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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
