A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by noraneko:
Hi Bob,

First, please note you got six 10's for this shot, which is great. In other words, a lot of people really love this photo!

I'm middle-of-the road about this photo. What I love: the perspective, the expression, and the snow on the dog's jowels. Really gives a great sense of playfulness and captures the essence of the moment. What kept me from scoring higher: I found the DOF a bit short (would love to have seen the eyes and ears in crisp focus) and wish that top ear were in photo. Finally - and I think this is the biggest element to me - the snow in the background is very bright and drew my eyes away from the subject. It may look different on different monitors, though. I've had that issue myself with several photos, especially my peacock love shot (looks great on my moniter and like absolute *&$% on my hubby's monitor). What I would suggest: perhaps try just a bit of dodging to the whites of your dog's eyes (obviously not too much or he'll end up looking like Casper the Ghost.)

I realize how hard it is to put all those elements together when shooting animals, as the darn things just won't stay still :-)

Cheers,
Noraneko

Get your Christmas Cheer Here
by bmartuch

Comment by graphicfunk:
A capture filled with cheer and lovely colors.

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by lowonenergy:
hahahaha that's just COOL how he looks into the camera!

Get your Christmas Cheer Here
by bmartuch

Comment by timmotyka:
love it

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by snaffles:
lucky doggie! should be in pet portrait!

Get your Christmas Cheer Here
by bmartuch

Comment by botticcelli:
beautiful composition..nice shot

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by silverfoxx:
oh, this was such a wonderful joyful photo! it should have scored higher!

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by levyj413:
Very nice capture. :) As you already know, it's the focus that held the score back. If you can, try turning off the multi-zone focus and just focus on the center spot, then point that at eyes. Everyone tends to jump right to the eyes, and when they're not sharp, the rest of it seems less sharp.

But of course, when shooting fast-moving targets, you take what you can get, and this is a very fun shot! :)

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by shutterbug8:
This made me laugh in a good way... one of favorite characer type of dogs. It made me tear up thinkging of my English Springer and German Shepard that both passed at 14 years old. I miss them so much. This one looks like he/she could be a lot of fun...
I think you captured the character quite well. I am not good enough to comment on technical the technical aspects at this time.

A dog's life...not so bad!
by bmartuch

Comment by hotpasta:
he's such a good looking dog! as a picture, perhaps there is a little bit of blur which spoils the shot, but it's spontaneous and full of life