close up of an animal : ) - i dont want to "blind them" x )
also i thought the flash would make too much highlights on fur and make more shadows

The nice thing about indirect flash is that it doesn't really mess up your eyes. They don't even flinch when they go off... but then again I worked with them around flash when they were lil' babies, so they're used to it. :)

The flash isn't close up, just the camera. Pictures will explain!

Here's the most descriptive setup shot, if anyone wants to know how I work my magic. :)

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7234803/