Dog days

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Archive 2008 · Dog days

Secondlaw
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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
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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
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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
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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.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Dec 10, 2008 at 08:27 PM

Bob Jarman
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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
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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
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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
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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

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