Noob question

MHB · Aug 25, 2012

Ive been working on my dog photography and Im not really getting the results I want. Im trying to get as close to professional quality photos as possible on a budget. I have a Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm lens. I have my F-stop at 3.5 (the lowest it will go). If I get a lens with a lower F-stop will that make the subject of my photo more detailed and clear? What else can I do to get my photos looking closer to pro quality? Thanks in advance!

MHB · Aug 25, 2012

By the way, if anyone is in the mood to critique my photo, then fire away

Patrice · Aug 25, 2012

Some of the problems with the photo you show are not really lens dependant but more a matter of technique. First, the shot was done at an angle of view that is too wide. Back up from the mutt a bit and increase your focal length, this will give a more pleasing perspective. Second, lower your camera so that you are not shooting down on the mutt. A lower angle will result in a more pleasing and natural view of the subject. Third, try to avoid harsh unidirectional lighting. Use a reflector or some other secondary light source to light up some of the shadows. Fourth, the setting is almost as important in an image as is the subject. Try and include some natural elements that complement the character of your subject. You are photographing a dog so try to convey the nature of dogs, carrying a stick, playing with a ball, rolling around in the grass, playing in a pool of water, walking along side a small boy, contemplating chasing a cat, ....

jrizal · Aug 25, 2012

The 35mm f1.8 AF-S DX prime ($200) is your next best bet. But as Patrice mentioned technique is also crucial.

Here's a link. How to Photograph Pets

Patrice · Aug 25, 2012

Another lens won't fix bad technique. Practice and critical examination will help a lot more and cost way less.

MTVision · Aug 25, 2012

MHB said:
Ive been working on my dog photography and Im not really getting the results I want. Im trying to get as close to professional quality photos as possible on a budget. I have a Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm lens. I have my F-stop at 3.5 (the lowest it will go). If I get a lens with a lower F-stop will that make the subject of my photo more detailed and clear? What else can I do to get my photos looking closer to pro quality? Thanks in advance!

Is there a specific reason you used f/3.5? Honestly that's probably not the best aperture for that lens. Using a smaller aperture (f/5.6, f/8) will probably be sharper. But like Patrice said - it's not all about the lens.

You can get amazing pictures with the kit lens. A fast prime lens won't hurt but it won't necessarily make your pictures any better - that's up to you.

Animaniac888 · Aug 25, 2012

I don't really see anything wrong with the image quality on this photo. If depth of field is what you're after, you can get it out of a cheap fast lens, though you can coax some decent DOF out of your 18-55. However, adding DOF to a photo will not instantly bring it up to "pro quality". Professional photographs require a lot more than that.

Your photograph is decent. This is one case where the 18mm focal length isn't great. I found that you'll actually get roughly the same DOF at 55mm and f/5.6 than at 18mm and f/3.5, but you'll also be able to distance yourself from whatever you're shooting and get a flatter perspective. I'm not a fan of the angle, either. You should generally shoot at eye level when shooting animals.

I would also suggest allowing other people to edit your photos so that they can help you improve. Don't worry, nobody here's going to steal your photos.

CowgirlMama · Aug 25, 2012

When I shoot my dogs, I generally end up lying on the ground because they're small. If I'm lucky, I can crouch to shoot the bigger of the two. Shooting from above *can* be flattering--sometimes--but not often. I'm still learning some things with pets because I have so much trouble keeping them still for two seconds.

If you want more bokeh, you need to separate the pet from the background. Shooting from that angle, the ground behind his head isn't all that far away. Try putting him 10-20 feet away from some trees and shoot straight on. You should get a pretty decent bokeh. I have that lens and have turned out nice bokeh at F4 with it, but only if there's distance between what I'm focusing on and the background.