First is my dog Zap, a mix breed adopted from the shelter in 1995.
She is getting on in years but remains a faithful companion.
I hope this photo does her justice, as she has been at my side thru the many changes my life has seen in the last 8 years.

Second is my dog Ernie, he was adopetd 5 years ago from the shelter. Wild at heart Ernie was run down in front of the house this spring after going under the fence while chasing a rabbit. My son and I will always have a special place in our hearts for him.

Third is Darbie, she was adopted one week after the loss of Ernie. She is also a wild one, a small dog full of life, we hope to provide her a good home for many years.

Thanks for looking,
marty

First, Marty, thumbs up to you for adopting from a shelter! I'm not truly active behind any "causes," but if I was, this would be it. Crying shame how disposable we treat these creatures.
Well, having said that, you can imagine that you can't go wrong with these shots in my book!
#1 shows a great soul in an older companion. I don't know if it's her eyes going bad or just the light, but combined with the gray muzzle, she looks tired, and want to hug her!

#2 is awesome with the ears pointed forward. And the processing really fits with the story. This shot has a "memorial" type look to it. Sorry for you loss with this guy.

#3 ...and the circle of life continues. Spunk well captured in your newest friend.

I posted some shots of my dog in the people forum if you care to see them. I don't expect feedback, but you're obviously a friend of dogs, and might want to view them!

-Tim

Thanks Tim.
I saw your post in People this morning.
I was not "lurking" but did not take the time to respond, there were some nice shots there.

marty

Marty,
I agree with Tim pretty much down the line.
Through the years I've had a half-dozen canine friends- all from local shelters. Most were mixed breed- which is my favorite. One was an all-white cockapoo I named Spot. We had a ten-inch snowstorm during the day and when I got home from work in the dark I heard Spot whining. Because he was the same color as the snow, it took me a while to find him. He was stuck in the snow because his short legs didn't reach all the way to the ground, and he had become high-centered on his belly (and we all know what THAT'S like, don't we?) I brought him inside, cranked up the heat, and we both got liquored up and were fine (just kidding about booze for the Spot). Dogs are tough and he had no ill effects from being stuck.
Oh, about your pics- they all indicate the dogs are happy. And that makes the photographs successful. I wonder, though, is it possible the last two shots might be TOO sharp? As in "oversharpened?" Just a thought.
Charlie

Marty - sorry about the loss of Ernie, however, you certainly have captured his spirit in your image(s). Our family has adopted many dogs over the years, and they quickly become members of the family .
I'm ok with the sharpness of the shots, it shows the 'edge' that I"m sure the dogs display. (although I have to say I'm viewing on an old laptop - too lazy to go to the den and look on my good monitor).
Thanks for sharing.
Bill

Nice work Marty. You have really captured the soul of your friends. I especially like the detail and tonal quality of #2 and #3.

Charles

Charlie Shugart wrote:
Marty,
I agree with Tim pretty much down the line.
Through the years I've had a half-dozen canine friends- all from local shelters. Most were mixed breed- which is my favorite. One was an all-white cockapoo I named Spot. We had a ten-inch snowstorm during the day and when I got home from work in the dark I heard Spot whining. Because he was the same color as the snow, it took me a while to find him. He was stuck in the snow because his short legs didn't reach all the way to the ground, and he had become high-centered on his belly (and we all know what THAT'S like, don't we?) I brought him inside, cranked up the heat, and we both got liquored up and were fine (just kidding about booze for the Spot). Dogs are tough and he had no ill effects from being stuck.
Oh, about your pics- they all indicate the dogs are happy. And that makes the photographs successful. I wonder, though, is it possible the last two shots might be TOO sharp? As in "oversharpened?" Just a thought.
Charlie

Dogs are wonderful and loyal companions, Thanks very much for your comments.
I appreciate your honest critique. The third shot was at f2. Other than that I do not believe I applied more than usual sharpening. I do however appreciate your opinion.

marty

Bill C wrote:
Marty - sorry about the loss of Ernie, however, you certainly have captured his spirit in your image(s). Our family has adopted many dogs over the years, and they quickly become members of the family .
I'm ok with the sharpness of the shots, it shows the 'edge' that I"m sure the dogs display. (although I have to say I'm viewing on an old laptop - too lazy to go to the den and look on my good monitor).
Thanks for sharing.
Bill



Thanks for the response, the shelter does indead provide very good companions.

marty

sejac wrote:
Nice work Marty. You have really captured the soul of your friends. I especially like the detail and tonal quality of #2 and #3.

Charles


Thanks, I also like the last two shots best, Zap is very hard to photograph well. As she is getting on in years I will make it a priority to get some good shots of her soon.

marty

Beautiful Kids here (oops I mean doggies) you really have captured their spirits here very nicely and your conversion and toning fit the images perfectly. I personally don't think I could live without our doggies.

Ray Still

Abiciriderback wrote:
Beautiful Kids here (oops I mean doggies) you really have captured their spirits here very nicely and your conversion and toning fit the images perfectly. I personally don't think I could live without our doggies.

Ray Still

Thanks, Ray.
I have been very lucky to have such a fine family.

marty