Angus - pet photography practice

[qy10]

I took this photo yesterday afternoon. I'm really happy with the way that it turned out, but feedback is welcomed.

He was laying out in the yard watching my other dog and I. He just looked so serious and almost reminded me of a male lion watching over his pride. His face and posture struck me as having that same type of majesty. Of course, I didn't have my camera with me, so I snuck away trying not to disturb him. When I got back outside, he was luckily in the exact same position as when I had left him.

 

[robbins.photo]

Overall I like the shot, his facial expression is great. A couple of recommendations, Perspective: when possible try to kneel down to eye level with the dog. Composition: You've got a lot of space on either side here that really isn't adding a lot to the shot, as well as a lot of space up top. Perhaps a portrait orientation might work better for this shot.

All in all though it's a good shot. Hope to see more of Angus in the future.

Here's some quick recommended reading on composition, helped me a lot when I first got started:

5 Easy Composition Guidelines from Nikon

 

[tirediron]

Agree with Robbins' comments and on the topic of composition, consider either 'all body' or 'no body' (Headshot), but half a body doesn't really work all that well IMO.

 

[qy10]

Thank you for the feedback and for the link!

 

[qy10]

So, something more like this?

 

[tirediron]

Definitely a stronger composition IMO.

 

[qy10]

Definitely a stronger composition IMO.

Thank you. I think it does add to the intensity of his stare. Having less to look at brings more focus to his eyes, I think.