Dog days - FM Forums

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules
What are the criteria?

FM Forums | Photo Critique | Join Image Upload
end

Dog days

Secondlaw
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #1 · Dog days

This photography thing is quickly becoming a passion. I went out and purchased quite a few book and magazines and have been learning new things in stride.

Scott Kelby Digital Photography Book (2), has so far been great.

Anyhow, here are a few pics I took of my dog this morning. I had a little light coming through the blinds and used an SB900 bounced off a white wall opposite of where my dog was.

Nikon 85mm 1.8
iso 200

I'm thinking that if I ran a strobe off the front at -1/3, I might have been able to light the eyes up a little?

Please critique my photo and tell me that I should just give my photography stuff away because it's not working out for me.

Dec 10, 2008 at 04:52 PM

Bob Jarman
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #2 · Dog days

I like them, your canine subject is much quieter than I could ever hope mine would be

I agree with something for the eyes - would a ceiling bounce have been more effective?

HH or tripod? Excellent focus and DOF - I believe have the same lens (Nikkor 85mm f1.8) and at f1.8 the DOF is nearly paper-thin - I either have the nose or ears in focus, never the eyes

I also like that you were at the subject's level, not peering down from above, which I'm inclined to do.

I think maybe I'd crop a bit from the top in #2.

As a side matter - if you have a chance get the demo of Capture NX2 from Nikon - does a superb job on NEFs and marvelous job otherwise too, as long as your workflow does not require high volume throughput.

regards,

Bob

Dec 10, 2008 at 06:15 PM

matonanjin
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #3 · Dog days

Definitely don't give your photography equipment away yet!

I agree with Bob about both ceiling bounce and the crop on #2. You have a start of some good catch lights in his(her) eyes in #1. The eyes are somewhat dull in #2.

I think they both could use a little more "snap" that a curves adjustment might afford you. Great use of DOF.

Unfortunately, in both of these the white chew toy or doll captures my attention. I know how hard dog and all pets are to capture. But that distracts me.

ps.
Dog person to dog person here is a dog portrait I posted in People Forum about a week ago:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/714345

Dec 10, 2008 at 06:49 PM

Secondlaw
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #4 · Dog days

A tripod was used for all of these photo's.

Ceiling bounce or maybe a Hair light?

I cropped #2 a little bit. Maybe a little more?

Finally, we don't like the chew toy. I suppose if it were an action shot and he was dancing around with it, it would have been much more interesting. I see you're point and I actually did take a few shots without the toy in the frame.

Thanks for all of your input. Here is one more shot.

Dec 10, 2008 at 08:27 PM

Bob Jarman
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #5 · Dog days

I think you saved the best for last - looks a little warmer than the others (non-calibrated monitor), too, perhaps a little 'flat'. I'll have another look at home.

Regards,

Bob

Dec 10, 2008 at 09:00 PM

Mister Bean
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #6 · Dog days

Maybe a bounce card would throw enough light on the eyes? Even your hand will work, and sometimes warms up the subject a bit.

Dec 10, 2008 at 11:33 PM

Scott Stoness
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #7 · Dog days

Great subject, don't give up and keep the equipment. If it were easy it would not be fun. Its a good looking dog and you should get a good picture if you keep trying.

1 for me is too centred and too tight a depth and a bit busy. Try for a constant background and off centre.

2 seems too keyholed (the ears cut off but all the body) . Zoom in on the face and eyes if you want this effect.

3 closer in would be better. The background is distracting.

Try outside in a shaded area on the grass and you will find the light much easier to work with.

Dec 12, 2008 at 05:07 AM

Secondlaw
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #8 · Dog days

Thanks Scott,

Excellent advice. I'll be posting more, hope you'll offer some of the same great advice for my future photos.

Dec 12, 2008 at 12:53 PM


FM Forums \| Photo Critique \| Join Image Upload end