jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Hi folks,

As I looked over at Bailey this morning basking in the sun I thought it might have appeal as a photograph. This is one of those cases where I just don't know. He has black shinny fur which has always been difficult to photograph in any kind of light. Is it a wreck with the blown out highlights or does the stark contrast have appeal?

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SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

I changed Bailey to black and white to get rid of all those distracting colors - looks good to me.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Yes, the last thing I did before uploading was try to warm up the light a bit. I didn't notice that it turned his brown eyes a shade of red. I felt the original brown eyes were less distracting and a little more complimentary.

Thanks for your take on it. Sometimes when most of the image is B&W it is better to be converted to B&W.

Nightski

The light distracts away from the subject. It does not highlight the subject. The saturation seems to be pushed a bit in the eye as the colour does not look natural. There is some wicked CA going on and the body seems too blurred in contrast to the head. It's odd. I do like that you got down on the animal's level.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Thank you Nightski for the critique. That is why I posted here. Let me say that I don't like the way this turned out either, but was not sure if the light sparking in his fur would have an interesting appeal or not. I think a close crop eliminating the blur and C/A effect might work if it were not for his not quite open eyelids. I can fix the color, but the eyelids would be tough. I did not PP this image that much. I think that what appears to be C/A is a weird combination of his red collar, blue dog tag, bright sun, and too wide open.

I always get down to their level (pets and kids). It makes a huge difference. Harder for me to get back up but it is worth it. Attached is a more traditional pic of Bailey with better light.

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