Master the Art of Pet Studio Lighting
Learn step by step how to light with confidence, create with purpose, and photograph pets like never before with award-winning photographers Craig Turner-Bullock & Richard Wood.
You’ve got the camera. You’ve got the lights. But somehow, your pet portraits still don’t look the way you imagined.
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Your lighting feels flat or inconsistent
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Shadows are either too flat… or not dramatic enough
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Pets lose focus before you can get the shot
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Editing feels like guesswork instead of polish
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Lighting pets in the studio isn’t just about copying human portrait setups. It’s about understanding shape, expression, fur texture, movement and how to adapt on the fly when your subject is more interested in snacks than staying still.
That’s why we created Pet Lighting Mastery
The ultimate step-by-step guide to lighting pets.
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Learn 14 studio lighting setups from one-light foundations to multi-light creative looks
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Discover how to keep pets safe and calm so they actually enjoy their session
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Polish your images with pro-level editing tutorials that make every portrait pop
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Build a toolbox of repeatable setups you can rely on, every single time
With Craig and Richard guiding you through every step, you’ll finally have the confidence to walk into a studio and create portraits that look professional, consistent, and uniquely you.
"ADD TESTIMONIAL"
- Someone, Somewhere
What you'll learn
Whether you’re a lighting newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with:
- 14 lighting setups that work - backed by diagrams, demos, and real dog (and cat!) examples
- Animal-specific lighting theory - how to adapt to breed, behaviour and coat type
- Creative shooting techniques like double exposure, High Key light, using coloured gels
- Post-production walkthroughs to bring your images to life
We’ll take you from your very first simple single-light setup through to advanced fine-art creative looks with pets of all shapes and personalities.
We’ll show you step-by-step how to...
- Create a calm, safe studio environment for dogs and cats
- Use light intentionally to shape character, mood, and expression
- Choose and position modifiers to suit your subject’s face and fur
- Nail classic portrait looks AND push into bold creative lighting
- Get the shot fast with minimal faffing or guesswork
Plus: Printable lighting diagrams, cheatsheets & setup tips!
Who This Course Is For?
Pet Lighting Mastery is perfect for you if:
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You’re just getting started with studio lighting and want clear, step-by-step guidance.
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You already shoot with lights but want to refine your setups and add creative options.
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You want to stand out in your market with signature looks clients will love.
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You’ve always relied on natural light but are ready to embrace the control of a studio.
This course is for you if:
- You want to create professional-quality studio portraits of pets
- You’re overwhelmed by lighting choices and want clarity
- You’ve dabbled in flash but want reliable, repeatable results
- You’re already confident with people or product lighting but pets are a new challenge
- You love learning from photographers who actually photograph animals and know lighting inside out
About your instructors
Craig Turner-Bullock
Craig has been turning wagging tails into works of art since 2001, photographing everything from beloved family dogs to international breeds in their special places for his Dogs of the World project. When he’s not teaching at retreats or chasing dogs around the globe, he’s home in Christchurch, New Zealand.
A Grand Master of the NZIPP and proud winner of Portrait Photographer of the Year, the first person to win this category with images of non-human subjects, hew also won the inaugural Animal category at the NZIPP IRIS Awards. In 2025 Craig won the Special Pets Category of the International Photography Awards.
He co-founded Unleashed Education, an online pet photography education platform, with Charlotte Reeves, together their mission is simple - to elevate pet photography and help others create images that shine.
Richard Wood
Richard Wood is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated photographers and educators. A five-time winner of the NZIPP Professional Photographer of the Year, Richard holds the title of NZIPP Grand Master of Photography III - the highest achievement to date within the institute’s honours points system, awarded for consistent excellence in photographic competition. His work is recognised globally for its rich storytelling, elaborate concepts, and polished, artistic finishes.
As an educator, Richard has delivered over 140,000 hours of creative training to photographers worldwide. He has mentored thousands through his online education platform and was a key instructor alongside Sue Bryce with The Portrait Masters.
READY TO LIGHT IT UP?
Stop winging it. Start creating with confidence. Join Pet Lighting Mastery and gain the skills to light pets beautifully, every time.
We don't just throw lighting theory at you and leave you to your own devices...
We show you how to capture these diverse lighting ideas, with instructional videos, editing tutorials, cheat sheets and more.
Learn exactly how to create shots like these...
Overhead Lighting with Sage
2-Light Overhead Lighting with Luigi
Rembrandt Lighting with Loki
Front Lighting with Billie
Rim Lighting with Montgomery
3-Dynamic Light with Sam
3-Dynamic Light Part Two with Rieko
Vanity Fur Soft Light with Scout
4x diffused Soft Lighting with Scout
High Key Lighting with Izzy and Toby
Constant Light with Walker
3-Point Gel Lighting with Grimley Blue
Double Exposure with Smokey
Painterly Creative with Mac
When you've completed Pet Lighting Mastery you'll be able to...
  Set up studio lighting with confidence - from simple one-light portraits to advanced multi-light setups
  Keep pets safe, calm and engaged while you work, no matter their personality
  Adapt your lighting to different breeds, colours and coat types
 Master both classic portrait looks and creative fine-art styles
  Edit like a pro, giving your images that final polished, professional pop
  Create a repeatable workflow so every session feels smooth, consistent and fun
Pet Lighting Mastery Pricing
*Â Launch sale ends 31 October 2025.
