Spring Dog Portrait for C&C

[DogGoneGood]

It took over 400 photo's and about an hour out in the field to get him to finally look, and smile, at the camera for me to get this one photo. Being a Beagle out in a large pasture, obviously all he wanted to do was track, instead of pose. Some P&P mainly to adjust the contrast and do a bit of sharpening.

I'm trying to learn to get better on taking portraits of animals such as my dogs, so any advice and constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated.


Spring Is In The Air by Danielle S. Photography, on Flickr

1/1000
f/4.0
27 mm
ISO 100

 

[SarasotaTim]

I think it's a great shot! Good lighting too

 

[photocist]

I actually think the lighting is a little harsh. the dogs chest is a little overexposed.

its a good shot though. no distractions in the background and good use of thirds. Maybe go back earlier or later in the day to get the lower angle sun

 

[tirediron]

C&C per req:


A good start, but with room for improvement. As mentioned, his chest is over-exposed. In this case it might have worked well to spot-meter his chest and adjust your exposure from there. As well, there's deep shadow on his right (camera left) side; moving him around to your right might have provided better lighting. As far as composition, too much portrait and too little dog. The "rule" of thirds really doesn't apply to solo portraits such as this. Try this again, in portrait orientation (vertical) and get closer to him.


Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may help.


~John

 

[PhotoWrangler]

It took over 400 photo's and about an hour out in the field to get him to finally look

YOU. NEED. BACON.

 

[DogGoneGood]

John, very helpful advice, thank you! I will re-try the shoot using the advice you gave.

 

[DogGoneGood]

It took over 400 photo's and about an hour out in the field to get him to finally look

YOU. NEED. BACON.

I know, right!

Gonna have to bring a snausage or two with me next time I try photographing him.

 

[gsgary]

Agree with above but i think a longer focal length works better outdoors i usually have my 70-200 fitted and flash, have you got any flashes to use off camera ? set up a black backdrop and placing your dog on a table works wonders here one i shot at a show this weekend http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/1221198821_HR3ae-L.jpg more here if your interested
Dog Vagas Portraits - Gary Clarke's Photos

 

[DogGoneGood]

Thanks Gary, I was looking at your dog show photo's yesterday and loved them.

I don't have an off-camera flash, it's my next planned purchase after I pick up a Canon Speedlight. Trying to biuy one piece of equipment every paycheck or two.

 

[kundalini]

Just another thought..... I'd try to find a location that doesn't hide most of the lower portion of the dog. The field of flower tops is nice, but I would like to see the dogs feet if in a portrait, field work is another matter. You could weed eat/mow a small area for him/her to pose in.