shut up and listen: first off this picture was shot using a nikon D100 with a sigma 100-300 lens at close range. What could I have tried to make this a better shot. By looking at the...

shimanodave55 Loc: Oklahoma

first off this picture was shot using a nikon D100 with a sigma 100-300 lens at close range. What could I have tried to make this a better shot. By looking at the photo I know something is not just quite right but I am not sure what it is can you help thanks shimanodave

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

shimanodave55 wrote:

first off this picture was shot using a nikon D100 with a sigma 100-300 lens at close range. What could I have tried to make this a better shot. By looking at the photo I know something is not just quite right but I am not sure what it is can you help thanks shimanodave

I think fill flash would have helped here. It is hard to see the subjects' faces to tell what's going on. Also, there are some foreground and background distractions that are confusing to my eyes.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Howdy. There is a hand on the left that could be cropped out. The pillow in foreground is an unfortunate distraction but I don't know that anything can be done about it. You have high contrast with shadows that are interfering with our ability to see the stars of the show.

Any chance to move them to a less cluttered, softer-light setting and try again? Will they "play" on command? :)

shimanodave55 Loc: Oklahoma

OK I see what you are talking about the afternoon sun casting shadows from the wooden porch railings into the picture and a little tighter shot to bring the two closer in and cut out some of the other items in the picture ok thank you very much for your help

shimanodave55 Loc: Oklahoma

no they were actually fixing to fight Bailey didn't want him on her bench and pillow

Macromad Loc: New Zealand

To fix the dark areas you might try adding a little fill light depending on what editing program you have. Adjusting exposure may help or adjusting the blacks in levels but be careful how much and do the work on a copy.

MtnMan Loc: ID

shimanodave55 wrote:

first off this picture was shot using a nikon D100 with a sigma 100-300 lens at close range. What could I have tried to make this a better shot. By looking at the photo I know something is not just quite right but I am not sure what it is can you help thanks shimanodave

It would really help to upload the original so we can look at it in higher resolution and larger size.

Maybe thst should be one of the rules for this forum?

The shadows are problematic. Do you have something like Lightroom so you can try lighyening the midtones?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

I think fill flash would have helped here. It is hard to see the subjects' faces to tell what's going on. Also, there are some foreground and background distractions that are confusing to my eyes.

Agreed! We used to say that a shot like this was too busy. Also, a little work with levels (and/or curves, if you're really good) could add a bit more detail to the shadowy parts (perhaps some cloning around the cat's torso) and a modicum of brightening). Sound like a lot of criticism? Well, not really when it comes to such a well-composed and beautifully timed photograph.

MtnMan Loc: ID

shimanodave55 wrote:

first off this picture was shot using a nikon D100 with a sigma 100-300 lens at close range. What could I have tried to make this a better shot. By looking at the photo I know something is not just quite right but I am not sure what it is can you help thanks shimanodave

Here's one take on what you might try to handle the shadows. Used Lightroom and brought up the shadows. Then did a little straightening and cropped in to get rid of more of the shadows...trying to put the dogs eye on thirds point. Finished off with clarity and sharpening.

Since the posted image is just a thumbnail doing similar to the actual image will give better results.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

MtnMan wrote:

Here's one take on what you might try to handle the shadows. Used Lightroom and brought up the shadows. Then did a little straightening and cropped in to get rid of more of the shadows...trying to put the dogs eye on thirds point. Finished off with clarity and sharpening.

Since the posted image is just a thumbnail doing similar to the actual image will give better results.

Good job, MtnMan! Now we can see the drama and it's a very entertaining photo.

shimanodave55 Loc: Oklahoma

looks great thank you very much