Flying Dogby
rogerspaulComment by karmat: CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by Karmat
(This one did not appear to be assigned to anyone, so since I have a few minutes, I figured I could do it! Hope it is helpful)
Composition -- This subject works well for the challenge, and you have done an excellent job panning the shot so that dog is primarily in focus and the surrounding background is not. This makes the dog look like he is running very quickly, indeed. The angle of the dog in the frame (running diagonally from right to left) is okay, but I think if there could have been more "empty space" in front of him, it would have given him more room to run "into."
Technique -- You have done an excellent job with the lighting here, as it looks exposed correctly to me. The focus is also good, though for my personal taste, I think a sharper focus on his nose (right now it seems to be on his front 'shoulders') or head would have made it more powerful. The colors are good, as it is obviously outside, and i like the way his collar gives just a hint of red.
Overall effect -- I think you chose a subject that many people can relate to, and I think you photographed it well. In reading your other comments, the picture size seemed too small for some of the viewers. Was this done intentionally? Be sure to take advantage of the size requirements, and unless done to "salvage" (cropping the highway just in front of him, or the cat chasing him [my cat used to terrify my beagle]), it seems to be better to use a larger photo. Technically, and compositionally, it is a good picture, it just seems to lack that little extra "umph" that would have most people give you a 6 or more instead of a 5. Just some things to think about -- when you get ready to shot a picture, take one from where you are, then change your position. Always try to get a different angle than the viewer is expecting. Obviously, with a running dog it is difficult, if not impossible, but that fact would have really helped the picture with its mass appeal. Good work, overall, and I look forward to seeing more of it.
Karmat
