Animal Portrait C&C

[AnthonyB]

Had the dog out today to try and get some decent portrait shots, thought this one was pretty good, any suggestions ?

(REMOVED FIRST PIC TO MAKE IT LESS CONFUSING lol )

 

[AnthonyB]

Looked a bit dark so I upped the exposure ( which is better,before or after ?)

 

[Abby Rose]

after is better, I think, though neither is brilliant. His head is awfully close to the top of the frame. I do like his expression, though.

 

[AnthonyB]

Which way should i crop it if at all ?
This is original

 

[gsgary]

Why didn't you shoot in portrait ?

 

[AnthonyB]

Because Ive had a DSLR for about 2 weeks lol

 

[mwcfarms]

If it were me I would crop a portion of the left off. Maybe a smidge off top but try to keep the crop square. Im at friends so not able to edit on this computer.