Alfie (click for larger view)

"Alfie" a friend of mines dog that comes to visit ........I took the opportunity to take a

few shots in the conservatory where the light was good and this was about the best of

them.....even though I did clip his ear : - ) Your thoughts and comments are always

appreciated. .Thank You.

Man, you're just going to the dogs lately ;-).  This is a cute little tyke with a huggable expression and even a great name.  Well done... Mike

I like this one very much and I could not say it any better than Michael.

i've always imagined, Alf, that you look like "a cute little tyke with a huggable expression", and of course those are your clever and jovial eyes! LoL... A high key beauty! the detail is extraordinary, Alf, for such a high key portrait. every little which-a-way curl of fur, like paint strokes, is identifiable. Such a gorgeous little animal. Well done, Alf! ;-} dp

Well done Alf! - Fine portrait! br Hannu

Starting out I was a wedding photographer, in order to supplement my income, during the winter months I would come to peoples homes and do pet portraits, it was a great gig. You would be surprised how co-operative and happy a dog will be with a pocket full of turkey, so much better than working with an about to be bride. To this day I still don't know what makes them happy.

This is such a nice ahhh shot I did not notice the ear, it doesn't matter, you captured the essence, at that point the technical aspect just doesn't exist

Hi Alf,

   Beautiful capture of this little cutie.  The lighting is magical.  Take care, Patsy

Alfie is a curious, quizzical critter, wondering about the critter who is pushing this strange looking proboscis in his face. You've captured not only the orders of this pooch's coat and eyes, but also - and more importantly - his persona.  And you've done so expertly and stylistically.  The missing tip of one ear ain't no big thang.

What can I say....I have been feeling a bit  "Ruff" lately  : - ) 

He is a little cute little guy, he comes around to our house and raids Gracie's toy box (much to her dismay)  and generally causes havoc, but he gets away with it just because of his  "Aww" factor.   Many Thanks for your interest and kind words Mike. 

Alf 

TONY 

I seem to have some kind of empathy with our 4 legged friends, not quite sure what that says about me, but it sure helps when you are trying to photograph them. 

Sincere Thanks

Alf 

DONNA 

The "Tyke" part of the description is probably the most accurate when applied to me : - ) 

I am really pleased you liked the high key effect, it was just what I was aiming for!

I have since printed this and presented it to Alfies owners and they are so pleased they have decided to get it framed. It's so fulfilling to do something you love and in the provcess make other people happy too! 

Thank you so much for your very supportive comments Donna.

Alf 

ADRIENNE 

He does look stuffed, but then he hadn't long eaten : - ) 

Many Thanks Adrienne.

Alf 

HANNU 

Sincere Thanks for your interest and kind words! 

Alf 

TONY B 

When you mentioned "Wedding Photography" it occurred to me that I couldn't think of anything more difficult with regards to photography.  A large group of people, high emotions, time tables, interfering relatives and dimly lit venues. You have my every admiration for this. The thought of it is just so daunting.  

No, just give me a dog, large or small with any kind of temperament any day as a preference to volatile people : - ) 

It also occurred to me that a pocketful of Turkey might have worked on the wedding guests too : - ) 

Sincere Thanks for your words of encouragement and advice, they are very much appreciated! 

Alf 

PATSY 

Thank you so much for your kind words!  The lighting is courtesy of our conservatory, it has a perspex roof that allows a lot of diffused light through and consequently there is little in the way of dark shadow. 

Warm Regards 

Alf 

MICHAEL 

You have described his nature very well, he is forever curious, rooting around trying to find something new to play with, on this occasion he found a blackboard rubber which he promptly chewed and then discarded : -) 

He was quite patient though sitting on the stool, and really it was just a matter of waiting for him to "pose" .

The thing about prime lenses is that although the quality of the lens and therefore image is not compromised in any way, it does take a bit of getting used to. Moving in and out to get the right framing can be a quite a challenge, hence the missing ear tip : - ) 

Sincere Thanks for your most thoughtful feedback.

Best Regards 

Alf 

JACK 

Yes, indeed Jack, and he really plays on it too.  His favourite meal is pan fried sea bass, which he gets on birthdays and special occasions : - ) He takes full advantage of the couple that own him.......and why not eh! 

Sincere Thanks Jack 

Alf 

Perfect, Alf. Great expression so very human. Well captured my friend.

BR,  Holger

Shifting gears once in a while is good.  Though I know you best for your superb landscapes it would seem your talents are not restricted to that genre.  You and Mike are currently producing some fine animal portraits too.  I Bet this little pup is expecting a treat for his cooperation.  Deserves one too!  Best, Len.

This breed is so cute!! Alfie is so adorable!! Excellent detail and he seems to really like you a lot!! I think they always know a 'dog lover'. I imagine your friend will really cherish this capture. Beautifully done Alf!

I think he is talking to you....it is a real melting moment. wonderful work Alf !!!!

Regards! Hanan

A beautiful and lovely shot, Alf!

I haven't been to PN in a while so am now just getting a look at your latest and this one just melted my heart! What a cutie! A Westie, right? He looks like my brother's dog (and my honorary "God-son"), Simon. Lovely work and full of personality. Thank you for sharing. :)

HOLGER

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words! There is  no doubt "Alfie" thinks he is human and a superior one to us mere mortals! : - ) 

Best Regards 

Alf 

LEN 

"A change is as good as a rest" as they say. But I have to admit I do enjoy this latest little doggy photo journey, sometimes not as easy as it looks though, but I was warned about working with children and animals : - )   Yes, Alfie got his treat, and he insisted on getting it up front too, obviously my reputation precedes me : - ) 

Sincere Thanks Len 

Best Regards

Alf 

GAIL 

Alfie likes anyone with either a squeaky toy or a chewy stick, I had both and so was very popular .....for a while at least : - )  It was great fun though and my friend loved the print.

Thank you so much for your  kind words and thoughtful comments.

Sorry I took so long to reply! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

HANAN 

Yes, I think he was talking to me, he was probably saying "Hurry up and get that thing out of my face, I have a very important date with the toy box"  : - ) 

Sincere Thanks Hanan

Alf 

RUUD 

Thank you so much for your interest and kind words 

Best Regards 

Alf 

TRISHA 

Always good to hear from you, but to be honest I haven't had much time to spend on PN lately either.

You are right "Alfie" is a "Westie"  and a real character, he comes around every week and brings his owner : - )  and we go out walking with my dog  "Gracie" 

Thank you so much for your most encouraging feedback.

Best Regards 

Alf 

Hi Alf, This is just so endearing and very well handled. I love your choice of processing, only as a personal preference I probably would have left a little more room around top left ear but very easily sorted in photoshop (it doesn't in any way detract from what is a truly lovely image. Wonderful work. Best wishes. Sarah.

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words.

I used "Nik Silver Efex Pro-2" to process this one. 

Yes, you are quite correct I did clip his ear a bit too close to the edge. It's one of the drawbacks of using a prime lens, one can't make a last second adjustment, but as you say it could be fixed in PS. 

Warm Regards 

Alf 

awe  he is a real poser its just perfect

Thank you so much for your kind comments! He is a real character ( A friends dog) we go walking together each week and he never fails to make me laugh! 

Best Regards 

Alf