Rusty

[hood]

My dog just hanging around:

After Contrast Edit:

 

[ayeelkay]

The photos need more contrast, they're very monochrome. But very cute dog!

 

[Sisco]

Your white balance is off, indoor lighting, you have to check you settings. Focus is a little soft as well, but it looks like you have a great model who doesn't mind sitting still for you.
Once you get these issues dealt with, they will look a whole lot different, and contrast isn't needed. it's already to dark on his face and body.

 

[ayeelkay]

By contrast I didn't mean it needed to be darker. There are already too many dark spots on the face, around the eyes especially. I meant there is too much of one color. Maybe if you took his photo outside in the grass, with natural lighting.

 

[Sisco]

^ Yep, it needs tonal contrast, it grabs the details that would normally be hidden .

 

[hood]

could this also be that i was using the wrong type of metering? i think ive got down some of the very basic concepts of the DSLR settings now its time to start understanding some of these more advanced settings.

 

[Sisco]

Read the manual, it sounds basic, but it covers what you need to know about your gear.