Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

This is Griz, he is a 10 year old German Shepard. Griz's dad is a good friend of mine and asked if I would do a set of artistic monochrome images for him and made a special request that Griz be captured with his tongue out.

This is my first attempt at pet portraiture, so I would really appriciate some feedback. I had a lot of fun with this project and would love the opportunity to come around again.
Thanks

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I like #3, 4, 6, 8 & 9, especially if you photoshop out the houses in the bottom right of #9.

In terms of composition the first two I would have liked more space on the left. I like #5 but would have liked more space above the right ear.

It’s all so personal, however.

I think the two things you’ve done well here is your use of light, and your ability to capture some personality of the dog. That’s important and that’s what makes your work...work.

Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

~ Eileen

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

I think the 1st 2 need more space around the sides. I know you said he wanted them in monochrome but I think you should also show him some in color. Every pet owner would be proud to have these, he's a beautiful animal.

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

I think the 1st 2 need more space around the sides. I know you said he wanted them in monochrome but I think you should also show him some in color. Every pet owner would be proud to have these, he's a beautiful animal.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

He's a beautiful dog and poses so nicely. I think I like #'s 3 and 4 best.

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

Hi Suzanne, as the others have said, a bit more space around the dog in the first couple would be better but they all seem a bit under exposed. What camera and settings were you using? With a dark subject and bright background, cameras tend to under expose. To compensate for this you'd need to over expose by 1-2 stops.

In the future, when posting a photo, check the "store original" box to the left of the "add attachment" box and we can make the photos larger to see better as well as see what camera and settings were used.

Check your private messages, I sent one to show you how it would look with different exposure.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

If this is your first attempt, I’d say you’re doing pretty well.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Thank you Eileen for your great feedback. I do have a couple questions about composition if you wouldn't mind. On the headshots I tried to keep his eyes in the rule of thirds intersects. On headshots is it better to compose more in the center? Also, how much room should be left for the edge of the image. Would it be more pleasing if the dog was 2/3 the size of the print leaving the remainder open?

Any additional help would be appreciated. I'm still not comfortable with portraiture in general, but i would like to learn to be in the future.

Thanks
Suzanne

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Thanks so much Jean,
I will do that.
Would you have any recommendations on how much space to leave in the first few? Is there a standard for this sort of thing?
Thanks for any additional help in advance
Suzanne

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Thanks so much for your feedback. He was a great model for my first go at this. Griz is so beautiful and has a fun personality.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Hello again,
Thank you so much for all your help. I sent a private message in response, hopefully it went through ok.
Have a wonderful day

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

It truly is, thank you so much for the compliment. I had a lot of fun with this project and would like to keep learning more about animal portraiture.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

Looks like a wolf -- no need for extra photos.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Beautiful portraits, Suzanne! What a handsome dog!