All That Jazz (Click for larger view)

Photo's courtesy of next doors doggies, this one is "Jazz" who seemed more willing to

sit still than mine, albeit through a bit of bribery : - ) Trying out different treatments to

obscure background distractions. Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated

Thank You.

A beautiful pup, love the eyes, a great name and while I'm not always a fan of a heavy vignette, this one serves your purpose and gives it a vintage look.  All in all, excellent (especially since I can't resist animal portraits)... Mike

Best regards

PDE

Hi Alf, Who could say no to those adoring eyes, beautifully captured.

BR,  Holger

Hi Alf,

  Beautiful image with wonderful processing.  Those beautiful brown eyes would capture anyone's heart.  Take care, Patsy

What a beautiful pup Alf!! Lovely when viewed larger especially.  It is often very difficult to get 'pups' to sit just where you want, so you take your chances :) I think your vignette works well to achieve it's goal. I understand why you said you really enjoyed taking the images.  I've had neighbors who have paid 'big bucks' to get their good friends Portraits done.  Might be a good 'sideline' for the future!

I am not really that keen on a heavy vignette myself usually, but after taking a few snaps at my neighbours house and looking at the results I was looking to get rid of a few background items, and this was a quick fix.  I was then surprised at how suited it looked and printed this one and the one of Zac.  I gave them to my neighbour and they were delighted, and they have since had them framed.  Seems like a lot of people can't resist animal portraits : - ) 

Many Thanks Mike ! 

Alf 

PIERRE 

Thank you for your interest.

Alf 

HOLGER 

Jazz is a real cutie, she usually walks around with a huge teddy bear in her mouth, but we managed to get her to drop it for this shot! 

Sincere Thanks Holger! 

Alf 

PATSY 

I think those eyes were saying something.....like   "Give me the treat for gods sake"! : - ) 

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words Patsy.

Alf 

GAIL 

Yes, I am afraid we resorted to bribery to get Jazz to sit, the trouble is that in an indoor situation, there are just so many background distractions and these I wanted to remove hence the vignette. 

However since you have very kindly sent me tips and advice on how to apply textures and layers, it certainly makes the task simpler, effective and more interesting.

I have posted a couple of these shots on Facebook and the response has been really good with a few people interested in having their doggy portraits commissioned : - ) 

Sincere Thanks for all your help and advice, it really is very much appreciated! 

Best Regards

Alf 

Superb photo yet more a superb model. :)

Thank you so much! I am most fortunate to have such lovely looking models living right next door: - ) 

Best Regards 

Alf 

I like the angle from which you took the picture. Perfect dof, and good composition (although perhaps a square format would be better). Regarding the vignette, I think you've done a good job here.

I love the expression of this dog!

Warm Regards,

Rosario.

Great looking dog!

I didn't realise pet photography could be so challenging, but trying to get animals to do what you want when you want is all part of the fun. 

Yes, I agree a square format would probably be more in suiting with a portrait type of shot. 

I am very fortunate that these dogs live right next door! 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and kind words! 

Alf 

TONY 

She is lovely, great nature too! 

Many Thanks 

Alf 

I usually read all of the comments on your images, but since it's late here I'm not this time.  :-)  I think you have a real knack for pet photography.  The technical aspects are perfect, and there is an emotional component to them as well.  I'd like to see a softer vignette line around the dog so it doesn't have so much of a circular ring around him.  But even so, it's excellent work.  Those eyes!!!

Since these first two I have found different ways to soften and blur the background without the pronounced dark vignette. The lighting is the key to the detail in the dogs faces, and I have found the best lighting in buildings with perspex or glass roofs, where the light is nicely diffused.  Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback, much appreciated! 

Alf 

oh my word, the legendary redhead! you've captured a legend in all its legendary charm!  no doubt that you have become a giant of dog photography! Well done, Alf! As with your magnificent landscapes, always giving us the authenticity that is your unique gift to portray. ;-} dp

Wow! Thank you so much! 

Jazz pictured here and ZAC (The German Shepherd) are actually house mates, they both live next door to me, and apart from a single shot of my own precious pooch "Gracie" they are the first attempts at dog photography I have tried.  However since I took the shots a couple of weeks ago and word got around I have been inundated with requests form other doggy people. 

I have to say I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far! 

Sincere Thanks Donna, I appreciate your thoughts and kind words.

Best Regards 

Alf 

also a sweet dog.  jamie

Yes, removing distractions can be distracting, some things work, some don't but a lot is down to personal taste too. 

Cheers Jamie

Alf 

so they say....

Hi Alf, you have really captured the essence and character of this little dog, wonderful light, details and processing. the vignetting (think that's what it's called) works well here.  If you ever get a chance to photograph a black Labrador - would love to see it as I always had working black labs, think you would do a wonderful job at capturing the character of the breed. Another string to your multi talented bow! Best wishes. Sarah.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and most encouraging feedback! 

There is a black Lab that lives next door named Ben, I have tried to photograph him a couple of times but every time he see's me he jumps on me and tries to lick me to death! 

He is a great character though and I will try again, ......maybe when he's distracted elsewhere : - ) 

Warm Regards 

Alf