Which studio light setup to for this linked image of a dog

Question

maybe one or the other knows the german photographer Elke Vogelsang, who specialized herself in dog photography. From an interview she gave, I read she is using two strip lights and one round umbrella to get her desired lighting.

As I really like the style of her pictures and I got a dalmatian dog these weeks, I want to try to take some images in a similar look.

Here are some example images, especially the one above the one with the CAT post it on the forhead.

As I am not experienced in studio photography, my question is now how to set up the lights to achieve this look. My guess Is the umbrella in front of and above the dog (one can see the reflections of it in the dog's eyes) and the two strip lights on each side behind the dogs. I also would guess the umbrella has to be a bit weaker than the two strip lights, to keep some shadows on the front side of the dogs.

What do you think?

Edit: I found a lighting example (the second image) with two strip lights, which strengthen my guess...

Edit2: Thanks for all the comments! I am really only referring to the lighting. For sure, all the other aspects are equally or even more important to achieve the final result, but this question is only about the light setup.

Answer 1

Andreas, speculation but i will post it as an answer.

Having looked closely at the photo i believe it is a single light source. A large umbrella with diffuser or octagonal soft box. I believe it is nearly straight on, close to the camera (slightly to camera right ) and the camera is close to the dog.

I think it is large, diffuse and close because of the quality of light, soft and no shadows under the chin or side of the face. The dog was far enough from the black background for the light to not be strong enough to register on the backdrop.

I see no evidence of a rim light on the back of the dogs head.

It could possibly be a ring light around the lens witch seems to be a wide angle, this would allow for the light to wrap around the dogs face nicely. But the reflection in the dogs eyes seems to indicate a larger light.

It is a general rule that a light or flash on camera is not flattering or desirable lighting but she seems to have proven an exception to the rule.

Looking at the other shots i think she is using the same technique for her key light, a soft light on or very near the camera. some of the non black backgrounds seem to have a light, some seem to be just balanced with the key.

As a side note, i did go to her web site. There is an option to sent her a message on her contact page, also an email address at the bottom of that page.